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Reach the Beach cheer and dance event this weekend

OceanCity.com
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The last week in February each year marks the annual Reach the Beach cheerleading and dance national championship for recreation and school participants will take place at the Ocean City convention center on 40th Street.

Click here for up-to-date registration information.

The competition consists of athletes ranging in age from 4 to 18 years old. They will compete in a two-day event, starting with the solo and small group cheer competition Friday. The cheer-filled weekend continues into Saturday with the recreational and school cheerleading team numbers going until after 10 p.m. On Sunday, recreational teams start at 8:30 a.m. and finish up around 8:30 p.m.

The event brings about 15,000 people to Ocean City and attracts thousands of spectators.

Reach the Beach is the largest recreational and school event on the East Coast. Each year seems to add teams with the number quickly approaching the 300 mark. Teams from New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, New Jersey, Maryland and Washington D.C. will compete this weekend. 

All participants will receive a Reach the Beach exclusive beach towel and coaches have the chance to win a $5,000 cruise giveaway.

Several award ceremonies will take place throughout the weekend and all teams will receive a placement surfboard.

National champions will be given a jacket and grand champions will receive a banner. Solo and small group winners will take home a trophy. The winner of the season’s best award will accept a banner.

Cheerleading competition in Ocean City awards

There is more than $6,000 up for grabs in high score cash prizes. The recreation and school cheer solo/duet trio teams will receive $250. The high score stunt group will win $500. Recreation cheer teams on Saturday and Sunday, in addition to, the school cheer team will each receive $1,500.

The February national cheerleading competition is one of three other Reach the Beach events that take place in Ocean City, including the national dance competition held in mid March.

Find a family-friendly restaurant

Friday’s admission is $7 for adults (ages 13-64) and $4 for children and seniors. Saturday and Sunday admission cost is $20 for adults and $14 for children and seniors. Children 5 and younger will be admitted for free. Three-day passes are available and cost $30 for adults and $20 for children and seniors.

For more information, call 877-322-2310 or visit theepicbrands.com.

This was revised in February 2017 to change the date information and remove quotes and attribution — Ed.

Marching Towards St. Patrick’s Day.

The Outsider
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With Valentines Day behind us, it’s time to fold our mirrors in on February and look straight ahead to St. Patrick’s Day. There’s nothing quite like the St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Ocean City. Like a bear from hibernation, our favorite resort town awakes from its long winter nap. The sidewalks of Coastal Highway will be packed with onlookers standing shoulder to shoulder between 60th and 45th street to witness the Ocean City St. Patrick’s Day parade. The street that practically had tumble weeds blowing down it a few days before now will become a sea of green filled with marching bands and floats carrying riders that will be throwing candy into the hands of waiting children.

 

No matter what their true ancestry, everyone is Irish St. Patrick’s Day weekend, and all are strongly encouraged to show it. For not only will the residents be coming out of the woodwork, but many vacationers will visit the city this weekend to take part in the festivities. For many this is a chance to see their favorite resort town in a whole different light. The busy summer traffic is replaced by a slow moving promenade, decked out in green, and it’s a sure bet that you won’t see many skimpy bikinis this time of year, but guys wearing kilts are sure to turn some heads as they play their bagpipes good and loud! 

Participating in St. Patrick's Day festivities at BJ's on the Water during the last St. Patrick's Day event were Phyllis Jones, Dee Barnhill, Mimi Clough and Stephen, Agnes and Patrick Molloy.
Participating in St. Patrick’s Day festivities at BJ’s on the Water during the last St. Patrick’s Day event were Phyllis Jones, Dee Barnhill, Mimi Clough and Stephen, Agnes and Patrick Molloy.

Let’s cheer things up, though

So, if you decide to visit Ocean City this year for St. Patrick’s Day, and I certainly hope you do, The Outsider of course, has your back. If everyone in your party is over 21 your options are practically endless. Grab a copy of Ocean City Today, or one of the other publications in your hotel lobby, and you’ll find plenty of ads letting you know what bands are playing where and what type of specials they will be running throughout the weekend. No matter whether we have a parade or not, there will be no shortage of grownup entertainment in and around the town. All you need to do is use your head, make good choices, and above all else please don’t drink and drive.

Now, if you’re traveling with children, that is a different story. It would be a good idea to start with a hotel that has an indoor pool. My pick would be the Carousel Hotel. They have a great indoor pool, hot tub, and of course the indoor ice skating rink. The rooms are very modern and clean. The staff is always very accommodating and I can honestly say that I’ve never had a less than stellar experience at this hotel. Plus, it’s located right on the beach. So if you have good weather during you visit, that opens the door up to beach activities such as Frisbee, kite flying, or even just throwing football. And, while I’ll be crossing my fingers for sunshine, it wouldn’t hurt to have a few more indoor activities on the back burner: indoor golf at Old Pro golf on 68th street and Laser Tag at Planet Maze on 33rd street are always solid choices to keep in mind. No matter what the weather ends up doing on this weekend, remember that any weekend in Ocean City is better than a weekend at home.
Sincerely,

The Ocean City Outsider.

