Wildwood to host century old baby parade and waddle contest next week

WILDWOOD, N.J. — Two of the Wildwoods’ most popular family-friendly events return next week, as the annual Baby Parade and Baby Waddle Contest bring infants, toddlers, and their families to the Jersey Shore for a pair of long-running traditions.

The Wildwoods Loves Waddlers Baby Waddle Contest kicks things off on Tuesday, July 29, at 9:30 a.m. on the grassy circle in front of the Wildwoods Convention Center. Babies 15 months and younger can compete in “The Crawl,” while waddling toddlers 24 months and younger will participate in “The Waddle.” Winners in each category receive a family four-pack to Morey’s Amusement Piers and Water Parks.

Registration is free and begins at 9 a.m. on site, with pre-registration available until noon Monday. The first 40 registrants will receive a participation gift. In the event of rain, the contest will be moved inside the Convention Center.

On Wednesday, July 30, the 115th Wildwoods Baby Parade steps off at 6 p.m. from the Convention Center, continuing ten blocks north along the Boardwalk to Cedar Avenue. The event, presented by the Wildwood Civic Club, will conclude with an awards ceremony across from Morey’s Mariners Landing.

Participation is free and open to all children under 12, with categories including Cutest Baby Boy, Cutest Baby Girl, Individual Best Dressed, Best Themed Group, Small Float, and Large Float. Judging will take place from 5 p.m. to 5:45 p.m., and day-of registration will be accepted between 4:30 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. New this year, the top three winners in each category will receive cash prizes.

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