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Ocean City

2016 Zombie 5K set for Snow Hill

Register today for the 3rd annual Zombie 5K / 1 Mile walk benefiting the Worcester County Recreation & Parks (WCRP) youth scholarship fund. This event takes place on Friday, October 21 at the John Walter Smith Park in Snow Hill.

The race starts at 6:00 p.m. and open registration begins at 5:00 p.m.  Open to all ages, a 5K course will offered for runners and a 1 Mile course for walkers.  Both courses will begin outside and will finish inside the Worcester County Recreation Center (WCRC) Indoor track.

The registration fee is $25 per runner for the 5K course or $20 per walker for the 1 mile course. Families of 4 can register for the 5K course for $90 or the 1 mile course for $70.  All participants will receive an event t-shirt! Prior registration is encouraged. An additional $5 will be applied if registering the day of the event.

Prizes will be awarded to the top runners and participants are invited to dress up in a Halloween costume.

For more information on this event or to become an event sponsor, contact Lea Cataggio at 410-632-2144 ext.2509 or lcataggio@co.worcester.md.us. Visit our website at www.WorcesterRecandParks.org to sign up for email announcements.

Worcester County offers free emergency training in Newark

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Worcester County Emergency Services (WCES) invites the public to participate in a free, 8-sessionCommunity Emergency Response Team (CERT) course in Newark.

The training will take place at the Fire Training Center, located at 6743 Central Site Lane just off U.S. Rt. 113 adjacent to Worcester Technical High School, on Tuesdays from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. from October 11 – November 22, 2016.

CERT is an informative, hands-on, educational program packed with information to equip residents, who have no prior emergency medical training, to support their families and communities during a disaster. Participants will gain the decision-making and practical skills necessary to offer immediate assistance to those in need following an emergency until further help can arrive.

Participants will learn to recognize both natural and manmade hazards. In addition to Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) training, sessions will include Disaster Preparedness, Disaster Fire Safety and Suppression, Disaster Medical Operations I and II, Light Search and Rescue and Hazardous Materials; Organization, Disaster Psychology, and Incident Command System; Practical Work Stations, and Special Topics. Upon completion of this program, students will be able to create disaster plans and supply kits.

Those who successfully complete the training will receive CPR and First Aid certification through the American Heart Association. During the course, instructors will provide information on hazards typical to Worcester County, hazardous materials in the home and the National Incident Management System. Instruction is geared to help residents better prepare and survive during the first 36 to 72 hours after a catastrophic event, when local first responder resources are stretched to their limits.

CERT is available at no cost to all interested residents thanks to the generous support of the Worcester County Commissioners. Space is limited to 20 individuals and is available on a first come, first served basis. For more info or to register, contact Tom Kane at 410-632-3080 or tkane@co.worcester.md.us.

5 stories about the tragic close of summer

Last week we began coming to grips with the fact that summer most likely will end. It’s great to hold out hope, and we still have a ton of gorgeous days left, but the clock surely is ticking. Our top posts from the week involve how the changing season is going to affect us here at the beac over the coming weeks.

Lifeguards still are on duty

Lifeguards will be on duty on limited beaches for the remainder of the season, in case you didn’t know. Last week our friends at Maryland Life shared this post from the Ocean City Beach Patrol talking about the changes in coverage.

Fly invasion

There was something of a fly crisis last week as black flies sailed to the Boardwalk on the back of the west wind. Dozens of readers reached out to OceanCity.com for an explanation and we ran down an answer from DNR that we incorporated into what became our story of the week.

 
Just a few days later, the fly epidemic passed as quickly as it had arisen.

All the beer that’s fit to drink

We helped host the 8th Annual Brews on the Beach this weekend, which was quite a success, but it puts us in the mind of the other upcoming beer festivals we’re participating in, including the Bike Week Beer Garden in Seaford, Del. featuring all the best breweries on the Peninsula.


News of note

Last week OceanCity.com was recognized by the county commissioners for its participation in providing local job opportunities for high school and college students looking to enter the tech (in our case, media too) business. Small business have the opportunity to show students that there are worthwhile ways to stay local rather than searching for jobs across the bridge after high school and college.