This story originally was published in 2016. It has been updated for relevance  — Ed.

 

Congratulations to winners of the Ocean City/Berlin Optimists High School Art Contest!

Tony Russo
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First place painting: Nick Ager: “Trigger” acrylic on wood (Stephen Decatur High School)
First place drawing: Danielle Kuscavage: “Kelsey” Charcoal (Snow Hill HS)
Second place painting: Natalie Turner: “Lennon” Tempera Paint (Pocomoke High School)
Second place drawing: Kira Solomon: “Winter Androgyny” Pastel & Graphite (Stephe…n Decatur High School)
Third place painting: Stephanie Marx: “Under the Waves” Watercolor (Stephen Decatur High School)
Third place drawing: Niamh Lundberg: “ My World” Colored Pencil/Pen & Ink (Stephen Decatur High School)
Honorable Mention Awards:
Painting: Deborah Marini “Bazaar” acrylic (Worcester Preparatory School)
Drawing: Kate Carpenter: “Wishing for a Snow Day” (Stephen Decatur High School)
People’s Choice Award: Nick Ager – ” Trigger” (Stephen Decatur High School)

Exhibit on display at the Worcester County Arts Council until the end of February.

Pictured are Christy Powell, Monica Forrester, Steve Acton, Natalie Turner, Kira Salomon, Niamh Lundberg, Debra Marini, Kate Carpenter, Nick Ager, David Simpson, Alexandra Tobiassen.

Easy Ways to Support Local Art and Community Nonprofits

Art League of Ocean City
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I wanted to share some easy ways to get involved in the local Ocean City Maryland art world AND do good for the community too!

Here at the Ocean City Center for the Arts we make fundraising fun! Enjoy a stress-free art experience and unleash your inner artist all while raising money for your charity or organization. The charity must be a registered nonprofit and you can register a minimum of 10 people and a maximum of 25. Our instructor will guide your group step-by-step as you create a masterpiece— no experience necessary. Make up to $500 for your charity and support the arts in the Ocean City MD area. We offer painting or pottery classes. For a paint party, bring your own beverage & snacks. We will supply the rest. Paints, brushes, canvases, aprons, easels, and an artist to guide you. Same goes for our pottery party; Bring your own beverage & snacks and we will supply the rest. Clay, tools, aprons, and an artist to guide you. You can call the Ocean City Center for the Arts at 410-524-9433 to set up a creative fundraiser today.

We have recently had community groups plan fundraisers with us including the American Cancer Society, Peninsula Regional Medical Center, and People’s Place.

Pottery fundraiser with Delaware By The Sea Womenade raising money for People’s Place 2.
Brushes & Bubbly Paint Night raising money for the American Cancer Society.
Painting Party for Peninsula Regional Medical Center.

Here’s another awesome way to get involved. If you are interested in teaching  any kind of class at our facility, our Education Coordinator Katrin Huber is looking for instructors for Spring and Summer of 2017. As you may know, we offer classes of all kinds including painting, drawing, writing, mixed media, beading, yoga, pottery, multi-day workshops and even children’s classes. Please call Katrin at 410-524-9433 or send her an e-mail at katrin@artleagueofoceancity.org.

Busy at work during a children’s pottery class.

We have not one, but TWO wonderful opportunities coming up for young artists to display their work at the Ocean City Center for the Arts! The Shirley Hall Memorial Youth Art Show opens First Friday, March 3 from 5-7pm and continues thru March 4 – 5 from 11am-4pm. For over 20 years, the Art League of Ocean City MD has organized and presented a youth art show in cooperation with Worcester County Schools. The purpose of this event is to promote creativity and allow the middle and high school students of Worcester County to present their artwork in a professional setting at the Ocean City Center for the Arts. Cash prizes are awarded to the students. This is a great way to support arts education in our schools.

The Shirley Hall Memorial Youth Art Show promotes creativity and allows the middle and high school students of Worcester County to present their artwork in a professional setting.

Another opportunity to get creative and spread awareness of Manga and Anime as a true art form is the Manga and Anime Youth Art Show. Students will showcase their artwork beginning Friday April 7 from 5-7pm thru Saturday – Sunday April 8 – 9 from 11am-4pm. The show is open to students in middle, high school, and higher education in Worcester, Wicomico, and Sussex Counties. Students may submit work independently or through school. Cash prizes will be awarded on the basis of creativity, originality, and artistic merit. To confirm participation or for questions, email Gallery Manager Katie Brown at katie@artleagueofoceancity.org or 410-524-9433.

The Manga and Anime Youth Art Show open to students in middle, high school, and higher education in Worcester, Wicomico, and Sussex Counties.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call us at 410-524-9433!

