Thousands Flock to Ocean City for Block Party

A little more than six months after floodwaters from a massive hurricane buried Asbury Avenue and temporarily washed out most of its businesses, thousands of visitors strolled "The Avenue" on Saturday for the Spring Block Party — and there was no sign of the distant storm.

The event offered a chance for people to see how well Ocean City has recovered from Superstorm Sandy. For 30 years, the downtown shopping district has sponsored semi-annual block parties that feature hundreds of crafters lined up along Asbury Avenue between Fifth and 14th streets.

The event offers more than a mile of vendors, table sales from shops along the Avenue, and a variety of entertainment.

On the grounds of the Ocean City Tabernacle, children enjoyed free pony and camel rides. And a team from Chattanooga, Tenn., offered a demonstration of trampoline-fueled slam dunks and message of faith (see video above).

Visitors took advantage of cloudless blue skies and mild temperatures that offered a taste of the summer season to come.