What to expect at the National Folk Festival in Salisbury

Kristin
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The 78th National Folk Festival in Salisbury, by the number

If you haven’t seen the billboards, heard the radio ads or read all the news surrounding the National Folk Festival coming to Salisbury this weekend, well — you probably haven’t been anywhere near the Delmarva peninsula. Tens of thousands of people are expected in Salisbury this weekend for the big event that celebrates folk culture and tradition in all its forms, both regionally and from all around the United States, and if you aren’t sure yet what to expect… Here’s a rundown of the National Folk Festival in Salisbury, by the numbers.

2 Local beers on tap

national folk festival

In the modern age, nothing better represents a region’s culture than its local craft beer. Evolution Craft Brewing is a Salisbury staple, and their famous Lot 3 IPA will be on tap through the weekend. Besides Lot 3, there will also be brews available from Guinness: While one might not associate the traditional Irish brewery with Maryland just yet, their newest Brewery & Barrel House just opened this August in Baltimore, where they brew small-batch beers that employees have the freedom to create themselves. 

Mango White Tea will also be available from Ocean City favorite Hoop Tea, in addition to Bud Light, Stella Artois, Cape Cod Cranberry Spiked Seltzer and non-alcoholic soft drinks, fruit drinks and smoothies. The exclusive wine provider of the festival is Layton’s Chance, a vineyard and winery based out of Vienna, Md. 

7 Free Parking Lots Downtown

With an event expected to draw up to 100,000 people, it’s no wonder that parking in Salisbury is everybody’s main concern. Thankfully, seven free parking lots will be open during the weekend, and a free shuttle will be transporting festival-goers from the Wicomico Youth & Civil Center, too. Shore transit buses serving Wicomico, Worcester and Somerset counties will also be free throughout the weekend, and street parking in downtown Salisbury will also be free. The seven downtown parking lots include: 

Lot 35: Fitzwater St. & W. Main St.
Lot 7: Lemmon Hill Ln.
Lot 13: W. Chestnut St.
Lot 9: Church St.
Lot 10: E. Church St. & Poplar Hill Ave.
Lot 5: E. Main St.
Downtown Parking Garage: E. Market St.

national folk festival7 Make & Take Activities in the Family Area 

The Folk Festival is a big draw for families who come to teach their kids about local heritage and all the different cultures nationwide, but it’s’ also a place where kids can let loose and have fun — specifically in the festival’s designated Family Area. Performers will tell stories and lead interactive music and dance on the Family Stage, and beneath the stage will be all kinds of games, dances, crafts, a collaborative community art project, a bee hive exhibit, animals from the Salisbury Zoo and even an opportunity to learn about the Underground Railroad. 

Plus, again, crafts. Educational crafts. Make & Take activities in the Family Area include a rainstick, a make-your-own harmonica, a colonial “whirligig” toy, a traditional yarn doll, a carved-soap duck decoy, a Gyotaku fish printing and paper quilt squares. 

10 Maryland Traditions Folklife Performers

It is the National Folk Festival, but in every city that hosts the event there’s a pretty big emphasis on that region’s local culture and folk traditions. Maryland is a state that’s rich in its diversity of culture and tradition, and at least 10 stage performers will be demonstrating that through music, dancing and storytelling.

From Baltimore,  Shodekeh & Ian Hesford will demonstrate Tuvan throat singing, and Mama Linda Goss & Dr. David Fakunle demonstrate a longheld tradition of African American storytelling. Two bluegrass duos hail from Elkton, Rising Sun and California, Md. respectively; Swedish fiddlers come from Brentwood, while Cambodian homrong musicians will travel from Gaithersburg and Takoma Park, Korean samulnori musicians travel from Kensington and Laurel, and Persian classical signers come from Potomac and Rockville; The Phil Wiggins Blues House Party hails from Takoma Park; The Sensational Royal Lights gospel quartet come from Catonsville; and Singing & Praying Bands bring their devotional music from all over Maryland and Delaware. 

17 Folklife Demonstrators

The Folklife Demonstrators, much like the performers, exemplify major aspects of Maryland life and culture — but, unlike the performers, these demonstrators are largely from Delmarva and will show festival-goers aspects of food, art, agriculture and maritime tradition that are unique to the Chesapeake. 

For years upon years, the hearty and resourceful people of the Eastern Shore have shucked oysters, picked crabs, carved decoys, painted screens, made scrapple and delicious Smith Island Cakes — the list goes on and on. People can see these rich Chesapeake traditions in action and enjoy their byproducts over the festival weekend. 

23 Juried Marketplace Vendors

In the marketplace, festival-goers can take home their own little piece of folk culture from Maryland and Delmarva. Wares range from hand-blown glass made right at Salisbury University to woodwork to pottery to handmade quilted handbags. Delmarva natives can add a new trinket to their collection that was made practically in their backyard, while visitors from farther away can bring home a souvenir that will always remind them of the Eastern Shore. 

27 National Performersnational folk festival

The “national” aspect of the Folk Festival really comes into play on the many stages that line downtown Salisbury, hosting performers from all over the United States who represent different cultures and artistic styles from across the world. Some of the 27+ national performers include “Mr. Telecaster” himself. rockabilly guitarist Albert Lee, in addition to The Bing Brothers string band from West Virginia,the Chankas of Peru, who come from Port Chester, Ny but perform ancient dance rituals straight from the Andes mountains, Clinton Fearon and the the Boogie Brown Band reggae getup, a puppeteer from North Carolina who works strictly with recycled materials called Jeghetto, and many, many more. 