 

Of course it’s open, it’s Harpoon Hanna’s: Happy Hour Adventures

Tony Russo
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I wandered into Harpoon Hanna’s a little before Happy Hour just to take a couple of photos and maybe try and choke down a beer. The hostess was young and pretty and pleasant and went to check to see if the taking-a-couple-of-photos part was OK. I knew from experience that having a couple of beers was OK, so I headed into the bar to wait. The craft beer on tap selection was perfectly acceptable, including a house beer (more on that in a second) but I chose a Lot 3 and settled in. 

Increasingly, the better restaurants are making deals with local breweries to produce an exclusive beer. These are often made to pair well with the restaurant’s menu. Ask for the house Pale Ale the next time you’re at Harpoon Hanna’s. I assure it will be the perfect beer for pretty much anything you’re having to eat.  

Before too long I was joined by Kelsey Jakubiak, event coordinator for Harpoon Hanna’s, and we found our way outside to the deck. It was winter but the weather was spectacular, one of those February surprises. And it was more than welcome.

Harpoon Hanna's Restaurant
The view from the deck at Harpoon Hanna’s is just as spectacular during the winter as it is the summer. And there are more places to sit.

Open for business. For Real.

Outside on the deck, Kelsey was talking about why they stayed so busy all year. The Happy Hour crowd already had started to trickle in as we left the bar. By the time we checked back in there weren’t many seats at the bar and many if not most of the surrounding tables already were full.

Harpoon Hanna’s is open 365 days a year. It always has been. One of the tough things about resort restaurants is that a lot of them have different days they are closed during the off season. I know when I’m trying to choose where to go for Happy Hour it can be a trick trying to remember who is open when. There is no such problem at Harpoon Hanna’s. If it is an afternoon during the year, then Happy Hour is on at Harpoon Hanna’s. Off season Happy Hour prices are comically low, but they’re still inexpensive in season.

Kelsey showed off Harpoon Hanna’s pretty extensive complex (in case you’ve ever been, the place is enormous) including the restaurant’s event room and the main dining room. What was fun about the dining room was there was a fire place. If you never have been in the winter, there’s a Great Room-style aspect to the dining room. It was a warm afternoon and Kelsey was mentioning that they often have the fire going the whole time the dining room is open in the winter, but since it was unseasonable warm, they decided to leave the hearth cold.

 

Ocean City restaurants
Hanna’s Hideout is super quiet during the winter, but that’s a bonus.

Experiential advertising

Hanging out on the deck at what (come summer) certainly will be the packed Hanna’s Hideout made me not only wish for summer but plan to return. The best part of living in (or visiting) a resort off season is that you get to test drive the best places while they still are easily accessible. That way, come summertime you know which places are worth the effort to go to and which are, frankly, not. If you can’t cut for me in the winter, there’s no way I’ll have the patience for you come summer. 

The folks at Harpoon Hanna’s clearly know what they’re doing. The place has been open more than three decades. It’s always been massive and always been open all year. That isn’t a sign of a place that doesn’t take excellent care of its people at all costs. 

Worcester County Commissioners present Black History Month proclamation

Tony Russo
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Worcester County Commissioners
Germantown School Community Heritage Center Board of Directors President Tom Pitts, Community Center President Barbara Purnell, and Board member Gabe Purnell attend the Worcester County Commissioners’ February 7, 2017 meeting to accept a proclamation recognizing February as Black History Month.
Worcester County Commissioners
Tuesday, February 7, 2017, Worcester County Commissioner Vice President Diana Purnell reads a proclamation recognizing February as Black History Month and highlighting the Germantown School Community Heritage Center in Berlin as a site of great historic significance to Worcester County.
Worcester County commissioners
Tuesday, February 7, 2017, Germantown School Community Heritage Center representatives Gabe Purnell, Tom Pitts, and Barbara Purnell accept a proclamation recognizing February as Black History Month from Worcester County Commissioner Vice President Diana Purnell and President Jim Bunting. Also pictured are Commissioners Chip Bertino, Ted Elder, Joe Mitrecic, and Bud Church.

Getting a new perspective on Assateague

Tony Russo
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Verrazano Bridge
A view through the windshield of the Verrazano Bridge. I feel about it the way many people feel about going over the Bay Bridge, “In a little while things are going to get a whole lot better.

I headed bayside first, because it isn’t something I often do and since I was looking for new perspectives on Assateague, I figured it was the place to start. It wasn’t bitterly cold, but there was a chill which made it even more surprising to get a load of two guys kiteboarding. Getting a good shot of them getting air was tough, since the kite and the boarder barely fit in the same frame, but I had a little luck with this one. 

sailboarding on Assateague
A sailboarder getting air out on the Assateague Bay on a nice, brisk winter’s day. Some people just can’t stand to not play in the water.

I’m forever fascinated by the trees at the edge of the water that have had the sand eroded from under them. They eventually fall but then many of them re-root and grow sideways. Others just die and become driftwood or habitat. It feels metaphorical.

assateague tree
Increasingly I’ve been messing with these odd angles. Getting low, turning my camera about, etc. while also trying to be careful to remember how it will look on a phone as well as on a big screen.

