Ocean City’s Night in Venice celebration will be “Rockin’ Through the Decades” this year on July 22 with newly announced grand marshal Alfonso Ribeiro.
Ribeiro, the new host of “America’s Funniest Home Videos,” has a career of more than three decades as an actor, TV director, award-winning dancer and Broadway star.
He began his career as a child, playing the lead role in the Tony-winning musical “The Tap Dance Kid.” He had a recording contract with Island Records, released several dance/pop singles, and landed a spot in Michael Jackson’s 1984 Pepsi commercial. He created the memorable character of Carlton Banks opposite another teen idol, Will Smith, for six seasons of “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.” And in 2014, he won the 19th season of “Dancing with the Stars” and went on to host that show’s country-wide tour.
A limited number of tickets are on sale now for a meet-and-greet with Ribeiro from 11 a.m. to noon July 22 on the Ocean City Music Pier. Tickets cost $15. Visit oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice to reserve a spot.
Night in Venice also will celebrate its “Rockin’ Through the Decades” theme this year with concerts by O-Town with Ryan Cabrera and Gloria Gaynor with the Ocean City Pops orchestra.
O-Town and Cabrera will perform at 8 p.m. Friday, July 21 on the Ocean City Music Pier. Ocean City’s 63rd annual Night in Venice boat parade is scheduled for 6 p.m. July 22. Gaynor joins the Pops at 8 p.m. Sunday, July 23 on the Music Pier to round out the Decades Weekend.
Tickets are on sale now for O-Town/Cabrera for $30 and Gaynor for 30-$35. Visit oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice, call (609) 399-6111, or stop by the City Hall Welcome Center or the Roy Gillian Welcome Center on the Route 52 causeway.
Entries for boats and homes are currently being accepted online at www.ocnj.us/niv or by calling (609) 399-6111.