OCEAN CITY — One of Ocean City's biggest fall events returns Saturday, with more than 400 crafters, food vendors and entertainers expected to fill a mile-long stretch of Asbury Avenue for the annual Fall Block Party.
The Fall Block Party will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, stretching along Asbury Avenue from Fifth to 14th streets.
City officials say the event traditionally attracts tens of thousands of visitors to Ocean City for a day of shopping, food, music and family activities.
The early weather forecast is calling for sunny and mild conditions, according to the city.
Live entertainment is scheduled at locations throughout the downtown between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Among the returning performers are the Robert Boney Band at Seventh Street, Pennsport String Band at 13th Street and Big Daddy at 14th Street.
Children can also take pony rides on the grounds of the Ocean City Tabernacle at Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Food will be available from vendors and Asbury Avenue restaurants throughout the event.
And visitors won't have to feed the meters.
Parking will be free at all Ocean City municipal lots and metered spaces, according to the city.
Shopping continues throughout the weekend
The Fall Block Party is part of a full weekend of events in Ocean City.
Downtown and Boardwalk merchants will hold table sales throughout the weekend, offering discounted merchandise between Sixth and 14th streets on both the Boardwalk and Asbury Avenue.
Sunday brings another major event to the resort.
More than 5,000 walkers are expected for the 19th annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of OCNJ.
Activities begin at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, with the walk scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m.
The event raises awareness and support in the fight against breast cancer.
Also Sunday, surfers will trade traditional competition attire for costumes during the Spooks N' Kooks Costume Surf Contest at Seventh Street Beach.
The contest begins at 10 a.m. and includes divisions for groms, adults and tandem competitors.
Instead of a traditional entry fee, participants are asked to contribute a $20 ShopRite, ACME or Aldi gift card, with proceeds benefiting the Ocean City Food Cupboard.
More October events ahead
Ocean City's fall calendar remains busy after this weekend.
The Ocean City Theatre Company opens performances of “A Grand Night for Singing” Thursday, Oct. 9, at the Music Pier. The Rodgers and Hammerstein revue features music from productions including “Oklahoma!,” “Carousel,” “South Pacific,” “The King and I” and “The Sound of Music.”
Performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. Oct. 9, 10, 16 and 17 and 2 p.m. Oct. 11 and 18.
The Ocean City Fire Department also will hold its annual Open House from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, at the fire station at 550 Asbury Ave. The free event will feature fire-safety demonstrations, a helicopter landing, an Atlantic City Electric demonstration, children's activities, food and educational materials.
Later in October, Ocean City will host the Porsche Boardwalk Reunion on Oct. 17, the John R. Elliott HERO Walk and 1-Mile Fun Run on Oct. 18, Dog Days and the Howl-O-Ween Parade on Oct. 24, Welcome Night on Oct. 28 and the annual Halloween Parade on Oct. 29.
For Saturday's Fall Block Party, however, the centerpiece will once again be Asbury Avenue — with nine blocks of vendors, entertainment and food welcoming visitors for one of the resort's signature fall traditions.