This guy is one of those that I think isn’t going to make it, but there’s no harm in hoping. I knocked around a bit more before heading back to the car and pointing it oceanside, where I knew there were tons of great photos to be had. 

dead tree on Assateague Island
This guy is one of the dozens of trees that had been unrooted by erosion but somehow manages to stay in one spot. If I come back in the spring, it totally is possible that it is rerooted elsewhere and I’ll find greenery poking out of an unexpected place.

The wasn’t the best photo I took during my excursion, or even one of the better Assateague pony photos I have ever taken, but it was the only one I got that day. Sometimes in the cold, the horses like to keep to themselves in a place they can stay warm, and who can blame them? 

Assateague pony
One never gets tired of the Assateague Island horses, just hanging out and doing their thing in the midst of our trespassing.

Arts Council holds annual high school competition

Tony Russo
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During the month of February the Worcester County Arts Council is pleased to present an exhibit featuring entries submitted by local high schools students for the annual art competition sponsored by the Berlin/Ocean City Optimist Club.
The exhibit includes a total of 33 paintings and drawings and is showcased on display at the Worcester County Arts Council gallery located at 6 Jefferson Street in downtown Berlin.
The goal of this competition is to encourage, recognize and honor artistic expression of talented art students in Worcester County as well as to emphasize the importance and support of quality art programs.
The competition offers a total of $1,400 in cash prizes to the student artists. Selection of paintings and drawings entered for this contest was judged by award winning local artist and art educator, David Simpson.
Monetary awards and ribbons for the first, second, and third place as well as honorable mention will be presented to students on Friday, February 10 at 6 pm during an open to the public reception to be held at the Worcester County Arts Council’s Gallery located at 6 Jefferson Street in downtown Berlin.
Visitors to the Gallery are encouraged to vote for the “People’s Choice” award. Voting will end on February 10, 2016. “People’s Choice” winner will be announced and awarded monetary prize at the opening exhibit reception.
Please join us as we celebrate the artistic young talent in our Community!
The exhibit is on display February 1 – February 28, 2017. Gallery hours are Monday thru Friday and some Saturdays, 11 am – 3 pm.

Meeting up at Northside Pit ‘n’ Pub: Happy Hour Adventures

Tony Russo
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Meeting up at Northside Pit ‘n’ Pub: Happy Hour Adventures

I’ll admit without shame or pride that I never made it up to J.C.’s Northside Pub when it was there, but when the folks from the Pit’n’Pub said they were going to go uptown, I wanted to make a visit. Anyone will tell you that the vibes are different uptown from the way they are below 28th Street, but I always have a blast at the original Pit’n’Pub.

It’s a solid bar. It’s dark enough, but not dense. It’s beach casual, but if you stop in after work wearing a tie (even in the hight of summer) you don’t feel either out of place or unwelcome. I was there late in the season last year and every bartender and server who had the day off swung by for Happy Hour. The best part for me is that is clean without being antiseptic. I have no use or patience for the Applebee’ses and Chilis’es of the world. I like going to bars.
The building at Northside is newer and that has a real effect on the ambiance, but not in a bad way. Where the 28th Street Pit’n’Pub is long and narrow, this bar is square but the first thing I notice that they have in common is that they are both cozy and deceptively big.
Northside is broken up nicely by booths to the right when you come in and a bar and tables to the left. There is a certain pleasure in being able to take the corner seat at a bar when you come in as a couple. My wife and I didn’t make it to the corner, but we got seats just beyond, with the door to our left, which was good enough for us.
Whomever chose the on-tap beers knew what they were doing, because even though it was a little light on local beers, there were enough for me to choose from and enough for anyone who loves craft beer to have their pick.

Whether you’re there for Happy Hour, drinks or dinner, Northside Pit’n’Pub has you covered.

Solid bar and restaurant menu

What you need to know about the Northside Pit’n’Pub is that they know bar food. This is not to say that the lunch and dinner menus are deficient in any way, but if you’re looking to have a Happy Hour Adventure, I can’t recommend it highly enough.
We went with nachos because (and here’s a pro-tip from a Happy Hour enthusiast) nachos are kinda the arbiter of quality happy hour food. I don’t need them freshly baked, but it’s nice when they’re warm, clearly not from the bottom of a Tostitos bag, and don’t make me feel as if I’m spending too much money on nachos. Yes, I have a low(ish) bar but going to Happy Hours professionally will do that to you.
The nachos at the Northside Pit’n’Pub were better than good, they were what I wanted when I wanted it. There was no fighting over sour cream or worrying that you would run out of toppings before you ran out of chips. It was perfect for two people to share over a couple-three beers.
The other (and possibly best) aspect of the Northside Pit’n’Pub is that, since they’ve been in town awhile, they get better help. Whether it is fair or not, bars and restaurants that are good to their people attract the best. In Ocean City, where people start working in the service industry in high school, that is an asset that can’t be ignored. A good bartender sends off a vibe. You know the second you order what kind of time you’re going to have.
Here’s a quick tell:
If you’re too worried to finish your beer because you don’t have a clear sense when the next one is coming, you don’t have a good bartender. I’ve been to both and I do not believe there is a Pit’n’Pub that employs mediocre bartenders. Again, I’m kind of a professional, but when you catch them checking our your beer even when they’re talking to other people, you are in the presence of a professional. Drink up, they never will let you go dry.

