Ocean City's 115th Baby Parade: A Seaside Tradition of Joy and Creativity
Edited by Casualplayhub News Editorial. Source: Press of Alantic City Business. Casualplayhub News adds summary, context, and editorial framing while linking back to the original report.
The salty breeze carried laughter and the sound of wheels along the Ocean City Boardwalk on August 14, 2025, as the 115th annual Baby Parade rolled through the stretch between Sixth and 12th streets. What began as a simple gathering of strollers has evolved into a beloved summer spectacle, where families transform their youngest members into living works of art.
Among the first to catch the crowd's eye was nine-month-old Ligaya Cantona, riding a float titled "Bee Kind" with her family members Cecilia Cantona, 8, Ashley Vitullo, Norie Munroe, and Chloe Cantona, all hailing from Galloway Township and Mays Landing. The float, buzzing with yellow and black decorations, set a tone of gentle whimsy that carried throughout the parade.
Nearby, Linwood residents Kelly and Bill Smith took on the role of caddies for their 16-month-old son Ryder, who was perched in a miniature golf-themed setup. The Smiths' participation reflected the parade's inclusive spirit, where parents often become part of the display.
Winners were celebrated across multiple divisions. The Duncan siblings—Annie, 8, Cece, 3, Silvia, 1, and Ryan—claimed the Division A Section 300 victory with their float "Ocean City Sweethearts." The seasonal locals, whose family ties to the shore run deep, beamed as they passed the judges' stand.
Eight-year-old Annamae Eells from Gloucester City chose a more dramatic theme, decorating her chair with "Waves Crashing"—a nod to the ocean just steps away. Her entry demonstrated how even the youngest participants can interpret the coastal environment.
In Division B Section 400, 17-month-old Alexander Leyden of Galloway Township earned runner-up honors with a float themed "Stuffed Animal Claw Machine." His parents, Eve and Brandon, helped construct the playful replica of an arcade game, complete with dangling plush toys.
The Hunter and McClusky families—Tom, holding Liam the lobster (6 months), Gabriella the clam (6 months), along with Rachel, Maddie, Matt, and Meg—presented a "Topsail Steamer" float, bringing a taste of local seafood culture to the boardwalk.
Harper Tucker, just 1 year old and visiting from the Poconos in Pennsylvania, made a sweet impression as a strawberry. Meanwhile, 18-month-old Colin Machado, a Boston resident and seasonal local, went on safari, his float featuring jungle animals.
Two-year-old Kaleb Jones from Birdsboro, Pennsylvania, soared above the boards in a hot air balloon float, complete with low-lying clouds. Cameron Harding, 12, a member of the Wheelmen antique bicycle group from Tuckerton, pedaled his 1880s bicycle, adding a historic touch to the parade.
Three-year-old Mahalina Cantona of Mays Landing took runner-up in Division B Section 500 with a "Bubble Bath" float, while Kathleena and Devin Mahoney celebrated the 50th anniversary of the film "Jaws" with a themed display.
The Hanscom Award, given to the most adorable entry, went to Agnes Aurene Edivan of Virginia, dubbed "The Cutest Pooh Bear You've Ever Seen!" Her parents, Anthony and Mary, watched proudly as she captured hearts.
Staff photographer Matthew Strabuk captured each moment, documenting a tradition that has been a cornerstone of Ocean City's summer identity for more than a century. The 115th edition proved that even as times change, the joy of parading little ones in creative costumes remains timeless.
Article commentary
The 115th annual Ocean City Baby Parade stands as a testament to the enduring power of community traditions. In an era when digital entertainment often dominates, this event draws families from across the region—Galloway Township, Mays Landing, Linwood, Gloucester City, Birdsboro, even Boston and Virginia—to a simple boardwalk for a few hours of shared delight. The parade's longevity, spanning over a century, suggests that its appeal lies not just in the cuteness of the participants but in the collective act of creation. Each float represents hours of planning, craft, and family collaboration. From the "Bee Kind" float to the "Stuffed Animal Claw Machine," the themes blend popular culture, local flavors, and personal whimsy, reflecting a cross-section of contemporary American life. What stands out is the diversity of participation. Ages range from 6 months to 12 years, and entries include siblings, extended families, and even antique bicycle enthusiasts. The inclusion of a "Jaws" 50th anniversary float shows how the parade adapts to cultural milestones, keeping the event relevant. The Hanscom Award, named after a tradition, adds a layer of recognition that fuels friendly competition. Yet beyond the winners and runners-up, the parade's true value may be in its role as a social glue. For seasonal locals and year-round residents alike, the Baby Parade marks a moment to pause, gather, and celebrate childhood. It reinforces Ocean City's identity as a family-friendly destination, where the boardwalk is not just a commercial corridor but a stage for community expression. From a journalistic perspective, the event also highlights the challenges of covering such a visually rich occasion. The original content, largely a series of captioned photographs, speaks to the power of images over words. But the stories behind each float—the Cantona family's collaboration, the Smiths' caddy role, the Duncan siblings' victory—humanize the statistics. The parade is a microcosm of how traditions evolve, absorbing new families while honoring long-standing practices. Critically, the event's success depends on volunteerism and local sponsorship. While the original piece does not detail these logistics, the smooth operation of a parade with dozens of entries suggests robust community organization. As Ocean City continues to grow, maintaining such traditions requires intentional effort. The 115th edition proves that the effort is worthwhile, offering a blueprint for other coastal towns seeking to preserve their cultural heritage. In the end, the Baby Parade is more than a photo opportunity. It is a living archive of family stories, a celebration of creativity, and a reminder that some of the best moments in life are the simplest ones—a baby in a bee costume, a toddler in a hot air balloon, and a community cheering them on.