78 Years of the National Folk Festival

That’s almost eight decades, and in fact, the 80th year of the Folk Festival will be celebrated in Salisbury, too. Each city hosts the Folk Fest for three years, so 2018 is only year one for Salisbury (which means if you aren’t able to make it this year, you don’t have to be too distressed). For the last three years, the festival has been held in Greensboro, North Carolina, and the first one ever, for just one year, was held in St. Louis, MO in 1934.

Fun fact: Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt were major proponents of the Folk Fest back in its early years. Eleanor helped bring the event do Washington, D.C. in 1938 and served as the board’s Honorary Chair during that year. In a letter to Paul Green, the President of the National Folk Festival Association at the time, President Roosevelt wrote the United States has “the best of man’s past upon which to draw brought to us by our native folk and the folk from all parts of the world. In binding these elements into a national fabric of beauty and strength, let us see to it that the fineness of each shows in the completed handiwork.” 

800+ Volunteers Needed

It takes literally hundreds of people to make the wheels turn and to ensure that everything functions properly in such a major event. It might be a little late yet to volunteer for the 2018 season, but surely more hands will be needed in the years to come. 

Tens of thousands of people expected in Salisbury this weekend

Estimates of attendance for the festival’s first year in Sby have ranged from 60 to 100,00 people. In Greensboro, the festival’s first year’s attendance landed in the 102,000 range, which increased to about 138,000 people in 2016. 

Needless to say, it will be tricky getting around Salisbury now and throughout the upcoming weekend. Many roads are already closed off, and Route 50 at Mill Street is expected to be one of the more congested areas. Delmarva Now details the road closures and projected problem areas, and also has a few tips for getting around during the event. 

10th Annual Brews on the Beach is the Best Party on the Shore

Kristin
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Saturday’s beer festival in West Ocean City celebrates the “art of the craft” with 30+ local beers, rain or shine

The oldest beer festival in Ocean City celebrates its 10th year this September as beer lovers from all over the East Coast come together to enjoy beer brewed right here on the Shore. Brews on the Beach, hosted by Shore Craft Beer and Fin City Brewing Company, will kick off the fall beer festival season and feature more than 30 local-only, seasonal brews made for the summer-to-fall transition.

The festival will take place from 12:30 – 4:30 p.m. this Saturday, Sept. 8, under the tent outside Hooper’s Crab House in West Ocean City. Scenic views of the Assawoman Bay and the Ocean City skyline will complement live music provided by acoustic rock duo Opposite Directions and the flavors of crabcakes, burgers and fish ‘n chips for sale in the Hooper’s caboose.

Billed this year as The Best Party on the Beach, Brews on the Beach cultivates a fun and festive atmosphere that comes alive with music and dancing under the tent, vendors with goods ranging from cookies made with beer to handmade jewelry to airbrush tattoos, cornhole and even four-legged friends, as the festival is dog-friendly, too.

Not only is Brews on the Beach the oldest-running beer festival in Ocean City, but it’s also one of the best-value beer festivals anywhere. General Admission tickets that include four hours of tasting 30+ local brews are only $40. General Admission and Designated Driver tickets can be purchased at shorecraftbeerfest.com/brews-on-the-beach.

“This is cheapest day of fun — with beer — that anyone could possibly have, right here on the bay,” said Shore Craft Beer CEO Ann McGinnis-Hillyer. “With local beer and food, music, games and vendors, I can’t imagine a better way to kick off the beer festival season than this, the best picnic on the beach.”

Early September can still be an expensive time of year to lodge in Ocean City, but hotel packages are available from Dunes Manor, the Grand Hotel and the Clarion Resort that include festival tickets and make vacationing on the Shore just a little bit cheaper. These packages can also be found at shorecraftbeerfest.com.

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Founded to ensure that the Shore becomes a top 10 craft beer destination nationally, Shore Craft Beer showcases Delmarva’s world class beer and world class beauty. We focus on breweries, craft beer, hotels that offer packages, bars, restaurants and general education, and highlight the fantastic craft beer destinations we have here on the Shore.

The Tale of the Pocomoke: Following the Pocomoke River

Joanna Laslo
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Come with me on a trip down a lazy river on a hot summer day…

The Pocomoke River begins it’s journey with a meager start. The starting point for the river is at Pusey Crossroads near the Great Cypress Swamp, located between the small Delaware towns of Westwoods and Stockley. It begins its life as a small drainage ditch running along one farmer’s field of soy beans. It is just west of the intersection of Phillips Hill Road and Curley Road.

Joanna Laslo’s Location

Birth of a River

It then crosses Curley Road for approximately 100 yards then takes a 90 degree turn into the woods next to Midlands Wildlife area.

The very first road crossing is Careys Camp Road in Millsboro, De.

The second street crossing is Pear Tree Road in Millsboro, De.

Next crossing is Laurel Road, Millsboro, De.

Next crossing is Millsboro Hwy, Millsboro, De.

Next Crossing is Lynch Rd., Millsboro De.

Next crossing is Daisey Road, Frankford, De.

Next crossing is Cypress Rd., Frankford, De.

Last crossing before the river enters Maryland  is Bethel Rd. in Millsboro, De. 

The next crossroad is Sheppard’s Crossing Rd.  

Next stop is Willards on Ocean City Blvd. in Maryland.

Next crossing is Route 50 at Willards.

Next is Massey Crossing in Berlin, Md.

Then on to Purnell Crossing Rd. 

Purnell Crossing

Liberty Town is our next stop.

Whiton Crossing in Snow Hill, Md is a great place to put in your canoe!

Porter’s crossing  – another good spot to put in and take out your canoe.

Route 12, Snow Hill.

Snow Hill Park.

Next stop is Pocomoke River State Park.

On to Milburn Landing. 

Then on to Rehoboth.