In more business tech news…

Our partner site WallopsIsland.org shared this post about other astounding opportunities provided locally to students.

Ocean City Beach Patrol Guarding the Beaches in the Fall

Although Labor Day marks the traditional end of the summer season and begins what the Ocean City Beach Patrol refers to as “fall guarding,” I assure you that there will still be a lot of beautiful sunny beach days ahead, well into the fall. I personally plan on taking advantage of this season. Even though it’s fall we still have safety messages. What we want you to be aware of is that fall guarding is different from guarding during the summer months and it comes with many unique challenges. During this period, we are in a reduced coverage mode with fewer lifeguard towers and surf rescue technicians patrolling the beach. This reduction in personnel is an annual occurrence with an earlier start of college classes and the return of our education professionals to school systems throughout the U.S. Additionally, tropical storm activity in the Atlantic is at its peak during this time and contributes to rougher surf which I am sure you have been noticing. This heavy surf contributes to the frequency and severity of rip currents, which account for 95 percent of surf rescues and a drowning that occurred 90 minutes after the guards went off duty last summer. With fewer guards on the beach and stands that are farther apart, a guard may have to run two blocks or more (as far as 800 meters or ½ mile) to rescue a victim where as in the summer they need only run 50 meters. In order to increase safety and coverage of the beach, the Beach Patrol will rely more heavily on its motorized support vehicles to patrol between stands. This enables them to provide back up if the need should arise.
Although we have less available personnel, the Beach Patrol remains committed to provide surf rescue technicians along the entire beach for all visitors and residents. So rather than have unguarded areas, the number of available lifeguard towers are equally distributed along the beachfront. While nearby beaches in Delaware are unguarded or at Assateague where the guarded area is reduced to just a few blocks.
As this redistribution occurs, the location and distance between stands changes. We will continue to provide coverage from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. along all 10 miles of Ocean City beaches until Sunday, September 25th. This coverage will be done with fewer personnel and lifeguard stands, however, we will supplement this coverage by increasing the number of mobile rescue units patrolling the beach. These mobile units are first aid and AED equipped with one SRT (rider) acting as the primary rescue swimmer while the other SRT (driver) maintains radio communication and backup during an emergency. Both are qualified as surf rescue technicians, medical first responders and are quad (ATV) certified.

Beach in Ocean City, Md
A lifeguard riding a wave in during this year’s crew competition.

Surfing expands to most of the beach

Another difference you may notice during the fall season is where surfing is allowed. OCBP Captain Butch Arbin will modify the ordinance that restricts surfing and allow surfing along the entire beach, except where guards are posted. The Beach Patrol keeps the swimmers in front or near their stand and surfers are encouraged to congregate away from the swimmers. This is a time of the year the surfers enjoy. They can surf while the Patrol is on duty and not be confined to designated surfing beaches like they are during the summer.

Surfers must still utilize an ankle leash and remain 50 yards from the nearest swimmer. Having surfers in the vicinity often proves valuable in saving lives. It is helpful to have the extra flotation devices in the water at this time of year when the coverage is spread over larger spans of beach. It is not unusual for surfers to aid a distressed swimmer and keep them afloat until a surf rescue technician can reach them and take them safely back to shore. Although surfing restrictions have been modified, the Beach Patrol still reserves the right to prohibit surfing in certain areas or under certain conditions. Something new the past couple of years, beginning the Monday following Labor Day, September 12th, stand up paddle boards (SUPs) will be allowed, Monday through Friday during the day. Stand up Paddle boarders must follow all applicable Maryland state boating laws and enter and exit the water away from the areas where we are encouraging people to swim. The use of skim boards and other watercraft (kite surfers, windsurfers, prone paddle boards, kayaks, etc) is still prohibited.

butch arbin
Capt. Butch Arbin will continue to announce surf beaches.

OCBP stays on longer

Even though fall guarding is different than guarding during July, the first priority of the Beach Patrol continues to be public safety. To aide your SRT, the Beach Patrol suggests taking extra precautions and make sure to walk the short distance to the nearest lifeguard stand and check in with the Surf Rescue Technician and always swim near or better yet, in front of the SRT on duty. We strongly encourage all beach patrons to restrict any water related activities to times when Beach Patrol personnel are on duty, never swim alone, always stay with the limits of their ability and never rely on a flotation device.