The Northside Pit’n’Pub is a little more dressed up than its downtown sibling, but the family resemblance is remarkable.

Nothin’ wrong with going uptown

Short version? Check out the Northside Pit’n’Pub and tell me I’m wrong. My wife and I wandered out just after four and the place already was filling up. And it’s wintertime. These folks know what they’re doing, they’ve been doing it well for years.

Adam Peix knows Seacrets

Tony Russo
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Seacrets was as quiet as it gets at 10 a.m. in the middle of winter. The renovations and maintenance mostly were complete but the bar had yet to be stocked. As far as I could tell I was the only one in the place. The woman who tends the palm trees had gone to find assistant bar manager Adam Peix, who was going to walk me through the Seacrets beer selection and as I waited I marveled at how massively silent the beach bar was. There were a few people left, buzzing around in preparation for the Feb. 9 reopening, but most of the work was done and now it was just a matter of waiting. 
Adam joined me in short order. He’s tall and pleasant and has that kind of loosey-goosey aura that hides expertise common to many if not most beverage pros. For those on the outside, Seacrets has this constant party atmosphere. But that kind of managed chaos only works if there’s a solid plan of execution. That’s kinda what winters are for.

The best and the lightest

On a normal day, Seacrets carries five local beers: Namaste by Dogfish Head, White Marlin Pale Ale by Fin city, Just the Tip by Burley, Tropicale by Seacrets (via Evolution Craft Brewing) and Lot 3 by Evolution Craft Brewing. Lot 3 is the biggest of the beers, all of which have different characters. This, Adam said, is by design.
It was something of a fight to get craft beer in at Seacrets, especially four or five years ago. The trouble and concern was that so many of the craft beers were also high alcohol (many at the time had two to three times the alcohol as an average Bud Light).
“Seacrets is the kind of place where you come to spend the day,” Adam said. “So we needed lower alcohol beers.”
For the uninitiated, if you usually drank two Coors Lights per hour, drinking two, say, 90 Minute IPAs from Dogfish was like having more than four. Multiply this over time and it can be iffy. Namaste, however, has essentially the same alcohol content, but twice (or three times) the flavor, so you can drink a couple responsibly. Tropicale, designed by Evo specifically for Seacrets essentially has the same advantage as well.

Taking your work home

When he’s not at work, though, Adam has a great time going out to find and try new beers and local favorites. His favorite overall, he said, was Rude Boy by Burley Oak.
“I can’t drink more than two or three because they’re over eight percent,” he said.

Speaking of IPAs

Adam describes himself as an IPA drinker “through and through.”
“If you looked in my fridge you probably would see Ballast Point, Lagunitas, Dogfish or Evolution at an given time,” he said. “I love a good 90 Minute on draft but, to be fair, the IPA I consume most throughout the year would have to be Evo’s Lot 3.”

A recent sour convert

Adam never had been much of a fan of sour beers, but this summer he, like many of us, had his head turned by Dogfish Head’s new Seaquench Ale. It’s limey and salty but in the best way. He was gifted a six-pack by Dogfish owner Sam Calagione during the big release events last spring.
“For me it was the right blend of beer and sour,” he said. “It certainly was a beer I could drink all day.”
Adam talked about the upcoming Love on Tap event at Seacrets. Last year was pretty great but he feel like this year might be even better.
“It was cool having all the different beers here to try,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to it.”
This year there will be more breweries and more beers to taste. It will be the best opportunity to get a sense of each of the breweries on the Shore all in one room which is pretty rare, and pretty spectacular.

Make Your Own Pottery Bowl for the Empty Bowl Project

Art League of Ocean City
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Ceramic bowls from Empty Bowl 2016 on display in the Galleria

This year is our fourth annual Empty Bowl Project at the Ocean City Center for the Arts! For a $20 donation in advance, you get one family-friendly pottery bowl making session as well as admission to a wonderful soup dinner on Friday, March 31. By participating in this event, you are helping to fill the food pantry at Diakonia and support the missions of the Art League of Ocean City. Two great causes wrapped into one event!

Bowls in a variety of styles and glaze colors

There are still six bowl making sessions available and spots are filling up FAST! You can call the Ocean City Center for the Arts at 410-524-9433 to reserve your spot today.

