OCEAN CITY – “Do You Remember When?” will be the optional theme for Night in Venice 2012. The nostalgic theme will give boaters and homeowners plenty of flexibility. For instance, decorations could recall your favorite song, past eras like the ‘50s, the ‘60s, even the ’20s if you want to go back to the Flapper days, your favorite movie of all time, Ocean City memories, etc.

The theme is just a suggestion. You are free to select any theme you wish. The Night in Venice Committee began providing suggestions five years ago when it began receiving numerous requests for decorative ideas.

Night in Venice will be held on Sat., July 28 starting 7:30 p.m. by the Longport Bridge. This will be the first year in the history of the event when there will be no traffic delays due to 9th Causeway drawbridge openings. The old draw bridges will have been replaced by the new super span that gives boats plenty of room to pass through. And that’s another idea for a theme. Memories of the old draw bridges that are now history.

The Travel Channel recently named the Ocean City boardwalk one of the top six boardwalks in the country. It was the only resort in New Jersey that made the list.

“Ocean City’s 2.5 mile promenade wins our hearts with its family oriented attractions,” reported the Travel Channel, “We appreciate its family oriented water park, mini golf and kiddie rides plus its Family Nights with free concerts, dancing and roving magicians.”

The Travel Channel also named Ocean City New Jersey’s Most Popular Beach and just recently featured a video on its website on parasailing featuring host Samantha Brown. The Video can be seen on Ocean City PATCH along with stories about the awards for the Boardwalk and Beach.

Ocean City has made the news frequently during the past month. An Animal Planet video on unusual pets included Ocean City’s weather predicting hermit crab, Martin Z. Mollusk. It will be repeated frequently during 2012.

And last but not least, a one million national Gallup poll named Ocean City the place with the least amount of anger and depression. In addition to the huge Gallup exposure the story was featured on TV in Philadelphia and New York.

Upcoming Events:

(Feb. 3) The Ocean City High School band Boosters will hold a pasta dinner on Fri., Feb. 3 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the school’s cafeteria, 501 Atlantic Ave. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children. Take-out dinners will be available starting 4:30 p.m. Live entertainment will be provided by the High School’s Jazz and Rock Bands.

Advance tickets are available from band members or call (609) 399-1290 ext.1248. Proceeds benefit Band Boosters Senior Scholarships. Tickets will also be available at the door.

(Feb. 11) The Ocean City Historical Museum, 17TH and Simpson Ave., holds its annual children’s tea: How We Used to Play: Antique Toys and Games. The event will be held from 2-4 p.m. and is open to children ages 5-9. There will be a How to Serve a Formal Tea Demonstration, antique toy demonstration and a craft project. Tea sandwiches and dessert will be served. Advance registration is required. Cost is $3 per person, 1 adult required per 3 children. Call (609) 399-1801 or access info@ocnjmuseum.org.

(Feb. 11) I Love New York, a cabaret of Broadway Love Songs, will be presented by the Ocean City Theatre Company, at the Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace. The show is produced and directed by Michael Hartman, is professionally staged and compares favorably with New York Broadway productions. The event celebrates Valentine’s Day and begins with a pre-show dessert reception featuring a medley of sweets from two local restaurants featuring two chocolate fondue fountains.
The evening’s entertainment features songs from Les Miserables, Show Boat, South Pacific and more.

Doors open for the dessert reception at 7:15 p.m. with the show starting at 8 p.m. Tickets purchased before 4:30 p.m. Feb. 9 are $15 per person. Tickets will be $18 thereafter. Purchase tickets on the web at www.ocnj.us/boxoffice or call (609) 525-9300.

(In Feb.) The Ocean City Repertory Theater Co’s., next presentation will be Sat., Feb. 4 at 2 p.m. with a student concert by Fox Vocal Arts singers. The hour long event features popular songs arranged and accompanied by Fox faculty member David Gross, a professional musician. Bring the children. Admission is by donation.

The Theater, 813 Asbury Ave., presents a Valentine’s Salute of love songs and ballads by candlelight with three performances on Feb. 11 at 7:30 p.m., Feb. 12 at 2 p.m. and Feb. 14 at 7:30 p.m. A chocolate buffet will be served at the evening performances and a tea is set for the after show, Sun., Feb. 12.

Tickets are $10 per person. For reservations call (609) 457-6686 or access www.ocrep.org . Every Thurs. at 7 p.m. through Dec. 27, 2012 the band Outlet will host an open Mic. Admission is $5.

Trip to Flower Show: A trip to the Philadelphia Flower Show is set for Wed., March 7 sponsored by the Ocean City Garden Club. The price is $45 and includes bus fare and show ticket.

The bus leaves the 10th St. Transportation Center in back of McDonalds at 1 p.m. and will leave the Flower show at 7 p.m. The show’s theme this year is Hawaii. Walter Off, owner of Waldor Orchids in Somers Point, one of the founders of the Ocean City Flower Show, is the main exhibitor.

Contact Kathy (609) 391-0265 for information. Deadline for ordering group advance sales tickets is Feb. 11.

Tabernacle Trip: The Ocean City Tabernacle sponsors a bus trip on Thurs., March 22 to Lancaster, Pa. to see a new production by Sight and Sound, The Story of Jonah. The spectacular uses live animals, a mechanical whale and a cast of over 100 to portray the biblical story.

The trip includes lunch at the Shady Maple Smorgasbord, transportation and admission for $115. Call (609) 399-1915 or visit www.OCTabernacle for information.