Even if you don't plan to perform, the Talent Show is worth watching, says Ed Shiffler, a 26-year-old Ocean City native who co-created the show when he was working for the Ocean City Fine Arts League in 2004.

"We started holding auditions and found out how many amazingly talented people there are around here," says Shiffler, who now lives in Brooklyn, N.Y., and is a member of "The Dangerous Ones," a hard rock band. "To be honest, we were really surprised at how good some of these numbers are."

Shiffler, who will act as emcee and probably sing a song, says the popularity of shows like "American Idol" have helped people gather up their courage, take the stage and show off their own talents.

Categories for tonight's show are solo vocalist, solo dance, group dance, singer/songwriter-composer, performance arts including musicians and comedians.

Unlike on "American Idol," contestants can be sure they won't be insulted by judges, Shiffler says.

Instead, judges stay in the back of the auditorium and deliberate scoring among themselves. Prizes will be trophies, but Shiffler hinted there are other potential benefits: There are talent scouts likely to be inconspicuously in the audience.

"There will definitely be music industry people there," Shiffler says.

Chad Juros, a talented magician from Egg Harbor Township known as Chadakazam, is expected to perform.

"He puts on an amazing show," Shiffler says.

The Talent Show originally was scheduled for an earlier date, but was postponed due to scheduling conflicts. Admission is $5 with proceeds benefiting Ocean City Special Events.

Mark Soifer, Ocean City public relations guru and one of the show's judges, says last-minute performers who want to compete should call 609-525-9200 as soon as possible or show up at Corner Stone Ministries at 5 p.m. Registration is $10.

Soifer says there is a piano available at the venue.

Many contestants bring a CD; there is a soundboard and technicians to play those as accompaniment.

Think you might want to compete next year? Show up tonight and see what the competition might look like. After all, what else do you have to do? "American Idol's not on tonight.

Ocean City Talent Show

WHEN: 6 p.m. Thursday, March 20

WHERE Corner Stone Ministries, 2nd Floor, Stainton's Square, 810 Asbury Ave., Ocean City

HOW MUCH: Admission is $5 at the door; $10 registration fee to perform.

Festivities begin at 1 p.m. Friday, March 14, with the raising of the Irish flag at City Hall on Bacharach Boulevard in Atlantic City to kick off Irish Week.

Beginning at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 15, at New Jersey Avenue, marchers travel on the world-famous Boardwalk to Albany Avenue for the 23rd annual St. Patrick's Day Parade.

This year's theme is "'Tis Now" - and the parade promises to be a festival of color, music and fun, with marching bands, string bands, Irish step dancers, bagpipers and floats.

Grand marshal is Buddy McCabe, owner of Maynard's in Margate and former owner of the Lido in Atlantic City, the Sailfish and Margate Pub.

Marching units include bands from area high schools, including Oakcrest High School. Local organizations include business owners such as McGettigan's 19th Hole; Maynard's Café; O'Grady's; Ducktown Tavern; Trinity Irish Pub and Carvery; and Kelly's Corner. Harrah's Atlantic City and Atlantic City Surf are sponsors.

The Boardwalk Runner's Club Atlantic City presents its 30th annual St. Pat's 10 Miler and 5K Races. The races start at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 15, in front of Boardwalk Hall, Mississippi Avenue and the Boardwalk.

The races traditionally are an opportunity for students and alumni of the Atlantic 10 Championship to join with other registered runners for an exciting day. All runners receive a long-sleeved commemorative (Irish Green) shirt, and a free pasta buffet and party at Opa Bar & Grille, Indiana Avenue and the Boardwalk, immediately following the races.

Singing Lifeguard Jim Crane will sing the National Anthem to kick off the races and Fr. William Hodge of St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church will perform the invocation.

The 10 Miler runs along the Boardwalk through Ventnor, Margate and Longport to 33rd Street and back. The 5K race turns around at Baton Rouge Avenue in Ventnor.