  • Saturday, February 4 – Session 2 from 3-4pm
  • Tuesday, February 7 – Session 2 from 3-4pm
  • Thursday, February 16 – Session 1 from 1-2pm and Session 2 from 3-4pm
  • Tuesday, February 21 – Session 1 from 5-6pm and Session 2 from 7-8pm
Evelyn Hartman & Velda Henry serving soup at the Empty Bowl 2016 dinner

The soup dinner on March 31 is a great chance for us all to come together at our location on 94th Street bayside in Ocean City, Maryland. The dinner will go from 4:30 to 8:30 pm with continuous open seating. Soups, breads, and desserts are donated by local restaurants and served to all guests in the ceramic bowls that they made themselves. What a cool experience! After you enjoy your soup dinner, you take your bowl home as a reminder of all the empty bowls around the world. It is also a reminder of your support for those right here in our community. If you do not get a chance to make a bowl yourself, you can come the night of the dinner and pay $25 at the door to receive a ready-made bowl and admission to the soup dinner. In addition to a delicious dinner, we will have a silent auction, a cash bar, and live music. We will also be accepting cash donations that evening. Visit our website at www. artleagueofoceancity.org for more details.

Winter at Seacrets? Why not?

Tony Russo
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I’ve been attending beer festivals professionally for the better part of five years, but Love on Tap, held during the winter at Seacrets, was the first one I saw from backstage. The behind the scenes aspect of the event was different from what I was used to. For example, people asked me questions and expected things of me. Usually, I just drink, Tweet and take the occasional crowd shot. The photography was the biggest difference. When I was a reporter covering these events, I took enough photos to ensure that there were several for the editor to choose from. This time, I needed different event coverage (Side note: If I took your photo, you can find it at ShoreCraftBeer.com’s Facebook page).

One of the great tragedies was that I couldn’t have as many of the beers as usual. Not only because I wanted to stay relatively clear and because I had to drive home, but also because there always was a chance that someone could need my help or opinion. Fortunately, the folks at Seacrets are so good at their jobs no one needed anything from me. Mostly I smiled and nodded as I checked people in at the front door. As the afternoon came to an end, I just collected my things and made my way home. Piece of cake.

Between the time that the first person came in and the moment I pulled out onto Coastal Highway bound for home, I learned a bit about the process that I hadn’t known before. I also learned things about the demographics and the venue that hadn’t jumped out at me previously. For example:

people at Seacrets
It was a beautiful day at Seacrets and everyone took full advantage of it.

Young people really do like craft beer

First off: Yes. “Millennial” is so overused that it has cruised past cliche and gone directly into tedium. Second: That millennials are drinking craft beer in greater numbers than any preceding generation is well known and established. That said, the fact that they attended in the numbers that they did and all behaved themselves was merely only notable, it was inspiring.

Drinking craft beer and drinking it responsibly is so intertwined with the culture, it is as if aggressive overconsumption never had been an issue in the first place. The younger people truly were there to enjoy themselves together. I bumped into one young lady who was celebrating her 21st birthday at the event with a bunch of her friends. Sure, they were having a bunch to drink, but they weren’t lined up at a bar somewhere doing 21 shots and heading to the hospital.

Craft beer festivals tend to encourage people to enjoy themselves enthusiastically without getting rowdy. Again, hats off to the professionals at Seacrets for understanding crowds (it is really astounding how well they get crowd control without being aggressive), but also hats off to the young attendees who have set the new standard for how the next generation appreciates craft beer as a cultural phenomenon.

couple at Seacrets
One of the many couples who decided to make a weekend of it and came down for Love on Tap.

People made the trip

In addition to the hundred or so people who booked hotel rooms to come to the event, another several hundred more made the drive, taking advantage of condos and second homes or just grabbing a hotel once they got to town. A full two thirds of attendees were from more than 100 miles away, something on the order of 75 percent traveled from greater than 50 miles. People from Pennsylvania, Baltimore and the attendant metropolitan areas, many of whom had come to town for the October Shore Craft Beer Festival, came and brought friends. I spoke with a couple who have a place in town and keep an eye out for the opportunity to come down. As beer enthusiasts, attending the last two events made utter sense to them. They don’t need an excuse to plan a weekend at the beach, but if they get one, they totally will use it.

Another gentleman who had been in the fall grabbed me with a critique about the event planning. He was adamant that he was having a good time and would come to pretty much any kind of beer event we held, but he had what I think was a useful suggestion and elected to share it. In a world of Internet trolls, there is nothing like an honest critique that genuinely takes everyone’s best interest into account. People don’t only not mind making the trip, but they want to do their part to ensure events like this continue and grow. They like being a part of things, which is cool to hear.

 

Ocean City couples photos, just in time for February

Tony Russo
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Getting photos together is one of the grandest part of the Ocean City vacation experience. In what follows we’ll take a look at some of the couples photos you guys have submitted over the years.  We love it when you share your photos on our Facebook page, but sharing them at our OceanCity.com submissions page allows us to make sure they get a permanent place on our site.

Loving life in OC., 2014

Sometimes the best part about being a couple is taking turns being in photos. Selfies are fun, but appreciating one another is funner!

That’s my boyfriend on the boardwalk in ocean city. It was an amazing 2 night stay!

Some of the most memorable beach memories start away from the water as people explore Worcester County, which has much more than a beach. How’s that for an extra bonus?

