Spring Block Party Draws Thousands to Ocean City

Tim and Heather Rusk, along with their 5-year-old son, Ryder, weren’t really sure what to expect when they arrived in Ocean City on Saturday to attend their very first Spring Block Party.

Suddenly, they found themselves in the middle of more than 50,000 people cramming the blocks of Asbury Avenue between Fifth and 14th streets for an extravaganza of shopping, dining and entertainment during the city’s signature springtime event.

“It is amazing,” Heather Rusk exclaimed.

“It is awesome,” her husband added.

In addition to the packed crowds, there was something else that was incredible for the Rusks and their son to see at the block party.

Towering over everyone was a nearly 10-foot-tall stiltwalker, Peter Donofrio, who was entertaining the shoppers on Asbury Avenue.

Stretching up as high as he could, Tim Rusk handed Ryder to Donofrio so that his son could pose for photos with the stiltwalker. Ryder seemed a bit overwhelmed at first, but began smiling.

“I just had three girls scream and run away from me. Then they came back for pictures,” Donofrio explained of the mixed reaction he was getting from other children at the block party.

    Stiltwalker Peter Donofrio gives 5-year-old Ryder Rusk a nice view of Asbury Avenue from 10 feet up.
  

Donofrio’s stilt-walking was part of the family-friendly entertainment along Asbury Avenue. A mile-long stretch of Asbury was transformed into a sprawling, downtown pedestrian mall for the block party celebration.

The Rusks, from Bellmawr, N.J., went on a mini-shopping spree while browsing an array of vendors lining Asbury Avenue. They came to support one of the vendors, a business called Infinite Engravings.

Among the things the Rusks bought were T-shirts, a Phillies-themed wall decoration and some Johnson’s Popcorn, an Ocean City favorite.

“This is a lot,” Heather Rusk said of their purchases.

Altogether, more than 400 vendor tents filled Asbury Avenue from 5th to 14th streets. Great food and live entertainment added to the family-friendly atmosphere.

“It’s been very busy. I can certainly say that,” said Raquelle Prater, who was serving up barbecued meals to a long line of customers at the Chef Charles Kitchen tent.

Prater said Chef Charles Kitchen comes to all of Ocean City’s block parties, both in the spring and the one in the fall.

“We absolutely love it,” she said.

    Exchange Club members Jon Batastini, left, and Frank Faverzani grill some hotdogs and burgers.
  

Ocean City Exchange Club members Jon Batastini and Frank Faverzani were cooking hotdogs, burgers and other favorite foods on a large grill at the corner of 9th Street and Asbury Avenue, right in front of City Hall.

“This is awesome,” Batastini said of the block party crowds.

“We can hardly keep up on the grill,” Faverzani noted of the Exchange Club’s brisk sales.

Proceeds raised by the Exchange Club at the block party benefited students who are members of the “The Enforcers,” a competitive robotics club affiliated with the Police Athletic League in Egg Harbor Township, Faverzani said.

The Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce, the principal sponsor of the block party, partners with the downtown merchants and the city to host the event. Each year, the Chamber teams up with merchants and the city for block parties in the spring and fall.

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

“Guests come to explore hundreds of crafters, shop in local stores, enjoy our wide variety of restaurants, and experience live entertainment throughout the day. This signature event turns Ocean City into a weekend destination, with visitors booking overnight stays and dining at their favorite spots,” Gillian said in a statement.

“The Block Party serves as a true economic boost, officially kicking off the season in Ocean City. Most seasonal businesses open for the first time during this weekend, making it a joyful and vibrant celebration throughout town,” she added.

    Shoes are a popular item among shoppers browsing the vendor tables.
  

Gillian estimated that Ocean City welcomed more than 50,000 visitors Saturday to the block party. Visitors also stopped at the Boardwalk shops while they were in town, she noted.

“The Block Party draws visitors from across the region and neighboring states, many of whom mark their calendars a year in advance to attend, Gillian said.

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.

Gorgeous spring weather featuring partly sunny skies and temperatures in the high 60s helped to draw the big crowds.

Debbie Angelillis and her daughter, Taylor, were carrying shopping bags filled with clothes, ceramic bowls, a wooden box, Ocean City-themed mugs and jewelry.

“Jewelry is a big one,” Taylor said of all the things they had bought.

The Angelillis family lives in Blue Bell, Pa., and has a summer vacation home in Ocean City.

Debbie Angelillis said that she and her daughter are big fans of the block parties – both in the spring and fall.

“We come here every year, twice a year. We wouldn’t miss it,” she said.

    Daughter and mother Taylor and Debbie Angelillis talk about their buys.
  

    Big crowds pack Asbury Avenue along the downtown retail corridor.
  

    Two dogs take a ride in a stroller.
  

    The singing duo Big Daddy entertains the crowds.
  

    Customers line up to place their orders at Chef Charles Kitchen.