First Night only happens once a year, always New Years Eve on the last day of December. Now I know…read moreother communities schedule First Nights, and Ocean City, New Jersey's may not be the original or the largest celebration in these United States of America, but let me tell you why it's a favorite of mine, year after year.
Opening ceremonies begin at 4:00 pm. Then head over to the Ocean City Library for the towns history. At 6:00 pm, take the free jitney to the High School for a Buffet Dinner prepared by the South Jersey Chefs Association.
After dinner, stay for the juggling and musician act that will be a great hit with the kid in all of us. Me, I have to step outside to the planetarium to view the Stars, that is where my heart and dreams lie.
A quick jitney ride to a local church. Hey, it's Abbott , Costello and the Jack Benny show, rated one of the best vaudeville shows in the nation. A usher interrupts me, " Sir, your ticket, or your life." Deep consternation wrinkles my face.
" I'm Thinking, I'm...thinking..." , I reply.
I Have to grab a Hot Dog and coffee during the show to support the Church. And people call me miserly. This show was phenomenal by the way.
I just have to stay for Broadway by Request. A contingent of professionals will sing your favorite tunes from the plays you saw in New York City.
To calm myself from the festivities, I walk to the Tabernacle, where the world renowned Ocean City Pops orchestra is hopefully playing my favorite, the Planets.
Relaxed, I'm ready to boooogie again, and I arrived at the Music Pier. One of the famous Bands from the 70's era ( that's me ) are playing Disco Fever, and I am repeatedly mistaken for John Travolta. The resemblance is startling.
It's High Noon, and I'm not looking for trouble in the New Year, oops, make that midnight, and the Fireworks must go on for 30 minutes, and yes, they are real, and FABULOUS.
It's closing time, and the crowds are leaving the Boardwalk . I linger, smelling the frosted salt air, crashing waves in the distance, feel the sand against my body in July, look up one last time at our magnificent galaxy. As I make my nights exit, a smile slowly creases my face. The Curtain Closes and one of the best shows in South Jersey is closed till next year.
AND HOW WAS YOUR NEW YEARS EVE ?