The river then flows into the Pocomoke Sound and into the Chesapeake Bay as a beautiful and mature body of water.

I hope you enjoyed our trip!  Next time you have an afternoon off, take your canoe and go visit the river in person to truly appreciate the beauty.

Photo Friday: Stories From a Summer in the Sand

Kristin
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It’s our last Photo Friday of the summer!

I know, I know… There’s still technically 20-something days until summer is officially over, but the crowds in Ocean City are starting to thin out, and once Labor Day weekend is over, the beach starts to look a lot more bare. But don’t be sad. We still do Photo Fridays sporadically throughout the year, so if you’re coming back to town for OCtoberfest, Winterfest of Lights, St. Patrick’s Day or just an off-season getaway, we’d still love for you to submit your photos, and we’ll keep doing the occasional photoblog. Just remember to include your name and email address with your submission, because if we can’t contact you, we can’t tell you when you’ve won. Our winner from this week is Penny, who submitted the beautiful Assateague pony photo above. 

>> Submit your Ocean City photos here 

This week we received a ton of photos from your 2018 Ocean City summer vacations, and together they told such a fun story: From meetings with Chewbacca to 28 inch pizzas, old photos recreated almost a decade later to new friends from far-away countries, the Ocean City experience is vast and so different for every person and family who comes here. The only things that are constant are the beach and the Boardwalk. And the smiles we see in every picture we receive. See all our Photo Fridays from this summer here. 

Fun time at Ocean City Maryland
Photo from the fishing pier looking back to OC. Taken in June.
Where: Beach at Princess Royale. When: 8/15/18. Who: Just a couple of gals at the beach.
Gaby n Fay, Boardwalk at Night
Kelly relaxing on the beach near 45th street and ocean around July 17, 2018.
Fagers Sunset
captains pizza, 137th street, aug 22nd 2018, the home of the 28 inch pizza. yummy
Odyssea watersports
Our last day of family vacation 8/25/18 on the 100th Street beach! This photo is a nice preview of what happened next when my niece dropped me in the sand and I broke my toe. Pretty painful..but those memories will last a lifetime!
My kids ride The Haunted House ride every year, it’s their favorite ride on the boardwalk
Beach. Maddie and Summer on 131 st street. August. 17, 2018.
This was taken outside Seacrets in 2009 w/my grandkids. The next pic is 9 years later. Exact same setting.
This one was taken 9 years later. Same setting.
My grandkids, Emma and Harrison on the beach at 33rd streeet. They love to spash! Taken on 8/2/18.
Sunrise on the beach with the kiddos on the last Sunday of July
Type 1 diabetes warrior! Showing off her Dexcom G5 on 61st street beach. Diabetes won’t stop her!
beach wedding ,109 st ocean city.
My happy place sunrise over 63rd street
Cousins having fun on the beach at 127th Street.
4th Street Beach Ocean City. This was “Baja Beach Day” where (some of) our night shift staff from Baja Amusements met at the beach Friday August 10, 2018 . The people in the picture are a mix of Americans and J-1 students from Bulgaria. We taught them how to boogie board and had a traditional American picnic of PB & J, Hi-C juice boxes, Watermelon and brownies. It was a perfect beach day!
My son and his bear he’s had since he was born share their first moment on the beach. Taken at the beach by the inlet, Wednesday August 8, 2018.
Photo submitted by Kelsey Dunham on Facebook
Photo submitted by Kelsey Dunham on Facebook

Photos: Craft Beer, Handmade Art and The Original Wailers Rocked “Art X”

Kristin
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The skies were clear, the temperatures capped in the mid-80s and a light breeze made the trees sway all day in Northside Park. When you’re throwing an outdoor event, the biggest and scariest unknown is always the weather, even if it’s a first-time event where anything could go wrong. That the forecast for the weekend of Aug. 25 was so perfect was already a good sign, and turned out to be an omen of sorts that everything would be just fine for OC’s first Art X festival.

I spent the weekend working at the Shore Craft Beer tent handing out 16 oz. glasses of local craft beer, occasionally popping over to the Recreation & Parks center’s gym where the Ocean City Film Festival held screenings throughout the weekend. Needless to say, not a whole lot of people wanted to sit in a dark gym while the most beautiful summer day ever was happening outside (though we appreciate those who did!). Many people did, however, want to drink a cold beer while they wandered through the park, so the beer tent was the center of all the action and where I ended up spending most of my time.

If you weren’t able to make it out to Art X this year, I highly recommend you stop by and check it out in the years to come. And not just because I’m involved with the Art League, the Film Fest and Shore Craft Beer, though I do understand if that makes me sound a little biased. Seriously, though — handmade arts and crafts and their artists, local musicians and a group all the way from Jamaica (see below), films and food, beer and wine, all upon the beautiful landscape of Ocean City’s Northside Park — What more could you ask for? 

Photos by BL Strang-Moya

Towards the festival entrance, local artist John Iampieri worked on his painted screens and showed them off to passersby. 
Saturday and Sunday were both mid-80 degree days, but artists worked under the shade of their tents and sold original works to customers all at once.
The Art League of Ocean City set up a pop-up art gallery in their tent, so festival-goers could see the new oil and watercolor paintings made at Artists Paint OC: A Plein Air Event just two weeks prior, and get information about the Art League’s upcoming events.
Volunteers passed beer pack and forth at the Shore Craft Beer tent, which featured local brews from Evo, 3rd Wave, Mispillion River, Fin City, Big Oyster and Tall Tales. Yuengling was available too, but most people wanted to at least try a local craft they’d never had before. It was the first time craft beer had been featured at an Ocean City arts festival, and it was definitely a success! 
It’s one thing to be surrounded by original paintings at a festival like Art X, but it’s a whole other thing entirely to feel like you’re in one. Walking around Northside Park at sunset, you definitely feel like you’ve been painted into one of the framed landscapes you’d find in an artists’ tent. 
There were lots of cute dogs out too, which is always a plus.
Next year, one of the plein air artists will have to come and paint the Northside Park pier at sunset — there’s hardly anything more beautiful in all of Ocean City.
A perfect first day of the festival on Saturday was capped off with a performance by The Original Wailers, who performed a handful of their greatest hits and then some. The lawn was covered in beach blankets and folding chairs, and the crowd went wild for songs like “No Woman No Cry” and “Is This Love.” Definitely not a bad way to end the day. 

