Ocean City’s Fall Block Party is another blockbuster

The weather forecast was scary enough to frighten even a pirate. At least someone dressed as one.

Doug Jewell, wearing a pirate hat and costume, admitted that he feared the fierce storm that is expected to lash the coast Sunday and Monday would discourage shoppers from visiting Ocean City’s Fall Block Party on Saturday.

“Yes, I thought it would,” said Jewell, owner of the Air Circus kite and novelty store on the Boardwalk.

However, the block party proved once again just how strong a draw it is every October – no matter what the forecast may be. Mirroring the colossal crowds every year, tens of thousands of visitors crammed Asbury Avenue on Saturday for the shopping, dining and entertainment extravaganza.

“The crowds are extra-strong. I think it is better than last year – perhaps the best one ever,” Jewell said, smiling, while he entertained the shoppers in front of his tent with a toy that filled the air with bubbles.

The block party highlights the Columbus Day weekend in Ocean City. The Asbury Avenue retail corridor is transformed into a sprawling, downtown pedestrian mall for the block party celebration.

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

Suzanne and Chris Cangemi, who live in Tenafly, N.J., and have a summer vacation home in Ocean City, were experiencing their first Fall Block Party. They were amazed by the huge crowds.

“It definitely surprised me,” Suzanne Cangemi said.

“I couldn’t believe how many people are here,” her husband added.

    Suzanne and Chris Cangemi are accompanied by their dogs, Lily and Bentley.
  

The Cangemis had discussed possibly staying home in Tenafly to avoid the powerful nor’easter that is expected to slam into the coast on Sunday and Monday. But in the end, they decided to make it a full weekend at the shore, bringing along their dogs, Lily and Bentley, for company.

“We’re glad we’re here,” Suzanne while standing in the middle of the crowds on Asbury Avenue.

The Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce, the principal sponsor of the event, partners with the downtown merchants and the city to host the Fall Block Party, now in its 38th year.

“The Ocean City Block Party is one of the hallmark events of the year in Ocean City. Guests, visitors, community members, and locals all come together to celebrate the fall season. This beloved tradition draws people from near and far – filling our hotels, dining in our restaurants, shopping in our stores, and discovering unique crafts that showcase the spirit of Ocean City,” said Michele Gillian, Chamber of Commerce executive director.

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 seasonal businesses, the block party marks the unofficial end of summer and provides an important boost to our local economy. It’s a weekend that’s circled on calendars a year in advance – a time to reconnect with friends and family, support local merchants, and enjoy everything that makes Ocean City so special,” she said.

    The corner of Ninth Street and Asbury Avenue serves as a hub for shoppers.
  

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.

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

Susan Patten and her husband, John, visit the Fall Block Party every year for shopping and the food.

“We wanted to come here to support the local businesses,” Susan Patten said.

The Pattens, Philadelphia residents who have a summer vacation home in Ventnor, were using the block party to do some early Christmas shopping. They were accompanied by their daughter, Colleen DiFerdinado, and their infant granddaughter, Lilly, who was riding in a baby stroller.

    Susan and John Patten push their infant granddaughter, Lilly, in a baby stroller down Asbury Avenue.
  

In addition to the shopping, the block party offers a variety of food – from gourmet fare to sweet treats.

A long line was waiting at the Chef Charles’ Kitchen tent for food straight off the grill, including chicken, ribs and brisket.

“Business is good. The line hasn’t stopped,” said Matthew Prater, who was cooking on the grill for the Chef Charles customers.

Melissa Cathcart and her husband, Frank, make it a point to stop by at the Chef Charles tent whenever they visit the block party. They live in Riverside, N.J., and have a vacation home in Ocean City.

“This is what we look for. We definitely like making it a regular stop. It goes hand-in-hand with the shopping,” Melissa Cathcart said of eating at Chef Charles.

    Matthew Prator, of Chef Charles' Kitchen, is busy on the grill.
  

Besides the food and shopping, live entertainment is another component of the block party. A series of entertainers perform for the crowds along Asbury Avenue.

Occupying the high-profile corner of Ninth Street and Asbury Avenue was Big Daddy Duo, consisting of guitarists Mike Bracey and Larry Conner. Bracey said he and Connor are amazed by the size of the block party crowds each year.

“It’s awesome. We love it,” Bracey said. “We deeply appreciate that they recognize our talent.”

    Larry Conner and Mike Bracey of Big Daddy Duo perform at the corner of Ninth Street and Asbury Avenue.
  

    Many of the shoppers were accompanied by their dogs.
  

    Wood reindeer sculptures attract the attention of shoppers.
  

    Hamburgers and hot dogs are cooked on the Ocean City Exchange Club grill.
  

    A shopper admires some fall-themed decorations on sale.
  

    Crowds pack Asbury Avenue for shopping, dining and entertainment.
  

    Cookies and other sweet treats for sale attract some admiring looks.
  

    A police barricade blocks traffic from entering Asbury Avenue at 14th Street.