Atlantic City Weekly

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Anyone who likes to summer in Ocean City knows that there is only one critical issue on the minds of residents and vacationers alike. And it has nothing to do with sunscreen SPF numbers, water quality or even BYOB restaurants. 


It’s simple. Who has the cutest baby in town?


Today (Thursday, Aug. 11) is the day to find out as the city holds its annual baby parade, a source of pride and braggadocia for more than 100 years now.


Actually, the city maintains that it has the oldest baby parade in the country and this will be it’s 102nd parade. Of course, there’s a whole rivalry with Wildwood, which also claims to have the oldest continual parade. 


The Ocean City Parade, was actually first held in 1901, but was called a baby show, and then wasn’t held for a few years so both Wildwood and Ocean City started their current parades in 1909 and the debate goes on and on.


The point is there will be a lot of cute babies on parade. 


Actually though, the parade competition is open to children from infants to 10 years of age, so it’s really a baby and kids parade.


Competition divisions include Fancy Decorated Go Carts, Strollers, Coaches, Express Wagons etc; Comic Decorated Go Carts; Strollers, Coaches, etc.; Small Children’s Floats, all vehicles including express wagons and baby carriages with tops or sides built on measuring more than three by five feet and Commercial and Non-Commercial large floats.


Musical groups that will be featured in the event include the Interboro High School of Pennsylvania Marching Band, the Pitman Hobo Band, The Atlantic City Bagpipers, The Fred Hall Dixieland Band, An Award Winning Youth Color Guard with music and marchers and the Ed Coles Entertainers.


The parade begins at 10:15am and proceeds on the Boardwalk from 6th to 12th sts.


The Baby Parade will be followed by the popular Twins Contest starting 6:30pm in front of the Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace. Registration is 6pm. There are divisions for all age groups. Entry is free and prizes will be awarded.


If that’s not enough, starting Monday, Aug. 15, the city begins its celebration or Weird Week. It features a series of “Wacky But Not Tacky” free competitions 11am daily at the Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace.


In it’s own indomitable style, the City describes the competitions Thus:


The contests include Taffy Sculpting on Monday, French Fries (sculpting) on Tuesday, Cookies Wednesday and Paper Clips on Thursday. 


Friday (Aug. 19) features Little Miss and Little Mr. Chaos. Children, three to five, sit on the Music Pier stage, bang on pots and pans and make all the noise they can muster in two minutes. 


Contests end with Miss Miscellaneous and Mr. Miscellaneous for folks who have always wanted to be in a Talent Show but maybe missed the bus or got stuck at a rugby match.


Participation is free. There are divisions for all age groups. For information, call the Public Relations Office, 609-525-9300. n 


Upcoming events:


Saturday, Aug. 13