For additional information, please call Beach Patrol Headquarters. Guard stand placement may relocate daily as conditions change. To locate the closest stand to your beach you may go to the official Beach Patrol website (ococean.com/ocbp) and scroll down to the “Beach Conditions” table and click on the stands location link or by calling Beach Patrol Headquarters at 410-289-7556 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Commissioners recognize September as National Suicide Prevention Month

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September 6, 2016 – the Commissioners joined with representatives from the Worcester County Health Department and Jesse Klump Memorial Fund to recognize September as National Suicide Prevention Month. Those pictured include Caroline Green (front row, from left), Ron Pilling, Kim Klump, Jessica Sexauer, Olivia Holland, and Erin Wooten; and (second row, from left) Commissioners Diana Purnell and Chip Bertino, Monica Martin, Jennifer LaMade, and Brittany Lawton; and (third row, from left) Commissioner Ted Elder, Steven Taylor, and Commissioners Jim Bunting, Joe Mitrecic, and Merrill Lockfaw. Health Department, staff, in partnership with representatives with the Jesse Klump Memorial Fund, strive to end the secrecy in which suicidal thoughts play on a person’s mind by educating caring individuals to recognize the warning signs and take action to save a life. Learn the signs and risk factors for suicide athttp://worcesterhealth.org and http://choosetolivemaryland.org and take part in the Out of the Darkness Walk  to Prevent Suicide
Saturday, Sept. 24, at Caroline Street and the Boardwalk.

Worcester County recognizes Economic Development

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September 6, 2016 – The Commissioners present a proclamation recognizing September 19-23, 2016 as Economic Development Week in Worcester County to highlight the impact that businesses starting up or expanding have on the local economy. Those pictured include Commissioners Chip Bertino and Jim Bunting (front row, from left), Vince Gisriel of Sprout Creatives, Economic Development Director Merry Mears, and Commissioners Diana Purnell and Merrill Lockfaw; and Commissioner Joe Mitrecic (second row, from left), Ann McGinnis Hillyer of OceanCity.com and ShoreCreftBeer.com, and Commissioner Ted Elder. Area residents benefit greatly from community-focused businesses, and young, emerging companies, like Sprout Creatives and Ocean City.com are exemplary. The presence of these types of trendsetters attracts additional startup businesses and spurs economic growth.

Tidal Flooding Expected to Continue Until Monday

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Ocean City, Maryland – (September 4, 2016):  Despite sunny skies and calm conditions, Ocean City will continue to see the effects of Tropical Storm Hermine over the next several tidal cycles. The wind and rain has subsided but strong rip currents and chances for beach erosion remain high.

With the next high tide at 10: 33 a.m. today, residents and visitors are reminded that road closures are possible, specifically in the downtown area, if areas become impassible.  The Inlet Lot is now open, along with access to the beach, however; swimming is still prohibited due to dangerous ocean conditions.

The sea gates are being opened at the street ends and public works employees are beginning to clear the Boardwalk of significant amounts of sand.  Damage was minimal and due to the preparedness of the citizens and hard work of employees and allied agencies, zero storm related injuries were reported.

Citizens are reminded to be aware of the next several high tide cycles (10: 33 a.m. today, 10:53 p.m. tonight and 11:14 a.m. tomorrow).  This is the last emergency alert for Tropical Storm Hermine. Additional information regarding the storm or the clean-up efforts will be posted on social media if needed.

Onancock announces the 2016 Annual Ker Art Festival

The Eastern Shore of Virginia Historical Society presents the Annual Ker Art Festival Friday and Saturday, September 9 and 10 on the lawn at beautiful historic Ker Place in Onancock. Admission to all events is free and open to the public!

Festival events kick off at 5 p.m. Friday, September 9 with a Preview Party and live music from local band Corn Funk Revue. The band features local musicians Peg Volk, Lynne Rogers, Scott Wade, Melinda McPeek, Ellen Grimes, and Chris Chandler, and will perform a mix of blues, folk and original music. There will be a cash bar and an opportunity to preview and purchase artwork prior to the festival on Saturday. The Preview Party is held in conjunction with the 2nd Friday Art Stroll in Historic Onancock. Saturday’s events, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., include concessions, children’s activities, live alpacas from By the Bay Alpacas, old-fashioned pie and cake auctions, and artist demonstrations. It’ll be the last opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for the Fowling Point ChromaLuxe Metal Panel Print by landscape photographer Gordon Campbell, owner of At Altitude Gallery in Cape Charles.

