Registration is still open for Ocean City's Night in Venice celebration scheduled for Saturday, July 24.

The optional theme for the boat parade and decorated bayfront home contest this year is "Honoring Our Heroes," though participants can also use last year's planned "Olympics" theme.

The Night in Venice boat parade starts at 6 p.m. on July 24. 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. A fireworks display will light up the bay and cap off the evening.

Entries for boats and homes will be taken online at www.ocnj.us/niv or by calling 609-399-6111. All entrants receive a commemorative mug, and boat owners also receive a complimentary photo of their boat in the parade.

The deadline to register is July 21 at noon.

Tickets are also now on sale for a special Night in Venice viewing area at the Bayside Center. In addition to a view of the fireworks, it features DJ entertainment, food vendors with proceeds benefiting Junior Raider football and cheerleading programs.

Visit oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice to purchase tickets ($8 adults, $4 children).