My husband and myself enjoying Assateague Island on the walkway that overlooks the the inlet where we were birdwatching/sightseeing

Something tells me this photo wasn’t taken recently…

Ocean City vacation photos
Submitted photo, no caption but that’s cool.

After too much time in the desert, there’s nothing like sand that also has a beach. What a great way to get a little R&R! Thanks for your service!

My husband and I the day after he came back from Afghanistan on tour. In front of Howard Johnson Plaza OceanFront

Table-based crab fights aren’t just for kids! Getting great seafood in Ocean City begins with being willing to have a good time.

Phillips Seafood!!! YUM!! 14101 coastal Highway July 4th

Ocean City is a great place to try new things. Parasailing in Ocean City and Jet Skiing in Ocean City are only the start! But, to be fair, they are a pretty great start…

Ocean City parasailing
On our way to parasail for the first time!!! OC PARASAIL July 4th

Sometimes even the people with the best intentions get photobombed! It doesn’t matter. Being at the beach is about having a little silly time, even when you’re also trying to have some time to yourselves.

4th of July
Waiting for the firework show on the beach by Dorchester street on July 4th 2015 @ 630 before the rain with my husband Shawn while our daughter Jordyn bombs our selfie.

A guide to winter surfing

Brad Knox
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A guide to winter surfing

Surfing is a lifestyle for many Ocean City locals who have grown up in the water. Surfers line the coast during the summer trying to sneak in a few waves in boardshorts before the winter waters come back, and given that the water is only warm enough for boardshorts three to four months out of the year, its truly a race against time. If all goes well Ocean City may get four truly surf-able swells the entire summer, but when tourism slows down, the waves pick up, and the water temperature drops like a wrecking ball. Surfing on the East Coast truly does not hit full potential until a cold nor’easter blows through and leaves a six foot clean swell to play on. Typically when this happens, the water temps are in the mid 50’s; if you’re lucky. If you’re dedicated to surfing enough that your willing to drop a few hundred dollars on some equipment, I can guarantee you wont be disappointed with the results.

First, you’ll need to pick up a wetsuit. Wetsuits are made of a material called neoprene and they come in different thicknesses. The thicknesses most common for winter surfing are 3/2, 4/3, and 5/4. The numbers are representative of the thickness of neoprene in different areas. For example, a 4/3 suit has a thickness of 4 millimeters in the torso, and moves to a slimmer 3 millimeters in the arms and sometimes the legs. The thickness you chose is personal preference, but keep in mind that a 3/2 suit during January is not going to cut it.

IMG_6818wave

Second, buy some booties, gloves, and a hood ifyour suit doesn’t have one built in already. Believe it or not, your head, hands, and feet are the main areas for heat loss. Nobody enjoys calling a surf session early because their feet are numb. Make sure all of theseproducts are top of the line because a cheap pair of booties can and will ruin a winter session. Most local surf shops like K-Coast will have the proper thickness of booties, gloves, and hoods for the Ocean City area.

When you’re all set in brand new neoprene, its time to hop in the water. The biggest challenge for many is throwing on the thick suit in a near empty parking lot with a wind chill that feels like 15 degrees, but if you can get yourself by that, you’re halfway through your first winter surf session. If you have trouble working up the courage to throw on a suit outside in the blistering cold temperatures, try putting your suit on in the car, or even better; at your house if you live close enough tothe beach. If your suit is damp and freezing, pouring some hot water into it will often be the best remedy, and the same goes for your gloves and booties. Nothing feels better than some scorching hot water on a freezing day. If you plan on using a hood, be sure to pick up some ear putty for plugging your ears. Surfer’s ear is real, and it can happen to anyone.

If you make it into the water, take notice of any leaks you feel coming in through the suit. Its important these get sealed so the suit can preform to its best ability. Other than that, enjoy the solitude and get to know anyone else brave enough to be out in the freezing ocean during the winter. Once you’re able to endure the cold water, you’ll find yourself begging for winter to come and get rid of the crowds during the summer.

This story was updated Jan. 30, 2017 — Ed.

 

Remember Ocean City whenever you want

Tony Russo
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This week’s photo collection is a bit of a mix of old and new photos. I thought it would be a good time to remind you that if you want to share your Ocean City memories, they don’t have to be new, just of Ocean City. Once you’ve taken photos, you can remember Ocean City whenever you want and however you want. If you share them here, most of the people who love Ocean City as you do can do the same.
After the big snow last week some of our readers were inspired to send photos of the storm of 2000, and we were happy to get them. A gentle reminder, though, if you decide to participate and want to send larger photos, they look better on larger screens.

Submit photos

Finally, don’t forget to tell the story that goes along with the photo. I like to say, “If a picture is worth a thousand words, try and send 1,100 along.” Anyway, thanks to all of you who keep sharing your great photos with us, here and keep up the good work!