The winner for the raffle will be drawn at the end of the festival Saturday. Live music by local musician Erika Peterson begins at noon.

Featured artists include: Mark Belknap/Red Dog Decoys, Karyn Belknap/Ten Good Sheep, Gertraud Fendler/Sea Glass Girl, Diane Ginsberg, Tara King/By the Bay Alpacas, Brenda Llewellyn Ceramics, Laura McGowan, Mama Girl, Stevon Sample/Dominion Multimedia, Guy Shover, Donna Stufft/Painted Stitches, Liz Watson/Soul Shine Jewelry, Vesna Zidovec, Bruce Ricci, and more! Space is available for artists, photographers, and craftsmen: for more information about the festival and to register for the weekend’s events, contact Hilary or Shannon at 757-787-8012. All proceeds benefit the Eastern Shore of Virginia Historical Society and their commitment to bringing exciting and quality educational programs to the Shore community. Want to keep up with all the happenings at Ker Place? Send an email to marketing@shorehistory.org to join the email list! Follow @ESVHS on Facebook and Instagram!

Tropical storm updates

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Ocean City, Maryland – (September 3, 2016): Ocean City Emergency Services is continuing to monitor the projected path of Tropical Storm Hermine. With the previous predictions remaining consistent, Ocean City is beginning to see the initial effects of the storm. Accelerating winds and increased rain will continue well into tomorrow, September 4.

Common sense and extreme caution should be exercised during all phases of the storm by residents and visitors. Various streets in Ocean City, specifically in the downtown area, could to be subject to closures due to impassible roadways at high tide and swimming in the ocean continues to be prohibited. Residents should secure their homes and prepare for possible flooding, specifically during high tide cycles. In addition, all watercraft objects and outdoor furniture should be sheltered or protected.

Currently, the projected forecast estimates four to seven inches of rain fall, combined with upcoming tidal surges which will cause moderate to severe flooding. Residents and property owners in all zones, particularly in Zone A, should prepare for flooding beginning in the early morning hours tomorrow. To find out what zone you are in, visit oceancitymd.gov/KnowYourZone.
As always, the town remains committed to keeping residents and visitors informed with accurate information before, during and after the storm. Citizens should subscribe to the e-news and/or follow the town’s social media channels to stay informed! The next news release is expected at 4 p.m. today, September 3.
Town of Ocean City Alerts via GovDelivery: subscribe to GovDelivery, visit the “City Wide Alerts” tab on the Town of Ocean City’s website at http://oceancitymd.gov.
Town of Ocean City Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TownOfOceanCity
Town of Ocean City Twitter: @townofoceancity
www.oceancitymd.gov/knowyourzone
For general & non-emergency information: 410.520.5281/5282

Update from the Town of Ocean City regarding Tropical Storm Hermine

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Tropical Storm Hermine Expected to Impact OC, All Zones Susceptible to Flooding

Girl GuardOCEAN CITY, MD – (September 2, 2016):   Ocean City’s Emergency Management officials are closely monitoring the track of Tropical Storm Hermine, which will begin to effect the area in the morning hours tomorrow, September 3.  Currently, forecast predictions include moderate rainfall (approximately four to seven inches) and moderate flooding during tidal cycles. All of Ocean City will be susceptible to flooding, with significant flooding expected in Zone A. Heavy winds are also expected with sustained wind speeds of 30-40 mph and gusts up to 50 mph. With a current storm system impacting the area, town officials are urging residents and property owners to stay informed and be prepared for flooding prior to Tropical Storm Hermine.

 

Rainfall should end on Sunday, however; significant storm surge and moderate flood threats will continue depending on the track of the forecast. In preparation for the storm, several pre-storm action items will be completed, including removing items from the beach and closing the sea wall gates.  In addition, residents and visitors should expect road closures in the downtown area and Inlet Lot during the storm if tidal cycles or rainfall becomes significant.

