OCEAN CITY CELEBRATES MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND WITH TRADITIONAL EVENTS TO KICK OFF SUMMER

Ocean City, N.J. — After a long winter and chilly spring, Ocean City officials will ceremoniously unlock the ocean to officially start the summer tourism season. The event takes place at noon on Friday, May 23, on the beach between the Music Pier and Ninth Street. A fully clothed procession of local business owners and employees will enter the cold ocean water to mark the annual Business Persons Plunge. This longstanding tradition, now in its second decade, invites community members and organizations to participate for free, offering exposure and a splashy start to the holiday weekend. Participants gather on the beach at 11:30 a.m. for instructions. Daily at 9 a.m. from May 23 through Sept. 11, the beloved Boardwalk flag-raising ceremony will take place at the Music Pier. The ritual features the national anthem and “God Bless the U.S.A.” to honor the nation throughout the season.
On Saturday morning, May 24, athletes will tackle a two-mile Navy Seal-inspired obstacle course in the Memorial Beach Challenge, running on both sides of the Music Pier. Proceeds support The 31 Heroes Project, aiding veterans and their families. The race starts at 8:05 a.m. with welcome ceremonies at 7:35 a.m. Memorial Day Service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday, May 26, at Veterans Memorial Park on Wesley Avenue, recognizing Gold Star Mothers and honoring a 102-year-old World War II veteran. The National Moment of Remembrance will follow at 3 p.m., with “Taps” sounded from the Music Pier and broadcast on the Boardwalk’s public address system.