‘Fresh Prince’s’ Carlton, Ryan Cabrera and O-town to sail in Ocean City’s Night in Venice, Jul 22

It’s the 63rd time around for Ocean City’s Night in Venice – a summer season highlight that turns its bay into a carnival of light.

Leading the boat parade will be 2017 Grand Marshal, Alfonso Riberio, best known for his role as Carlton Banks on The Fresh Prince of Bel Air” and host of “America’s Funniest Videos”.

The event will also feature special guests, pop artist Ryan Cabrera and boy band O-town, to tie-in with this year’s theme of “Rockin’ Through the Decades”.

Thousands turn out each year to watch an array of watercraft, decked out in colorful lights and decor, sail in a 3-mile parade along the bay from the Ocean City-Longport Bridge to Tennessee Ave. Hundreds of bay front homes and shops are also festooned in light as part in the festivities.

The boat parade begins near the Ocean City-Longport toll bridge and travels along the bayside to Tennessee Avenue, looping in and out of lagoons along the way.

Tickets are also available to view the parade from bleacher seating at the Bayside Center (520 Bay Ave.). The cost is $7 for adults and $3 for children under age 12 years. Admission includes family-friendly entertainment with live music from the Good Tymes Band, plus face painting, games and crafts. Gates open at 4:30 p.m.

Fireworks will follow the parade at dusk.

A free shuttle service will run between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. from the designated free parking lots at the municipal airport (25th and Bay Aves.), the soccer field at Tennessee Ave. and the Ocean City Community Center (1735 Simpson Ave.). The shuttle will also drop off at the Bayside Center.

Saturday, July 22, 6 p.m. – bay side, Ocean City, N.J.