 

Beach Home Beautiful: Luxurious Living on 125th Street Bay View Condo

Anne
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Now that your summer vacation is over for the year, perhaps this is the best time to consider buying real estate in Ocean City, Maryland. Imagine yourself sitting on the balcony of a waterfront condo that overlooks an amazing view of the bay, all year round. There’s plenty for sale in the resort. Take a tour with us at this beautiful and unique top-floor unit for sale in Hidden Harbor on 125th Street. If you are interested in this property, or would like to see what else is on the market in Ocean City, Md., courtesy of Beach Real Estate click here.

The Island of Hidden Harbour, one of the most desirable communities in Ocean City, has a direct bay view and is next to Ocean City’s beautiful Northside Park. The community features pool, volleyball, grills, a playground and tennis. Sale includes deeded boat slip.
The living room and dining room both have direct access to the huge wraparound balcony. Vaulted ceilings and custom cabinets add to a light and open feeling.
The kitchen features custom cabinets, can lights, granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances, and opens to the living room for entertaining.
A convenient bar features a free-standing ice maker on the left and wine cooler on the right. The cabinets are lighted. The middle drawer holds your mixed drink glasses.
The master bedroom is beautifully furnished and has access to the wraparound balcony.
Master bath has clean lines with granite counter tops and can lighting.
The second bedroom has access to the wraparound balcony. With transoms over the slider, plenty of light can come in. 
Two sets of bunk beds in the children’s room allow for plenty of space for sleepovers.
The hall bath is well decorated with granite counters and sink.
Amazing bay views from the wraparound balcony.
Enjoy a cocktail for two overlooking a sunset on the large oversized deck.
The west end balcony is comfortable with a small table and chairs.

The West Balcony is so large there is plenty of space around the table.

There is more seating on the north side of the building where the wraparound balcony begins.

Town of Ocean City Remembers Former Mayor Roland E. “Fish” Powell

OceanCity.com
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Ocean City, Maryland – (August 29, 2018): Former Ocean City mayor Roland E. “Fish” Powell passed away in his home on Wednesday morning, surrounded by his family. It was just days before his 90th birthday. Mayor Powell served as they Mayor of Ocean City from 1985-1996, and also held positions as Volunteer Fire Chief, City Council President and and President of the Worcester County Commissions. 

“Fish was friend, mentor and good example of what a true leader should be,” commented Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan.  “Under his leadership the town successfully transitioned as both the season and the year round population began to grow. Just look around and you can see where the success we enjoy today can be directly attributed to Fish. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jeannie and his family. We all loved Fish and will miss him.”

Mayor Powell is remembered for his down to earth personality and compelling leadership ability, and for using his strong relationships with local, State and Federal representatives to advance the future of Ocean City. Projects such as beach replenishment and the growth of the Ocean City Convention Center, which now bears his name, are largely attributed to his commitment to grow, protect and serve the Ocean City community.

“Fish Powell guided Ocean City through a sea of change as it transitioned its form of government, and the town grew exponentially,” commented City Councilman and former City Manager Dennis Dare. “I am forever grateful for his friendship and mentoring.”

A memorial service will be held on what would have been his 90th birthday, September 5, for Mayor Powell at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center.

Inside the Draken Harald Hårfagre Viking Ship

Kristin
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Photos by Kristin and BL Strang-Moya

If you were staying in a hotel on Ocean City’s bayside last Wednesday evening, you may have looked out your window only to see a 115-foot long Viking ship sailing south toward the Inlet. And even if you’re familiar with El Galeon, the 17th century Spanish galleon replica that dropped anchor in Ocean City last August, the Draken traversing the waters of Delmarva was very much a sight to behold. 

Translated in English to Dragon Harold Fairhair, the Draken Harald Hårfagre was named after the first king of Norway, its native country. Construction on the ship began in March of 2010, and at 115 feet long, 26 feet wide and with a 79-foot tall mast, it is the largest Viking ship ever built in the modern era. The Draken first set sail in 2012, tentatively making its way along the coast of Norway before making its first ocean voyage to Liverpool, England in 2014.

In 2016 the ship took its first tour of North America in “Expedition America 2016,” returning now in 2018 to tour America’s East Coast. The ship sailed south from Greenport, New York before making its stop in Ocean City, and it will make additional stops in  Philadelphia, PA, Norfolk, VA, Washington, D.C. and Mystic Seaport, CT before heading back home in October. 

If you have a chance to take a tour of the Draken before it heads back north to PA, absolutely do it! The ship sails out on Wednesday morning, and tickets to tour the boat are $12 for adults and $6 for children. The photos below are just a taste of what you’ll experience on board the ship, but you won’t really start to feel like a Viking until you step foot on the Draken. 

