Night in Venice turns Ocean City into 'Margaritaville'

Sunday, July 21, 2024

Night in Venice boat participants deck out boats in Jimmy Buffett-themed style.

Night in Venice brought out thousands of spectators Saturday to watch the procession of decorated boats along the Ocean City bayfront and enjoy views from decorated bayfront homes.

And if you weren’t a “Parrot Head” before the night began, it was hard to resist loving the boaters who enthusiastically participated in this year’s theme of “Summertime Vibes: A Tribute to Jimmy Buffett.” The theme was to honor the memory of the legendary musician whose career spanned 50 years. Buffett passed away last September.

Some boaters decked out their boats and danced along to the Buffett tunes “Cheeseburger in Paradise” and “Lost Shaker of Salt,” while others enjoyed some “Margaritaville” and “It’s Five O’clock Somewhere.”

The Sulligan family enjoy the night.

The annual tradition, now in its 69th year, attracts families to view the event from the Bayside Center and other prime spots along the waterfront.

Sofia Sulligan, of Philadelphia, and her daughter, Oksana, 5, and 8-year-old son, Roman, enjoyed Night in Venice from their vantage point at the Bayside Center.

“We have a house in Somers Point. Night in Venice is a nice night where everyone gets together and celebrates,” Sulligan said. “We get to see amazing boats and fireworks. It’s especially great because of the Jimmy Buffett theme.”

Others enjoyed the parade from private house parties decorated with this year’s theme.

The route ran from the Ocean City-Longport Bridge to Tennessee Avenue and there were around 100 boats in all and 175 decorated homes.

Night in Venice Chairman Dave Winslow, who is also a councilman, said prior to the event that the theme would be a popular one. And judging by the number of boats sporting the Jimmy Buffett theme, it certainly was.

City dignitaries, including Mayor Jay Gillian and his wife, Michele Gillian, executive director of the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce, along with members of City Council, also had boats in the parade.

Mayor Jay Gillian and wife, Michele Gillian, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce, wave to the crowd.

Michele Gillian said that the city was so lucky to enjoy such an amazing day and weekend.

“It is one of the biggest boat parades in the country and Ocean City is so lucky to be able to host an event like this and to have all of the people that come and visit us during this weekend,” she said. “We look at about 125,000 people with us, and we are so lucky.”

Maryann “Mac” McElroy acted as the emcee and when light rain began, she recalled Night in Venice in 2023, when lightning forced the boats to shore until the storm passed.

Grand marshal ESPN reporter and host Marty Smith stood at the bow of the boat and waved to the crowd as his boat passed by the Bayside Center.

Eagle Brandon Graham starts the Eagles cheer for an enthusiastic crowd.

Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham and his family were special guests and appeared in the boat parade. Graham rode along on a boat and waved to the crowd, but also added in the “E-A-G-L-E-S” chant.

Before the parade began, there was a VIP event at the Ocean City Yacht Club, where fans of Smith and Graham could meet with them.

Graham signed autographs and did photo ops with fans. Smith and his wife, Lainie, an Ocean City native, were also at the yacht club to mingle with fans.

A fireworks display capped off the festivities after the parade wrapped up.

Judges pick winners among the boats and homes. The city typically announces the winners in the following couple of days.