It was a block party that was truly a blockbuster.

What else could you call an event that attracted tens of thousands of visitors to Ocean City during what is supposed to be the post-summer slowdown at the shore?

Resembling Times Square on a busy afternoon, the Asbury Avenue retail corridor was transformed into a sprawling, downtown pedestrian mall Saturday for the annual Fall Block Party celebration.

More than 50,000 people crammed the blocks of Asbury Avenue between Fifth and 14th streets for an extravaganza of shopping, dining and entertainment during the city’s signature fall event.

“This is the best block party in 10 years,” declared Doug Jewell, owner of the Air Circus kite and novelty store. “I think we have 50,000 to 60,000 people here. I’ve never seen crowds like the one we have today.”

Jewell, dressed in a colorful pirate outfit, entertained the crowds at Air Circus with a toy that filled the air with a spray of bubbles.

Jewell noted that the Air Circus tent on Asbury Avenue was so busy with customers that he had to go back to the Air Circus store on the Boardwalk to replenish many of the things that had sold out at the block party.

With temperatures flirting with the high 70s, the block party unfolded under summer-like weather that Jewell and others said no doubt helped to boost the turnout.

“What a beautiful day. You couldn’t ask for better weather,” said Karen Wuko, who was shopping at the block party with her friend, Kathy Straube.

“It’s great. It puts everybody in a good mood,” Straube added of the weather.

Wuko and Straube, both from Wildwood Crest, were on a mini-shopping spree. By lunchtime, they had bought a cover for a lounge chair, a child’s dress for Straube’s granddaughter and some jewelry.

“And we’re not done yet,” Straube exclaimed as both women broke into laughter.

They had also purchased colorful bouquets of dried flowers – and attracted plenty of attention while carrying them around on Asbury Avenue.

“Everybody is asking about them,” Wuko said.

    Friends Kathy Straube, left, and Karen Wuko, show off the bouquets of flowers they bought at the block party.
  

Altogether, more than 400 vendor tents filled Asbury Avenue from 5th to 14th streets, a mile long stretch of Ocean City’s downtown retail corridor. Great food and live entertainment added to the family-friendly atmosphere.

With Asbury Avenue closed to motor vehicle traffic for the block party, throngs of shoppers casually strolled along the thoroughfare and navigated through crowded sidewalks.

Rosemary O’Connor and her husband, Rob, and Rob’s brother and sister-in-law, Don and Maria O’Connor, were astonished to find themselves in the middle of a sea of pedestrians.

The O’Connors, who live in Pennsylvania, discovered the block party by accident when they came down to Ocean City for a weekend getaway at the shore.

“We saw all of these tents and thousands of people,” Don O’Connor said in amazement at the sheer size of the crowds.

Rosemary O’Connor was pleasantly surprised to see so many people out and about and having a good time.

“It’s amazing. I’m going to make this a habit,” she said while vowing to return to the block party next year.

    Dressed in a pirate outfit, Air Circus owner Doug Jewell entertains the crowds with a toy that shoots bubbles.
  

Vendors reported doing brisk business. In addition to the shopping and live entertainment, an array of food was offered by local restaurants and vendors.

Jackson Little, an employee of Jay’s Crab Shack, was cooking crab cakes on the grill for the hungry lunchtime crowds. He said the block party is just the type of boost that Ocean City’s business community needs as the town begins its traditional post-Labor Day slowdown.

“I definitely think that it brings more awareness of the businesses on the avenue,” Little said of the Asbury Avenue corridor. “It also helps the vendors who don’t have stores in town.”

The Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce, the principal sponsor of the event, partners with the downtown merchants and the city to host the block party.

Michele Gillian, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce, said the block party provides a huge economic lift to the town and its small businesses.

“The Block Party, now over 37 years strong, is one of Ocean City’s signature events, uniting guests, second homeowners and the local community to showcase the very best the city has to offer. It highlights the vibrant shopping districts downtown and along the Boardwalk, while promoting local restaurants, accommodations, and overnight stays,” Gillian said in a statement.

    Shirts were a hot seller among the clothing at this vendor table.
  

Gillian went on to say that the block party’s economic impact is vital for Ocean City’s small businesses just as the traditionally quieter off-season at the shore begins.

“For many, the event has become a beloved tradition, drawing visitors to spend their Columbus Day weekend to enjoy the work of over 400 juried crafters, live entertainment, and great food. Events like the Block Party help extend the second season, creating a festive atmosphere and offering a fun-filled day for everyone.”

In May, Ocean City will do it all over again with its annual Spring Block Party, which generates momentum heading into the peak summer tourism season.

Photo Gallery

Ocean City Fall Block Party

Shoppers delight in a mega-shopping spree Ocean City-style with the blockbuster Fall Block Party featuring 400 vendor tents.