All aboard: The ship docked on Ocean City’s bayside at 3rd Street on Wednesday, Aug. 22, and will depart the following Wednesday morning. 
The ship was inspired by real Viking ships found in Norway. Archaeological findings have shown that such ships were beautifully ornamented, hence the traditional dragon’s head at the Draken’s bow.
Visitors board the ship on a Saturday morning. 
At its Ocean City stopover, the Draken saw steady traffic every day from interested and awed onlookers.
Enter at your own risk! You might find real Vikings waiting for you on board.
And watch your step.
The Draken’s crew is made up of 34 men and women who hail from all over the world and sail as real Vikings did centuries ago. 
Back in the days of the Vikings, birds were kept on the ship and released when the crew thought they were near land. If the birds came back, they knew they had more sailing to do. Although docked on land, these birds did not go anywhere. 

Creature Feature: Ocean City’s Sea Lice Outbreak

Kristin
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Itchy rashes, a “prickling” feeling in the ocean, discomfort under the bathing suit: Maryland’s Eastern Shore is currently in the throes of a sea lice outbreak, and if you’ve suffered from any of the above symptoms after swimming in the ocean, you may have been bitten by the minuscule larvae. This week, the Ocean City Beach Patrol has responded to several calls from beachgoers who have been affected by sea lice, and recommend that all swimmers rinse off with fresh water after going in the ocean. 

What are sea lice?

 The sea lice that affect beach-goers are actually jellyfish — real sea lice are parasites that only affect fish, but the jellyfish larvae were misnomered “sea lice” after an outbreak in the 1950s, and the name stuck. They’re also sometimes fittingly known as “seabather’s eruption.”

The sea lice that are stinging swimmers in Ocean City are, in fact, the tiny jellyfish larvae. Florida’s Gulf Coast is a region where sea lice outbreaks frequently occur, and according to the state’s Department of Health, “If pressure occurs from exercising, surf boards, lying on the beach, etc., stinging cells are released causing itching, irritation and welts.” The larvae are also commonly found in hair, in addition to the skin, but they are not related to head lice. 

How do I know if I have sea lice? 

The larvae make their presence known by causing itching, irritation and welts, and if you suspect you’ve been affected by sea lice, you probably have. Some, but not most, people experience a “prickling” sensation while in the water, but in most cases, sea lice are detected a few hours after being in the ocean when the itching starts. 

The itching typically lasts 2-4 days, but can last as long as two weeks. More severe reactions include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, urethritis and infected blisters, and children may develop a high fever. 

How can I avoid sea lice, and what do I do if I have them? 

To avoid sea lice: The most obvious way to avoid sea lice is to avoid swimming in areas where their presence is known. If you’re unsure whether your spot on the beach is safe from sea lice, ask a lifeguard. The Florida Health Department also advised swimmers to avoid wearing t-shirts and to cover up with sunscreen, which can reduce contact with the larvae.

If you think you have sea lice: Shower immediately after getting out of the ocean. “Our best advice is to rinse with fresh water,” said a spokesperson for the Ocean City Beach Patrol in a Facebook post. They said they have received several calls from swimmers afflicted with sea lice in the past few days, and that the Eastern Seaboard is currently “experiencing this natural phenomenon.”

 

Even if you’re not itching yet, it’s always a good idea to take that extra precaution by rinsing off with your bathing suit removed. Because sea lice hide under bathing suits, swimmers should wash their suits thoroughly with detergent and heat try rather than air dry before wearing them again. Antihistamines and topical creams can be used to help stop itching.

Take a Historic Home Tour of Ocean City

OceanCity.com
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Ocean City, MD – (August 22, 2018):  This October, for the first time ever, the Ocean City Museum Society will offer a Historic House Tour, to take place on Saturday, October 13th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

This event will allow those that have an interest in local history to step into the past as they tour some of Ocean City’s oldest homes, hotels and other iconic sites. An interpreter will be at each site to discuss the unique history of the building. Some of the sites available for touring include an Inn at the Ocean B&B, The Walker Cottage, The George Bert Cropper House, and St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church.

The Historic House Tour is a fundraiser that will help strengthen and grow the George and Suzanne Hurley Scholarship Fund. This scholarship is open to Stephen Decatur High School graduates who plan on furthering their education at Salisbury University, Wor-Wic Community College, or UMES. Annually, the Museum awards one student, who can effectively demonstrate through essay, the historical significance of a community member, landmark, or event.  

Tickets for this event can be purchased at www.ocmuseum.org. For additional information and updates check out our Facebook event page.

Have you seen a Narwhal in Ocean City?

Kristin
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The Narwhal Hunt Has Begun!

If you’ve been in Ocean City since Aug. 17, you may have seen a  handful of narwhals, or “sea unicorns,” in businesses along the Boardwalk. Until the 30th, visitors aged 13 and under will have the chance to take part in Ocean City’s First Annual Narwhal Hunt.

The Narwhal Hunt, sponsored by the Ocean City Downtown Association, gives kids a chance to win their own stuffed narwhal, all while bringing more foot traffic to Boardwalk businesses where the narwhals are located and supporting local small businesses.

Children who are 13 and under can pick up their card, one per person, at the Ocean City Downtown Association Information Booth between North Division and Caroline streets, or at any of the 10 participating locations. These include: 

The Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum, Trimper’s Red Apple stand at South Division Street, the Dough Rollers on South Division and 3rd Streets, Somerset Jewelers, Wockenfuss Candies on North Division Street, Park Place Hotel, Park Place Jewelers, Shenanigan’s Irish Pub and the Kite Loft on 6th Street.

At each of the 10 locations, kids can “find the narwhal” and a staff member will stamp their card. After they’ve received all 10 stamps, the card should be returned to the Information Booth on the Boardwalk by Aug. 30 and participants will receive their prize and an entry into a drawing for gifts from participating Boardwalk merchants. 

Want to learn more about narwhals? 

