Illumination Night 2017 celebration in OG. This year it will be part of the 150th birthday events. Paul Goldfinger © Blogfinger.net.
In 1969, Ocean Grove celebrated its centennial. This is the front page of the Ocean Grove Times on June 27, 1969. The paper cost ten cents.
1869 — Ocean Grove — 1969
A Centennial Summer of Fun
This edition of The Times salutes Ocean Grove on its
Centennial. Founded in 1869, the world-famed/resort community
has entered a full summer of Activities, many of
them planned around the 100th birthday.
The pageant of history, “To These Shores,” will be presented
14 nights this summer, beginning July 2. A large
cast of residents and vacationists are now rehearsing.
The Centennial Parade is scheduled for July 26. It will
be the largest in Ocean Grove history. The traditional Memorial
Day parade, the season opener, was expanded this
year, as will be the Fourth of July parade next Friday.
More than 700 ladies have become Centennial Belles to date.
Men are joining their ladies as “Brothers of the Brush”
or “Smoothies.” Costumes are colorful, as evidenced at
public functions and promenades.
This is a great season for Ocean Grove. The basic
theme of the Centennial celebration is FUN – . .
The Camp Meeting Association is planning festivities this summer, 2019, for Ocean Grove’s 150th birthday celebration. The first big event will be on July 6 when there will be the Independence Day Parade from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm.
That Saturday’s parade will include a mummers string band, ragtime music, marching bands, floats and dancing in the streets. There will be music everywhere.
Maybe Martha and the Vandellas will show up.
And, that afternoon a Town Celebration will happen with a D.J., food trucks, games, dancing for all, balloon animals, fireworks, and other activities. “7-10 live bands” in the Boardwalk Pavilion (one at a time we hope,) and bonfires on the beach, “appropriately sponsored by the three firehouses.” And much more…
Stay tuned.
–Paul Goldfinger, Editor Blogfinger.net