Despite the heat, community gathers for annual ‘Night in Venice’ in Ocean City

The boat parade and parties along Ocean City Bay continued despite the heatwave.

The event started at 6pm and filled the stalls set up at the ends of the streets.

This year, the Grand Marshal was none other than Jay Wright, the legendary former Villanova men’s basketball coach.

Those we spoke to say events like this make summer nights there so special.

“People come out of all the houses and come to the ends of the streets where they put benches for that. The streets are cordoned off so people are safe and people can walk or ride bikes. It’s just fun,” said Skip Bende. from Ocean City.

“It’s basically a quiet city, but at some point everyone likes to party,” said Phyllis Bende of Ocean City

The theme of the parade was Mummers: Struttin’ on the Bay.

We’ve seen a lot of them play out there like Wesley Menajlo from the South Philly String Band.

“There’s just something special about playing down here in Ocean City and playing for A Night In Venice. It’s a great honor to be here,” Menajlo said.

The parade passed under the 9th Street Bridge where dozens of spectators watched and enjoyed a picture-perfect evening.

“All of our friends enjoy all and all of the creativity and of course we love the Mummers,” said Jennifer Dowd of Ocean City.

“Ocean City is always fun, but there are so many people here doing the same thing, it’s so much fun,” said Anne Dowd of Ocean City.

Fireworks ended the great evening.