Free narwhal story and education sessions will be held outside the Life-Saving Station Museum Aug. 20 – 23 and Aug. 27 – 30 at 1 p.m.

Until then, here’s a bit of information about sea unicorns from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: 

Narwhals have small rounded heads, short flippers with upturned tips, and no dorsal fin but an uneven dorsal ridge along the spine… [They are] one of three whale species that spend their entire lives in the Arctic—the others being bowhead and beluga whales. Narwhals are animals of myth and legend and could have been the basis for the mythical unicorn. Narwhal males (and some females) have two teeth, the left of which grows into a long clockwise-spiraled tusk extending forward from the head. Scars on narwhal males suggest that they use their tusks to joust. Narwhals are hunted for their ivory tusks, blubber, and meat.

For more information on the Narwhal Hunt, visit www.downtownassociation.net or email ocdowntownassociation@verizon.net.

Construction begins on solar array just outside Ocean City

OceanCity.com
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OCEAN CITY, Md. (Aug. 20, 2018) — The Town of Ocean City will soon have a new source for around 20% of its annual energy use: Constellation, an Exelon company, is breaking ground on a 10 megawatt (DC) solar energy project at the intersection of Routes 50 and 90, 10 miles west of downtown Ocean City. 

The installation of solar panels will provide energy for several of the town’s major buildings, including City Hall, the Convention Center and the water plant.

“This solar array is a leading project of its kind and a true example of the Town of Ocean City’s commitment to renewable energy and a sustainable future for our resort community,” Mayor Rick Meehan said. “Thanks to our continued collaboration with Constellation, in the first year, the Town of Ocean City will receive nearly 6 million kilowatt-hours of electricity from this solar generation project, and a lower energy rate than conventional renewable electricity supply, saving Ocean City taxpayers an expected $120,000 per year.”

The system is expected to produce more than 5.6 million kilowatt-hours of electricity for the Town of Ocean City and reduce carbon emissions by nearly 4,200 metric tons in the first year, the greenhouse gas equivalent of 899 passenger vehicles driven, according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates.

Once complete, the solar project will add 10 megawatts of solar generation to Delmarva Power’s Maryland service area, satisfying a key commitment of Exelon’s 2016 merger with Pepco Holdings.

“We are proud to help the Town of Ocean City support the continued adoption of renewable energy in the state of Maryland,” said Brendon Quinlivan, Executive Director of Distributed Energy Origination for Constellation. “This type of project offers our customers a clean energy solution that blends onsite renewables and contracted offsite renewables, as well as the more traditional power and gas supply contracts provided by Constellation throughout the U.S.”

In addition to Ocean City, Eastman Chemical Company will procure a portion of the solar project’s production to power its manufacturing facility in Chestertown, Md. In total, the solar project consists of more than 30,000 photovoltaic panels on 113 acres of land.

United Renewable Energy will provide day-to-day oversight and coordination throughout the construction process. The project is slated to be completed before the end of 2018.

Ocean City Beach Patrol Coverage Reduced As Seasonal Employees Head Home

OceanCity.com
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Ocean City, Maryland – (August 20, 2018): As Ocean City’s seasonal employees begin to head home, the Ocean City Beach Patrol is reminding beachgoers that the number of surf rescue technicians, AKA lifeguards, who work on the beach day-to-day will also decrease. There will be no unguarded areas of the beach, but the number of occupied lifeguard towers will change the location and distance between stands, sometimes on a daily basis. 

While weekday coverage will be reduced, the OCBP will have returning surf rescue technicians to allow increased stands on weekends, and will increase the number of mobile rescue units patrolling the beach to assist with coverage. This annual reduced coverage structure begins the third week in August and is largely due to the start of college classes, as well as the return of the Ocean City Beach Patrol’s (O

The Ocean City Beach Patrol will be on duty daily between 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. through Sunday, September 23. As weekly coverage reduces, the Beach Patrol suggests taking extra precaution and making sure to walk the short distance to swim near a lifeguard.  In addition, OCBP encourages all beach patrons to restrict any beach or water-related activities to times when beach patrol personnel are on duty.

Remember… Keep Your Feet In the Sand Until a Lifeguard’s In the Stand! 

Celebrating 125 years of Trimper Rides

Kristin
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On Friday, the indoor area of Trimper Rides was the site of celebration for the amusement park and the fourth- and fifth-generation family members that keep the rides operating. Governor Hogan, Comptroller Peter Franchot, Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan and other dignitaries were in attendance, speaking about the impact that Trimper’s has had on Ocean City and the state of Maryland over the years and presenting the Trimper family with citations recognizing the fun that Trimper’s has brought families for now 125 years.

“The year was 1893,” said Trimper’s Vice President Stephanie Trimper Lewis. “Grover Cleveland was being sworn in as our 24th president. Thomas Edison was finishing another invention and constructing the first motion picture studio. The new invention at the World’s Fair was the first ferris wheel ride — that’s appropriate. And down here in Ocean City, my great grandparents Dan and Margaret Trimper opened up two hotels along the beach.” 

 

Her great grandparents had visited Ocean City several years prior to their move, Stephanie continued. When they went home to Baltimore, they ended their catering business and sold their bar. They opened up two hotels on the Boardwalk, The Eastern Shore and The Sea Bright, but Daniel Trimper wasn’t content just being a hotelier, Stephanie said. His passion was for entertainment and amusements. 

In the outdoor pavilion of the Sea Bright Hotel, the Trimpers began offering live theater, boxing matches, gambling, billiards, a bar, dancing, a shooting gallery, a roller rink, a live alligator exhibit, and the carousel that still goes round in the amusement park today. 

“I can only imagine how delighted he would be 125 years later to see how his vision has grown,” she said.  

trimpers old ferris wheel
A vintage look at a ferris wheel and adult fairy whip.

