Unlocking of the Ocean and Business Persons Plunge
When: Always the Friday before Memorial Day Weekend. The 2021 event begins at noon on May 28.
What: City officials and local merchants celebrate the coming of another summer season with a ceremonial “unlocking of the ocean.” They turn a large wooden key to open the beach. That clears the way for fully clothed merchants to take the first dip of the summer – marching into the ocean to the tune of “Pomp and Circumstance.”
Why: Tradition. The “unlocking” ceremony has been held for more than a century in Ocean City.
Where: Ninth Street Beach in Ocean City, NJ.
Who: Mayor Jay A. Gillian leads the ceremony, which includes representatives of the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce, City Council and the Ocean City Beach Patrol. Local Realtor John Walton leads the Business Persons Plunge. High school student Joelle McElroy will explain her “Occupant With Autism” program.
More Info: Visit oceancityvacation.com or ocnj.us for all information on Ocean City.