 

Residents and property owners, particularly in ALL of Zone A, should prepare for moderate to severe flooding beginning in the early morning hours tomorrow, September 3. To find out what zone you are in, visit oceancitymd.gov/KnowYourZone.  Preparedness efforts include tying up water vessels, removing outdoor furniture, and securing objects susceptible to wind and flooding.

 

Hurricane Hermine hits Florida and will bring some rain to Ocean City

tropical_storm_watch_issued_for_DelmarvaAccording to the Weather Channel, Hurricane Hermine hit Florida and is now expected to cross the Panhandle of Florida and travel up the East Coast as a tropical storm.  From what the maps look like, Ocean City  is under a Tropical Storm Watch with no more than a few inches + of rain predicted, mostly falling Saturday.  WBOC predicts that we will begin seeing the effects of the storm late Friday night and that by Sunday afternoon, we should see improving weather.  Labor Day is predicted to be mostly sunny with a high of 87 degrees.  To keep updated, you can check here or check WBOC’s local weather page.

What does this mean for Ocean City and the thousands of vacationers in town for the holiday weekend? First, and most importantly,  It doesn’t look like the winds nor the rain will be life threatening if you are careful.  Happily, all the bars, restaurants, and hotels are open for business and the storm will only add to the festive atmosphere in these haunts.  There are many indoor activities that are fun, from indoor golf at Old Pro, to the new haunted house,  to many new movies at Sun and Surf Cinema 8.  Play games with the family or just watch the waves crash.  The waves should be dramatic and the beach erosion could be significant. Swimming will be more treacherous and visitors to the beach should stay out of the water unless the lifeguards are in the stands.  Be sure to listen to the beach patrol kjcrewchief0716and do as instructed.  They are here to keep you safe, but nobody should take unnecessary risks.  There may be storm surge so be careful where you drive during the high tide cycles of the storm.

We are in for a different kind of beach weekend, but it will be a blast none the less.  Pack your weather gear and plan to enjoy the many people and places that make Ocean City great throughout the summer.  Friday is great.  Sunday could be good by the end of the day and Monday will be perfect.  Saturday couldn’t be a better day for enjoying the indoor activities available in Ocean City.  Don’t forget, you can try some of the locally produced craft beers and try to win the OC8 Challenge while you are waiting for Hermine to pass.  Drink world class beer, watch a storm, and win prizes all at the same time.  Sounds like a GREAT Labor Day weekend to me!unnamed

You can download the Shore Craft Beer app from the Apple store to get started.  Information is also available online at ShoreCraftBeer.com.  For those that like the beer or can’t finish the challenge before the sun shines again, then come down next weekend for the 8th Annual Brews on the Beach where you can try over 30 locally brewed craft beers.  Tickets are available online at www.ShoreCraftBeerFest.com.

Have a very happy and safe Labor Day weekend.  We will keep you updated on Hermine and will keep posting photos and looking for yours on our Facebook page.

 

 