The oldest family-owned amusement park in the world*

Celebrating its 125th year, Trimper’s is verifiably the oldest operating family-owned amusement park in the United States, but many consider it the oldest family-owned park in the world. To some, Trimper’s ranks second to England’s Blackgang Chine, but according to amusement park historian Jim Futrell, Blackgang Chine wasn’t really an amusement park until after Trimper’s was established. An argument could certainly be made that Trimper’s is the oldest family-operated park in the world, and we like to think that it is, anyway.  

Here’s a quick look back at that oldest amusement park’s long and storied history here in Ocean City. Images courtesy of trimpersrides.com. 

1890: Daniel and Margaret Trimper, great-great grandparents of the park’s current owners, first arrive in Ocean City. 

1893: Just three years later, the Trimpers now own several properties on the Boardwalk spanning South Division and South First Streets.

1900: One of their hotels, the Sea Bright, is destroyed by a storm. They rebuild, and model their new building after Great Britain’s Windsor Castle, calling it the Windsor Resort. It features a theater and an amusement park within its walls. 

trimpers old carousel
Flappers ride the carousel back in the ride’s early days.

1912: The famous Trimper carousel, made by the Herschell-Spillman Company in North Tonawanda, NY, is purchased. This is one of the oldest continually-operating carousels in the U.S. Trimper’s website describes the initial mechanics and cost to ride the merry-go-round: 

The merry-go-round’s forty-five animals, three chariots and one rocking chair were driven by a steam engine; rides originally cost just a nickel. One-hundred years later, the ride (now electrified) costs you four tickets, or $2.00 – unless you buy the discounted package of 40 tickets for eighteen dollars, and then your ride only costs $1.80.

1950s: The park expands to include outdoor rides. 

1983: The business expands even further, and The Inlet Village Shoppes at the very south end of the Boardwalk are built. Today the Inlet Village includes 14 retail shops and restaurants Harrison’s Harbor Watch and The Frog Bar. 

The Rides

Himalaya ride
Many of the Trimper’s rides are fan favorites; the Himalaya, which first opened in 1976, is among them. 

There’s currently upwards of 40 rides on the premises, some indoors and some outdoors, some new and many others dating back to the early 20th century. Here’s a list of the rides that are operating at Trimper’s as of this article’s publication. 

Outdoor Rides

  • The Herschell-Spillman Carousel, circa 1912: The carousel was made a historic landmark in 2007. 
  • The Haunted House: This dark ride was built in 1964 by Bill Tracy. We’ve written a bit about this cult classic, which was said to be Granville Trimper’s favorite. 
  •  Pirate’s Cove: A dark funhouse also built by Bill Tracy, this one in 1971. 
  • The Tidal Wave (1986): An Ocean City landmark, this looping roller coaster is a staple of the OC skyline and visible from well across the bay. 
  • Other rides: Baja Buggy • Balloon Up Up and Away • Castle • Combat • Endeavor • Fiesta Balloon Ferris Wheel • Flying Tigers • Freakout • Frog Hopper • Happy Swing • Himalaya (1976) • Merry Mixer • Mirror Maze • Pirate Ship • Puppy Ride • Raiders • Rock and Roll Matterhorn • Rockin’ Tug • Sooper Jet • Speedway • Spinning Coaster • Teacups  • Tilt-a-Whirl • Wacky Worm • Wrecking Ball • Zipper

Rest in peace, Aladdin’s Lamp!

Indoor Rides

The indoor area of Trimper’s is filled with antique kiddie rides, many of them manufactured by famed amusement manufacturer William F. Mangels. Mangels’ creations include the 1920s era kiddie ferris wheel, the boats that sail on a track past a fishing village mural, and the Fairy Whip, whippin’ kids around the track since the ’20s. 

Other indoor rides include the smaller merry-go-round (1920s), the Flying Ace Airplanes, Big Dodgem and the smaller Kiddie Dodgem Bumper Cars, Fire Engines (1920s), Hampton I & II classic car rides and the Wild West Train. 

For those who might be interested in looking at a much more thorough and detailed history of Trimper’s Rides, I recommend this fantastic Images of America book. 

6 festivals to attend before summer’s tragic end

Kristin
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This article was originally posted on 9/16/17 and updated for the 2018 season –ed. 

The air might be feeling cooler and the kids might be back in school, but it’s still summer. And that’s the mantra until September 22. And then on September 22, the first day of fall, the new mantra becomes “only 272 days until summer!”

The Town of Ocean City feels your pain. That’s why Ocean City and its neighboring communities always have a few end-of-September festivals up their sleeve to ease the transition from summer to fall and let you kick back and enjoy some of the last warm, stress-free vacation days of the year. Sometimes, as seen in this year’s festival lineup, a few drinks are understandably involved. Still, all of the following events that summer 2018 has in store are family friendly and just waiting for you to come have a good time and take your mind off the future and “real life” for a night or two.

ArtX

Aug. 25-26

We’ve been talking about ArtX a lot lately, but only because it’s so, so cool, and this year marks the first one ever. If you’ve ever been to Arts Alive, ArtX is similar — at least, it’s in the same location, Northside Park — but with much more. Artists will be working and selling their arts and crafts while films from the Ocean City Film Fest are screened, live bands perform (including the Original Wailers!), art workshops are held and fun games and activities go on all day long. Food, craft beer and wine will be for sale, and there will be tons of fun to be had by art lovers of all ages.

