With over 200 special events taking place throughout the year -- the Night in Venice boat parade, the Flower Show, the Miss New Jersey Pageant, and the First Night New Year's Eve celebration are just a few -- Ocean City bustles with activity. The boardwalk, which is home to numerous shops, stores and two amusement piers, is 2.5 miles long, stretching from 23rd Street to St. James Place. The mayor of Ocean City (Jay Gillian is the current mayor until his term expires on June 30), serves a four-year term in this part time position. The town is represented by the 2nd Congressional District and 1st state legislative district. Students living in the town are served by the Ocean City School District which is comprised of Ocean City Primary School (for kindergarten through third grade); Ocean City Intermediate School (fourth through eighth grades); and Ocean City High School. For those looking to catch up on the latest happenings in town, there are two newspapers, The Ocean City Sentinel and The Gazette. Recreation is popular throughout Ocean City. For the purists who prefer a day in the sunshine, the expanse of beaches kissing the Atlantic Ocean are guarded by the Ocean City Beach Patrol, beginning weekends starting in late May until June and then all week long from about mid-June through Labor Day. Beach tags are required for those who wish to hit the sand. Tags are $20 apiece for the entire 2014 season, but may also be purchased daily or weekly. The beach tag fee helps to offset the cost of beach maintenance, security, trash removal, and other services. Transplants to Ocean City who wish to step off the beach every now and then don't need to look too far for things to occupy their time. The Ocean City Municipal Golf Course is a 12 hole, par 37 course. The town Community Center is located at 1735 Simpson Avenue and offers an aquatic and fitness center, a historical museum, an arts center, a café, a public library, and a senior center. The Ocean City Pops perform at the Music Pier on the boardwalk and have shows throughout the year for those of all ages. Restaurants are aplenty from seafood eateries to Italian fare and breakfast cafes. Some restaurants are not open year round. One important thing to note about Ocean City is that it is a dry town and has been since its inception. The city prides itself on being a family friendly locale, so dining establishments do not serve alcohol and there isn't a single bar or tavern within city limits. However, for those adults who simply cannot do without their own wine and spirits, liquor stores are aplenty off of this barrier island so it's not a far drive to pick up alcoholic beverages. While many people choose to vacation in Ocean City during the summer months, the town has abundant activities throughout the year to draw in the locals and tourists. Homeowners can always find something going on in town -- if that is what they wish to do. Some shore towns appear to close up after Labor Day but Ocean City still has a large enough population to keep those who live within its expanse to feel like they are part of a community. Plus, Ocean City offers a wealth of events and activities throughout the year to draw out the local population and bring in tourism.
