INDIAN SUMMER WEEKEND IS MAJOR EVENT IN OCEAN CITY

OCEAN CITY, N.J. ---This resort community has developed a series of major fall special events and none is larger than its Indian Summer Weekend Festival, Oct. 6-8.
Centerpiece of the event is the mile-long block party that extends from 5th to 14th Streets along Asbury Ave. on Sat., Oct. 6.

Over 400 juried crafters from throughout the east coast participate in the block party that features hand made products ranging from wind chimes and floral decorations to paintings and photography. Show hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The event also includes a variety of foods highlighted by Greek specialties, ribs, sea foods, pizza, hotdogs, burgers, baked goods and more. A new car show is set for 9th Street between West and Asbury Aves.

Bands and street musicians entertain along the block party route from 1 to 4 p.m. Featured performers will be the Tidal Wave Band, Ralph Roberts Trio and instrumentalists Tony DeLuca and Dick Sierota. There are free pony rides for children at the Tabernacle Grounds, 6th and Asbury Ave. also from 1-4 p.m. Public service displays for non-profit organizations are set up on 9th St. between Asbury and Central Aves.

First Night New Years Eve admission buttons will be available at the Wonderland headquarters across from City Hall, 9th and Asbury Ave. First Night features over 60 entertainment programs at a dozen central locations and concludes with a fireworks display at midnight. Tickets are an economical $14 per person.

All City municipal lots will be free during the block party and parking meters are free.
Parking at the Transportation Center 10th and Haven Ave. will be free.

There will also be free parking at the airport, 26th and Bay Ave. and behind the soccer field on Shelter Rd. off Tennessee Ave. Jitneys will carry visitors to and from the block party from these locations, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The jitneys go from Bay Ave. to 18th St., stop at the Community Center, 18th and Simpson, then run on West Ave. from 18th to 5th St. Stops are made from 14th and West to 5th and West.

The return trip will start on West Ave., stopping by request, pick up Bay Ave. at 18th St. and then back to the Airport and soccer field.

The Indian Summer festival has been held for over 30 years and attracts thousands of visitors who remain in Ocean City for the weekend. It is sponsored by the Retail Merchants Assn. of Ocean City in cooperation with the City.

Visitors will have plenty to see and do during the festival. In addition to the block party,  there is a seafood center set up at the Music Pier, Oct. 6-8 and Boardwalk merchants hold table sales starting Fri., Oct. 5 and ending Mon., Oct. 8. Downtown merchants will hold a sidewalk sale on Sun., Oct. l7 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Asbury Ave.

The Ocean City Tabernacle will present renowned organist, Diane Bish, in a recital on its manual Allen Renaissance Organ at 7 p.m. on Block Party night, Oct.6 at its auditorium, 6th and Wesley Ave. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 the night of the show, stop at the Tabernacle or call 609-399-1915.
                                                              

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CONTACT: the Public Relations Office, 609-525-9300.