Governor Larry Hogan signs Executive Order to start school after Labor Day

Ocean City – Governor Larry Hogan today signed an Executive Order that will require Maryland’s public schools to start classes after Labor Day, beginning with the 2017-2018 school year. Citing the benefits of a post-Labor Day school start for families, students, teachers, and the economy, the governor made the announcement on the Ocean City Boardwalk, where he was joined by Comptroller Peter Franchot, Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan, Senator James Mathias, Delegate Mary Beth Carozza, education advocates, and other longtime supporters of a post-Labor Day school start.
“Starting Maryland public schools after Labor Day is not just a family issue – it’s an economic and public safety issue that draws clear, strong, bipartisan support among an overwhelming majority of Marylanders,” said Governor Hogan. “Comptroller Franchot and I believe, and the people of Maryland strongly agree, that this Executive Order puts the best interests of Marylanders first, especially the well-being of our students. This action is long overdue, and it is simply the right thing to do.”
The Executive Order signed today will require that Maryland’s public schools begin after Labor Day, complete the 180 days that are required under state law, and adjourn by June 15, beginning with the 2017-2018 school year. The executive order does permit for a waiver to be applied for with the Maryland State Department of Education to be exempt from the post-Labor Day start date. For the 2017-2018 school year and beyond, local school systems will have to apply annually for a waiver based on compelling justification. Furthermore, the State Department of Education will establish procedures and standards for school districts and individual schools seeking special waivers to accommodate non-traditional schedules.
“I applaud Governor Hogan for signing today’s executive order,” said Comptroller Franchot. “This sensible, long-overdue adjustment of Maryland’s public school calendar will be a lifeline for those small, locally-owned businesses that are the backbone of our state’s economy and have struggled in the midst of the slowest economic recovery in our nation’s history. It will generate new state revenues that can be reinvested in our classrooms and for other vital priorities. It will spare tens of thousands of teachers, students and school employees from having to return to sweltering, unhealthy classrooms in the hottest days of August.
“And finally, it will give families throughout our state time to enjoy those final days of summer the way they were meant to be enjoyed, whether it is taking that final vacation to the beach or the lake, visiting the Inner Harbor or catching an Orioles game, enjoying an evening at the Maryland State Fair, or just relaxing a bit at home. As a father myself, I know that kids grow up far too fast and the time that families have together, in this day and age, goes by in an instant. The action taken today by Governor Hogan will give our families the priceless gift of time, and for that I am personally grateful.”
In recent years, the effort to start schools after Labor Day has garnered overwhelming support across the state. Two independent polls by Goucher College, conducted in 2014 and 2015, showed that more than 70 percent of Marylanders support this initiative. Additionally, a petition in favor of a post-Labor Day school start has collected nearly 25,000 signatures.

hogan and franchot
Gov. Hogan joined with Comptroller Peter Franchot Supporting Post Labor Day Start Date to Benefit Families, Students, Teachers, and the Economy

The significant economic benefits of a post-Labor Day school start have been well documented. A 2013 economic impact study by Maryland’s Bureau of Revenue Estimates found that a post-Labor Day school start could generate an additional $74.3 million in direct economic activity, including $3.7 million in new wages and $7.7 million in state and local tax revenue.
In 2013, a nonpartisan task force, which included teachers, administrators, school board members, PTA members, and other public stakeholders, was convened by the General Assembly and chaired by the Maryland State Department of Education to examine the effects of a post-Labor Day school start on Maryland’s education system, as well as its economy and tourism industry. In a report that was issued on June 30, 2014, the task force stated “there was no compelling evidence that showed there was any impact on education starting post-Labor Day.” The task force voted 12-3 to recommend that schools begin after Labor Day.
Longtime supporters of this effort were pleased with today’s announcement.
“Starting school after Labor Day gives families more time to enjoy the last few weeks of summer and provides small businesses a significant economic boost when they need it most,” said Mayor Meehan. “It also creates jobs and generates revenue for our state’s economy. After a lot of hard work and tremendous effort, I am thrilled to see an executive order to start school after Labor Day, not because it is good for Ocean City, but because it’s good for the entire State. Maryland can finally ‘Let Summer Be Summer.’”
“I’m grateful to Governor Hogan for his action today,” said Senator Mathias. “I’ve worked on this effort for a long, long time, and I can’t wait to see the faces on the kids and families enjoying themselves the way they should on the boardwalk the weekend before Labor Day. This is a win for the families and for the economy.”
“Starting school after Labor Day is good for Maryland families and Maryland’s economy by giving that last stretch of summer for families and friends to spend together, either at home or on vacation,” said Delegate Carozza. “I’ve heard from many families, teachers, and our small business owners who have long supported a later start school date, and after talking to school administrators and personnel, I am confident that the calendars will be well managed by our local boards.”

The 7 best things to do on the Boardwalk right now

With the holiday weekend approaching, there are some tough decisions to be made as you walk along the boardwalk: Do you want to sit down and enjoy lunch, or grab something quick from a stand? Carmel corn or candy? If you can only stop and have one beer, where should it be? We certainly have our own opinions, but they can be biased or get skewed all the time. The Best of the Boardwalk, however, is a different animal altogether. It’s voted on by the more than 160,000 people who visit our site as well as our city. They know what they like and why they like it, which is why they’re happy to share their knowledge.

