Miss Ocean City

The search to find the next Miss Ocean City has begun with the announcement of the application process for interested contestants.

To be eligible to compete, young women must be at least 16 years old by August 1, 2023 and must not have reached their 21st birthday by August 12, 2023; attend or have graduated from Ocean City High School; or have parents/guardians who own property in Ocean City or a sending district to Ocean City High School (including Sea Isle City, Upper Township and Longport).

The Miss Ocean City Pageant will be held on Saturday, August 12, 2023 at the Ocean City Music Pier. Contestants will compete in interview, talent, swimsuit, poise and onstage question.

Interested contestants also can email Samantha Heckler at [email protected] or pick up applications at the City Hall Welcome Center (861 Asbury Avenue).

Conditions for Participation
1. A reigning Miss Ocean City shall be immediately disqualified and shall surrender her title upon the occurrence of any one of the following events or circumstances:
a. If she marries.
b. If she becomes pregnant.
c. If she fails to attend to her duties as prescribed by the City of Ocean City.
d. If any improper photos or internet postings appear on any social media.
e. If any information is misrepresented in any way.
2. Any disqualification under paragraph 1. (c, d, e) shall be at the sole discretion of the City of Ocean City , whose decision in any matter shall be final.
3. Upon the disqualification of a reigning Miss Ocean City, the title of Miss Ocean City shall transfer to the next available runner-up from that year’s pageant in descending order. he order shall be 1st runner-up, 2nd runner-up, etc.
In the event of a disqualification during a pageant year, award monies will be prorated according to the number of days
4. the title was actually held. For example, if the pageant was held on August 15th and Miss Ocean City was disqualified on December 15th, the disqualified titleholder would be entitled to an amount computed as follows: 123 days/365 days x annual top award
5. The same principle would apply to anyone moving up in the ranking. For example – a first runner-up who becomes Miss Ocean City on December 15th, would be entitled to an amount computed as follows: 123 days/365 days annual first runner up award PLUS 242 days/365 days x annual top award
6. Award money will be given out after the necessary paperwork as per governmental guidelines has been processed. Award winners will need to turn in a W-9 form and complete a voucher.
7. The winner of Miss Ocean City will receive half of her winnings at the start of her year. She will receive the rest of her winnings at the end of her year of service.
8. In the event of a disqualification in the pageant year, the disqualified Miss Ocean City shall forfeit any unexpended wardrobe allowance as of the date of her disqualification. The entitlement to any remaining allowance shall transfer to her replacement.
9. Upon disqualification, the disqualified Miss Ocean City will immediately and without hesitation return the crown, crown box and sash to the City of Ocean City, Department of Community Services.
10. The winner of Miss Ocean City 2023 is required to return to Miss Ocean City 2024 to crown her successor. This includes being at all rehearsals and events leading up to the pageant.
11. Miss Ocean City’s wardrobe at all events should be family-friendly and her appearance should be professional.
12. Miss Ocean City is expected to serve as an ambassador for Ocean City for an entire year. She is expected to attend most appearances dictated by the City of Ocean City. Absences from appearances are expected if there is a conflict due to health, school, family commitments or work. Additional appearances must be approved by the Pageant Director.
13. All contestants must sign and turn in the social media guidelines agreement.
14. Once someone is crowned Miss Ocean City, they are no longer eligible to compete in the program.
15. The decision of the judges is final. Poor sportsmanship will not be tolerated!
Qualifications

Check all that apply:
1. I attended Ocean City High School within the last 12 months
2. I graduated from Ocean City High School
3. My parent(s) own property in Ocean City or in a sending district to Ocean City High School. Please provide address of the property
4. My parent(s) are tax payers of Ocean City or sending district and I attend or attended Ocean City High School.
5. I will be at least 16 years old on or before August 1, 2023
6. I will not have reached my 21st birthday as of August 12, 2023 7. I have reviewed and understand all of the rules and regulations.
In order to qualify as a contestant in this year's pageant, you must have checked at least one box in numbers 1-4 and must have also checked box 5, 6 and 7.
By applying to enter this pageant, I understand the requirements for the Miss Ocean City Pageant nd have checked only those qualifications which apply to me as of today. I accept and agree to the conditions specified on the attached sheets. If I am under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign this application with me.