Sunfest

Sept. 20-23

This one might be a bit obvious, but if you’re looking to celebrate the last week of summer in Ocean City, you’re going to want to do it at Sunfest. Not only are there tons of things to do at the over 40-year-old annual festival (music, food, vendors, arts ‘n crafts, etc., etc., etc.) but wandering the Inlet during the festival is totally free, and the weather is almost always perfect–still warm, but with a comfortable breeze welcoming in autumn. 

Just hop on a tram and make your way down to the Inlet for a weekend of fun in the sun. (Clara Vaughn | Ocean City Today)

Kite Fest

Sept. 20-23

If you’ve ever passed by the Kite Loft on 5th street and looked on longingly at the kites flying high outside of the store, Kite Fest is your opportunity to get in on the action. Coinciding with Sunfest each year, hundreds of kites of every shape, color and design take to the skies during Kite Fest to “wow!” onlookers with the beauty of the spectacle. Even if you can’t fly a kite without getting tangled in the line, the display is worth a look at the sky. 

Some kites seem less like traditional kites and more like giant inflatable sand ornaments, but if it flies, it flies! (Photo courtesy of The Kite Loft)

Berlin Fiddler’s Convention

Sept. 21-23

This year marks historic Berlin, MD’s 26th Fiddlers Convention. Fiddlers and string bands from all over the U.S. gather in Berlin to play bluegrass, Americana, folk and country music and to compete in the fiddlin’ competition. The convention is a time-honored tradition in Berlin and while it might sound niche, the Fiddlers Convention has always proved to be a great time for families and musical connoisseurs alike.

Tim and Savannah Finch with the Eastman String Band will be one of the convention’s headlining acts.

Brews on the Beach and OCtoberfest

Sept. 8, Oct. 27

The end of summer and beginning of fall also marks beer festival season on the Shore. On the second Saturday of September, Ocean City’s oldest beer fest Brews on the Beach will celebrate its 10th year. That particular festival, hosted by Fin City and Shore Craft Beer, is all about celebrating the “art of craft” and is the best party on the beach complete with live music, games, vendors and food from Hooper’s available for sale. OCtoberfest is a super seasonal beer festival at Sunset Park with food trucks, music and always a handful of dogs wearing their spookiest (and cutest) Halloween costumes. Both festivals boast tons of local craft beer and beautiful views of Ocean City and its waterways. 

No pictures from MARSH Fest since it’s never happened before, but if it’s anything like last week’s 9th Shore Craft Beer Brews on the Beach, it’s sure to be a great time.

Wine on the Beach

Sept. 28-29

Maybe beer’s not your thing. That’s okay–wine is an option, too. Wine Fest (and OCtoberfest, for that matter) technically takes place in the fall season, but since you’re drinking on the beach, you’ll probably be able to pretend it’s still summer, anyway. This year’s 23rd annual festival will feature Maryland wineries and will also include a selection of craft beer, food, arts and crafts and live music. 

drinking wine on the beach
The perfect ending to a perfect summer. 

Ocean City Convention Center to Receive $34 Million Upgrade

Kristin
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(Annapolis, Md, 8/16/18): Governor Larry Hogan announced today that he has authorized the Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA), in conjunction with the Town of Ocean City, to move forward with the final phase of the Roland E. Powell Convention Center addition and renovation. 

The $34 million project will be funded via $20 million from the state of Maryland through the MSA, and Ocean City’s contribution of $14 million. 

“This facility has long been an important economic driver for Ocean City, bringing in thousands of visitors for conferences and events like MACo and allowing local businesses to stay open and continue to hire year-round,” said Governor Hogan. “I want to thank Mayor Meehan, as well as the team at the Maryland Stadium Authority, for working with us to make today’s announcement possible. With their partnership, we are able to speed up this important project, which is expected to have an economic impact of as much as $67 million and continue creating jobs right here on the Eastern Shore.”

Governor Hogan made the announcement in Ocean City at the Convention Center during the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) 2018 Summer Conference. He was joined by  joined by Ocean City Mayor Richard Meehan, Maryland Stadium Authority Chairman Tom Kelso and Executive Director Michael Frenz, and Ocean City Convention Center Executive Director Larry Noccolino.

Legislation will be submitted for the 2019 session of the Maryland General Assembly to allow MSA the needed capacity to finance the project

The Convention Center brings visitors to Ocean City year-round and allows local businesses to stay open even during the off-season, in addition to providing full-time emloyment for Marylanders. Currently, the convention center has existing clients whose events have outgrown the facility and may seek out-of-state alternatives.

“The expansion of the Convention Center is important to Ocean City and the State of Maryland. Not only does the Convention Center generate revenue locally but has a positive economic impact on the State,” said Mayor Meehan. “We are thankful for the support of Governor Hogan and the partnership with the Maryland Stadium Authority.”

Market research suggests that the expansion will allow the convention center to better accommodate existing users, as well as attract new business in niches that are well-suited to Ocean City’s strengths, including state and regional organizations, trade shows, and sports competitions that attract overnight attendees who look for affordable family-friendly destinations. The expansion is expected to create between 470 and 670 new jobs.

“The Maryland Stadium Authority values our successful partnership with the Town of Ocean City and is pleased to partner once again on a project that provides enjoyment and a positive return on investment for Marylanders,” said Chairman Kelso.

MSA previously partnered with the Town of Ocean City on two additional expansions of the Ocean City Convention Center since the original expansion in 1996.

The Roland E. Powell Ocean City Convention Center currently offers approximately 60,000 square feet of exhibit space, 19,126 square feet of ballroom space, 23,295 square feet of meeting space, a 1,200 seat Performing Arts Center and 1,320 parking spaces. The conceptual design documents suggest that the existing site is capable of accommodating an expansion of the exhibit hall space by 30,000 square feet, and will address the resulting parking needs of the facility. The Town of Ocean City will again request that MSA manage design and construction.

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