Night in Venice Smaller Than Usual?

Only 50 boats are expected to participate in Saturday's parade.

Ocean City is expecting fewer boats in Saturday's Night in Venice parade. About 50 decorated boats are expected to sail along the lagoons compared to 80 last year. This year's theme for the parade is described as, "Broadway on the Bay."

City spokesman Mark Soifer told The Press of Atlantic City a number of boat owners haven't put their vessels in the water this year to save money. However, more than 200 people have entered this year's house decoration contest.
       
This year's event will also start a bit later than it has in year's past. The parade is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. to allow for the incoming tide, which will raise the water levels for the parade's larger boats.
       
Ocean City's Night in Venice parade has taken place each year since 1954.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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