The Memorial Day Weekend begins with a carefree Business Persons Plunge into the Ocean and concludes with a solemn remembrance service.

Business persons gather at the beach at Moorlyn Terrace on Fri., May 23 dressed in suits and carrying briefcases. They are part of a hardy brigade that plunges into the ocean to kick off the Memorial Day Weekend with a splash.

After Mayor Sal Perillo unlocks the Atlantic at noon, the contingent will solemnly march into the sea to the strains of Pomp and Circumstance. This year they will be led into the waters by Shelley, the Mermaid, aka Suzanne Muldowney, who portrays many characters at Ocean City events most notably Underdog.

A walking saltwater taffy, Wonder Bear, Santa Claus and a pirate are scheduled to stroll into the sea along with those in more formal business attire. Ted Prior, Ocean City’s Elvis, will strum his way to the waves and there will be plenty of surprises.

The march welcomes the coming of the vacation season a time near and dear to business owners in Ocean City.

The Ocean City Barons soccer team plays the Richmond Kickers, 7:30 p.m. at Carey Stadium, 6th St. off Boardwalk on Fri., May 23. Tickets are $6 for adults, $4 for children, available at the gate.

A huge indoor-outdoor craft show is set for Sat., May 24 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m, at the Sports and Civic Center and Carey Stadium, 6th St. off Boardwalk. Over 150 crafters from throughout the East Coast will exhibit and sell thousands of unique items indoors and under tents.

Crafters from as far away as Florida and Vermont will offer work ranging from fine art, photography, jewelry, decoys, furniture, fountains, wooden toys, mobiles and fashions to spices, soaps, lotions, baked good and gourmet foods.

A 1917 Wurlitzer Band Organ and 1915 Tangley Calliope will provide musical entertainment for the expositions. These treasures are from the collection of Egg Harbor entrepreneur, Ralph Clayton. Admission to the event is $3 with all proceeds benefiting local charities.

On Sun., May 25, Barks on the Boards, the City’s annual dog walk extravaganza on the boardwalk is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. starting at the Music Pier with registration at 11 a.m. This is an opportunity to enjoy a casual stroll down Ocean City’s famous wooden way with the canines of your choice.

At 1 p.m., there will be a contest at the Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace, to select the largest and smallest dogs, owner-dog look alike, best tail wager, best dressed dog, most precious puppy (over four months) and best pet trick.

Proceeds from the event benefit the Ocean City Humane Society a no-kill shelter named one of the best in America for its size. For information, call the Shelter, 609-399-2018 or visit hsoc.petfinder.org.

The Bucks County Singers will present a concert in front of the Music Pier on Sunday, May 25 at 3:30 p.m. The group is directed by Terry Boyle and features Tom Baust on piano.

The Bucks County Singers have been performing in Ocean City continuously for over 20 years. Their selection of tunes ranges from Broadway to sacred traditional to contemporary. Combining their resounding voices of alto, soprano, tenor and bass, the group adheres to an active schedule of nearly 20 concerts a year.

At 9:15 a.m. on Memorial Day, May 26, lifeguards will row a short distance off the 9th St. Beach opposite the Music Pier and place a wreath in the ocean to honor and remember those who have sacrificed their lives “so that we can live free.”

The City’s annual Memorial Day Service will be held 11 a.m. Mon., May 26 at Veterans Memorial Park, 6th and Wesley Ave. Senator Jeff Van Drew will be keynote speaker. In the event of rain, the service will be held across the Street at the Tabernacle Auditorium.

For information, call Public Relations 609-525-9300.