The Night in Venice event on Saturday drew thousands of spectators to Ocean City's bayfront, where they gathered to witness a procession of elaborately decorated boats and enjoy the festive atmosphere of themed bayfront homes.
This year's theme, "Summertime Vibes: A Tribute to Jimmy Buffett," paid homage to the iconic musician whose legacy spans five decades, following his passing last September. The boaters embraced the theme wholeheartedly, with some adorning their vessels to the tunes of Buffett's classics like "Cheeseburger in Paradise" and "Lost Shaker of Salt." Others indulged in the laid-back melodies of "Margaritaville" and "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere," creating a lively and engaging spectacle.
Now in its 69th year, the annual tradition continues to attract families who gather at vantage points like the Bayside Center to catch glimpses of the event.
A special highlight of this year's festivities was the participation of Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham and his family, who joined the boat parade as special guests. Graham enthusiastically interacted with the crowd, even leading the iconic "E-A-G-L-E-S" cheer from his boat.
(Eagles legend Brandan Graham leads an EAGLES chant)
Prior to the parade, a VIP event at the Ocean City Yacht Club provided an opportunity for fans to meet Graham and other guests. Graham graciously signed autographs and posed for photos, while Smith and his wife, Lainie, also attended to mingle with their admirers.
(Grand marshall and ESPN reporter Marty Smith)
The evening culminated in a spectacular fireworks display that capped off the memorable celebration after the boat parade concluded.