Important Info
Pageant
The pageant will consist of Interview, Swimsuit, Talent, Onstage Question and Evening Gown Competition. There will also be opening and closing production numbers.
Interviews will be conducted by pageant judges in private and will be 10 minutes long. Wear an outfit you would wear to a job or college interview.
Swimsuit must be in a solid color and one piece. Contrasting trim is permissible. We will also be adding sarong skirts for the swimsuit competition. Please find a matching/complementing sarong skirt to be approved during rehearsal week.
Contestants will vote for Miss Congeniality and the chaperones will vote for the Hostess Award.
A special award will be given to the person who sells the most ads/sponsors for the pageant program book.
The People’s choice will be based on the money raised through fundraising leading up to and the day of the pageant. More information will be covered at Orientation.
The Talent competition will be judged on talent potential only. Use of fire, knives and glitter are prohibited. Talent should be a minimum of 1 ½ minutes and a maximum of 2 minutes. Judges will deduct points if the performance is longer than two minutes and under the 1 ½ minute minimum. For vocalists, the music must be instrumental ONLY. Instrumentalists are not allowed to use background music. Please email your music to [email protected] Your track should be labeled with your name. Props for talent cannot be larger than a folding chair and must be a usable prop. Stools are allowed. No backdrops. If a prop is going to be used, it must be approved at the first rehearsal; no exceptions.
All award winners will need to turn in a W-9 tax form and will need to complete an award voucher immediately following the crowning of Miss Ocean City. If you do not turn in a W-9 form and do not complete the voucher after the crowning, you will not receive your award money. Everything needs to be processed by September 1.
If a contestant, parent or any member of the contestant’s party does not conduct himself or herself in an appropriate manner it may result in immediate disqualification of the contestant and removal from the pageant.
The winner agrees to hold only the title of Miss Ocean City throughout her reign. If the contestant holds another crown and wins Miss Ocean City, she must relinquish the other title to fulfill her commitment as Miss Ocean City.
Pageant Orientation
July 6 at 5:00 PM at the Ocean City Senior Center (18th and Simpson Ave)
Arrive ready for individual headshot photos. These will be used in the Pageant Program Book and in pageant publicity. Orientation is only open to contestants and should be about an hour. Ticket order form and contestant fact sheet are due at orientation

Rehearsals
All rehearsals are mandatory.
Monday 8/7, Tuesday 8/8, Wednesday 8/9, rehearsals will be held in the Cafeteria at OCHS.
Tuesday 8/8 will consist of filming introductions, mock interviews and rehearsal. Please wear an appropriate summer dress/outfit and have hair/makeup done upon arrival. Bring a change of clothes for rehearsal.
Monday 8/7 and Wednesday 8/9 will be regular rehearsals. Please be sure to send your talent music to [email protected] prior to Monday 8/7. Be prepared to do your talent on Wednesday 8/9.
Thursday 8/10 is the Baby Parade on the Boardwalk. Report time is 10 AM and the parade starts at 10:30 AM. You will wear your opening number outfit for the parade.
Thursday evening rehearsal will be at the Music Pier starting at 6 PM. Bring all shoes needed for all phases of competition including opening number.
Friday 8/11 is a full dress rehearsal from 6 to 10 PM. You must bring your full wardrobe with you, it will be left at the Music Pier overnight to make Saturday morning less stressful as you arrive.
Parking can sometimes be hard to find, so be prepared with quarters to feed meters, have someone drop you off, or plan to walk to far away!
All rehearsals are closed, meaning no parents, coaches, friends etc.
Pageant Day is Saturday 8/12. Report time is TBD.