There are worse ways to spend the end of the year than walking along the Ocean City Boardwalk. You can remember Ocean City all year long if you take photos, which is always worth remembering in and of itself. Picture of the Boardwalk with, snow and ice, from December 30, 2000.
Snow can either take the edge off the creepiest things or make them seem a little colder and less forgiving. The Haunted House, with snow, Winter 2000.
Ah, Summer in Ocean City! Get yourself an Ocean City hotel room or find a nice vacation rental and spend those warm summer evenings in the most seasonal of ways! Toboggan from Trimper Rides, Summer 2000.

Submit photos

The best part about staying on the beach is that you don’t have to make much of an effort to catch a sunrise on the Ocean. Once you do, you always can just head back to sleep or, better yet, take a dip in the waves and then nap on the Ocean City beach.
#Supermoon Sunset at Ocean City #VisionsbyUrsula

What’s Coming Up in February at Ocean City’s Center for the Arts

Art League of Ocean City
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The end of the month is always an exciting time at the Ocean City Center for the Arts. Our trusty volunteers swoop in to help take down all of the artwork currently on display in our two story gallery. Then regional and local artists bring in fresh new pieces for the next month’s exhibits. In one afternoon, the whole gallery is transformed from one exhibition to the next. That process in itself is quite an art.

Here is a look at what’s coming up in February:

We will kick off the month with our First Friday reception on Friday, February 3, from 5 to 7pm. The reception is free and open to the public so everyone can come enjoy refreshments,  hors d’oeuvres from Hooked Restaurant and wonderful artwork. The Art League of Ocean City Maryland is once again participating in FeBREWary so our reception will also feature locally famous craft beer from Burley Oak Brewery. Don’t think I forgot about dessert! This month, Patti Cakes, located in Ocean Pines, is sponsoring our First Friday with delicious cupcakes you won’t want to miss! This is a free event that the Art League of Ocean City MD hosts on the first Friday evening of every month, so now you know you always have something fun to look forward to if you have any free time in your schedule. It’s a great way to start your night out before you head for dinner and an evening on the town.

The Thaler Gallery will have an all media group show titled “Home”. That is really all I know about the exhibit so it will be a surprise for both of us how artists choose to interpret it. I can imagine local artists will have pieces inspired by everyone’s local Ocean City favorites. I might just be imagining that because most of my favorite pictures are ones inspired by Ocean City, Maryland.

In the Galleria is an exhibition featuring the Artists’ Gallery of Ellicott City, Maryland. There will be pieces on display from 35 artists in pastel, colored pencil, acrylic, oils, watercolor, graphite , mixed media, traditional and digital photography, stained glass, clay and wood art. There is something for everyone. If you are from the Baltimore area or are familiar with Ellicott City, this would be a great exhibit to come and see.

A piece by the Artists’ Gallery of Ellicott City, Maryland

Studio E will host talented young artist Reeves Dark. Dark was raised in Ocean City, Maryland and is currently studying at Salisbury University working towards his BFA for graphic design. He gains his inspiration from experiences he has had while surfing in his hometown and the natural and man-made beauty it provides.

Oil painting by Reeves Dark

Betsy Hall Harrison’s work will be on display in the Spotlight Gallery and it’s something you should not miss! It’s unique. It’s different. It really catches the eye. She first learned the art of Batik from a local master in Mexico. Batik is the method of making colored designs on textiles by dyeing them. In 1980, Betsy moved permanently to Ocean City, Maryland where she has her own studio and concentrates in Batik on silk.

Batik on silk by Betsy Hall Harrison

The artisan Showcase in the retail area will feature wonderful pieces by local artisan Rae Smith. She creates one of a kind jewelry that incorporates sterling silver and copper and is inspired by rustic textures with natural influences.

Jewelry by Rae Smith

That’s not even all you have to look forward to in February!

  • 8 Empty Bowl sessions this month. Sign up to make your own pottery bowl by calling theOcean City Center for the Arts at 410-524-9433 or visiting our website at https://artleagueofoceancity.org/. Your $20 donation in advance includes your bowl making session and admission to the soup dinner on March 31.
  • “Originals Only” featuring live music and art demos. Join us on Saturday February 4 at 6pm to hear music from the next generation of local artists and musicians right in the gallery.
  • Brushes & Bubbly. A fun, stress-free evening of painting on Wednesday February 8 from 6:30 to 9pm. Bring your friends, a snack, and an adult beverage and we take care of the rest!
  • Free Family Art Saturday. Make sure to sign up in advance for Family Art Day on Saturday February 11 from 10am to noon. We will be making 3D mixed media ocean books!
  • Sip & Ceramics. Similar to our Brushes & Bubbly paint night, pottery night is on Wednesday February 15 from 6 to 8pm. This month we will be making oil & vinegar sets perfect for your kitchen.

All this AND MORE! Visit https://artleagueofoceancity.org/ for our full list of painting, drawing, writing, glass, film, children’s, mixed media, beading, yoga, and pottery classes. And don’t forget to mark your calendars! The next First Friday reception is on February 3 from 5 to 7pm.

 

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