Ocean City’s Business Community “Dives Into Winter”

By MADDY VITALE

With his closed leather briefcase in hand, Ocean City Realtor John Walton addressed the City Council Thursday night. It was on official business to highlight some of the plans – the Businessmen’s Plunge – from one of the worst traditions in the resort.

Walton Organizes The Deep, now in its 20th year. The popular event is held at the beginning of Memorial Day weekend to herald a strong tourism season for the business community.

Walton told Ocean City Council members during his dry presentation Thursday that the suit was “not an indictment,” noting that it was a business suit worn every year for a swim.

Walton will be the price leader in business wear from the Italian brand Trussini, which he bought in 1996 for about $1,500. He leads it with an American flag.

The taping will take place on Friday, May 26, at noon on the Ninth Street Beach next to the Music Pier, rain or shine. Participants will gather at 11:30 am to prepare for the parade.

“Over 100 businesses and organizations and mascots have committed to this event,” Walton said. “There are a lot of new businesses that are really excited to get involved. They show their business attire, their attire.

The event begins after the dignitaries officially “open” the ocean for the summer with the “Opening of the Ocean” celebration.

Leading the Ocean City High School marching band, flying a banner advertising the silly display, merchants, some dressed in sharp clothes, others choosing costumes, head to the water to welcome the new season.

Walton told the council that after Mayor Jay Gillian, council members and other dignitaries officially “opened” the ocean, “the bugle will sound.”

“The Ocean City High School Marching Band will play pomp and circumstance and more than 100 dedicated organizations and businesses will enter the ocean,” Walton said.

Among the participants will be a singer who will perform the national anthem. Members of the Ocean City Beach Patrol, which is celebrating its 125th anniversary, will participate in the celebration. Ocean City contest winners and local Boy Scouts will also participate. The Marine Corps Color Guard and a host of other groups and organizations will join in, many of which will take a quick splash in the surf.

“It’s a rain or shine event. If it’s sunny, we’re expecting over 1,000 people to watch,” Walton said. “We seem to be getting more and more fans — people who want to see this zany, paparazzi-filled, crazy event.”

For more information on this and other events, visit www.ocnj.us or www.oceancityvacation.com.