November 14, 2025

Dear Friends,

The Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce last night honored Wes Kazmarck as “Citizen of the Year.” Wes is a third-generation owner of a family business on the Ocean City Boardwalk, a board member of the Chamber, and the long-time president of the Boardwalk Merchants Association. His vision has led to a number of successful events and promotions that have benefited all Ocean City merchants, residents, and guests. I want to congratulate him and thank him for all of his hard work on behalf of Ocean City.

The Miss New Jersey Pageant announced today that it will return to the Ocean City Music Pier in 2026. Ocean City had been host to this competition for more than two decades before it relocated in recent years. It’s always a pleasure to see the extraordinary display of leadership, talent, poise and social awareness in this annual event. Ocean City residents and guests always look forward to all the activities during an exciting week in June – from the Miss New Jersey Parade through the preliminaries and on to the crowning of the new Miss New Jersey.

It’s an opportunity for the contestants, their families and their fans to enjoy everything Ocean City has to offer during their stay, visiting shops, restaurants and attractions on the Boardwalk, downtown and throughout the entire city.

I’m happy to report that the rescheduled Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event in Ocean City last weekend raised more than $545,000 and welcomed more than 3,000 participants. The event had been scheduled for October but was postponed due to a coastal storm. I want to thank the group for all that they do and for all the money they’ve raised. The cause means so much to people in Ocean City and throughout the region. I also want to thank the city team for its assistance in putting the celebration together. We look forward to welcoming the event back to Ocean City for the 19^th year on Oct. 11, 2026. 

At the city’s Veterans Day Ceremony on Tuesday, I announced a new program to honor our veterans. Starting on Dec. 1, families of veterans with ties to Ocean City will be able to purchase banners to be displayed in Veterans Memorial Park. We’ve been working on this program for a long time. Like everything we do in Ocean City, we want to make sure it’s first-class. More information will be available soon on our website and at the Mayor’s Office.

I want to encourage you to contribute to our “Friendsgiving Food Drive” now through Nov. 20. Anybody can make donations of non-perishable food items by dropping them off at the Howard S. Stainton Senior Center (within the Community Center at 1735 Simpson Avenue). The donations will benefit the Ocean City Ecumenical Council Food Cupboard. Most needed items include: canned fruits and vegetables, canned chicken and tuna, canned chili and soup, cereal, pasta sauce, peanut butter and jelly, and personal care items.

Our fourth episode of the “Inside City Hall” video series is now available here and at ocnj.us. I hope you all have a great weekend and get a chance to stop by our Winterfest by the Sea shopping event 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. tomorrow (Nov. 15) at the Civic Center. 

Warm regards,

Jay A. Gillian
Mayor