7th Annual Finnegan’s Wake Will Benefit WCDC

OCEAN CITY — Seacrets’ Morley Hall will come to life with a grand celebration of the “death” of Tim Finnegan at the 7th Annual Finnegan’s Wake to be held on Saturday, March 9, from 5-9 p.m.

The Friends of WCDC will be holding this mock Irish wake as a fundraiser for adults with intellectual disabilities who attend the Worcester County Developmental Center. Morley Hall will echo with great music and lots of laughter as mourners and revelers alike raise one last glass in toast to the supposed passing of Finnegan.

Folk Heroes will headline this year’s entertainment and enthrall the audience with Celtic and folk songs both acoustic and electric. Folk Heroes have been entertaining and enlightening fans of authentic Irish music for almost a quarter of a century.

A wake must have at least a bagpipe, and this wake has much more. The Ocean City Pipes and Drums will not only start the evening by leading the funeral procession but will also perform flawless sets of highland and military marches that will make this the most unforgettable wake you have ever attended.

All this music is designed to stir you to action, and audience members will have a chance to become part of the show. While Finnegan is lying in his coffin, you can tell him a joke. If you can raise him from the dead with laughter, you win a drink of your choice.

Wealthy Irish used to hire professional mourners called Keeners to pay respects to the departed. Anyone who wishes will have the opportunity to come forward and wail for Finnegan. If the judges deem your keening the best, judged on volume and feeling, you will win a cash prize.

The event is sponsored by The Robert Nock Insurance Agency, Cheers of Berlin Beer, Wine and Spirits and Gallagher Insurance. Entertainment is sponsored by Apple Discount Drugs, Avery Hall Insurance Group, The Burbage Funeral Home, Malvern Collision Service, Vicky Tillery, Robin Dannelly and John Falcone.

Admission is $20. Seacrets will have traditional Irish dishes as well as their regular menu available and happy hour prices will be in effect at the bar.

There will also be a silent auction with wonderful items from fine jewelry to dining certificates.

All money raised goes to benefit the Friends of WCDC and their mission to support the clients of WCDC, which provides employment opportunities, residential services and community based supports for adults with intellectual disabilities.