What follows are their picks for the best things to do on the Boardwalk. If you don’t agree, you can vote for the Best of Ocean City yourself. Vote every day if you like, depending upon how strongly you agree with the following (which was accurate as of Sept. 1, 2016).

Best Candy in Ocean CityThe Candy Kitchen is the best place to stop for sweets on the Boardwalk

Candy can be a divisive issue on the Boardwalk because sometimes the kids want something brighter, sweeter and sugarier and the grownups want something rich. It isn’t clear whether the Candy Kitchen’s dominance comes from selection or location, location, location (location, location, location…) but there you have it.

 

 

Best pizza on the boardwalkIf you miss Pizza Boy, you miss the best Boardwalk pizza

Some people say Tony’s is the best, but not enough. Pizza Boy is running away with this category, feel free to tell us why in the comments. Dough Rollers is a distant third for reasons as incomprehensible to them as it is to their voters (who always could vote again, if that is where their conscience lies). I couldn’t think up an appropriate pun for how far behind Piezano’s is in the polling except to say they’re topping Caruso’s. In other news, writing puns is the leading cause of deserved carpal tunnel syndrome.

 

 

Best Boardwalk Bar in Ocean CityThe Purple Moose is the place to be on the Boardwalk

Stopping off for a beer, or grabbing a cold one to get out of the sun is one of the truly great Ocean City Boardwalk experiences. Bars that are dark and cold provide a great contrast after a morning of sun, sand and surf. The Purple Moose, according to you guys, is the height of Boardwalk Bardom, although Shenanigan’s and Brass Balls are a close second and third.

 
Best restaurants on the Ocean City Maryaland Boardwak

Harrison’s Harbor Watch is the best place to have a meal on the Boardwalk

It isn’t really a shock that Harrison’s Harbor Watch is in the lead because of its view, but other restaurants that have Boardwalk seating are worth supporting as well. People who like Shenanigan’s, for example, are kind of fanatic about it which is why it is a surprise they’re trailing by so much. And don’t get me started on Bull on the Beach.

 

Best restaurants on the BoardwakThe Alaska Stand is the best place to grab a snack on the Boardwalk

Stands, in the general sense, are at least as important as rides, games of chance and hilariously tacky tee shirt shops in making the Boardwalk experience complete. They fry and freeze and dip things to eat while you’re strolling, but they also can cook up something quick if you’ve seen one too many “No Shirt, No Shoes” signs and wanna just have lunch. The Alaska Stand is the superior place to have that experience, according to the readers. That means according to you. That means if you don’t agree, you’ve gotta vote to change it or live with the consequences of your decision.

 

 

Best Places to Shop on the BoardwalkThe Kite Loft puts the T-Shirt Factory to shame, shop-wise

There are a million different kinds of shops on the Boardwalk in Ocean City. OK, there really just are toys, accessories, apparel and kooky (i.e. henna tattoos or spray painted hats or rice writing or whatever). The Kite Loft not only traditionally wins this slot, but they also often are in the running for Top Ten vote getters annually. If this is cool with you, do nothing. But if you don’t want to live in a world where Quiet Storm is seen as inferior to the Kite Loft, there’s a way to fix it.

 

 

best popcorn in ocean city mdThink Fishers is always better than Dolle’s? So do most people

Carmel corn is one of those things you either care deeply about or don’t. The people who consistently vote for Fisher’s over Dolle’s in the popcorn category obviously really really care about Fisher’s. Dolle’s leaves something of a mark on the people who visit but for some reason hasn’t gotten the same traction with the Ocean City enthusiasts. This is the year that might change, if you want it to. If you’re among those people who can’t understand why Dolle’s isn’t getting the recognition it deserves, don’t just vote, vote every day. Set an alarm or a Google Alert about Dolle’s. Share the love.

6 Ocean City foods you had no idea you were passionate about

Next to rooting for a particular sports team (LGM) there’s nothing in pop culture so divisive as which place has the best food. Now, there’s a thousand ways to look at “best.” It could be by the style of restaurant or by the type of food. It could be by the service or the drink menus or whether they use fresh or frozen peas. OK, that last one isn’t true.
The point is, if you’re interested in good food, you have an opinion where to get it. When you come to town, there’s something you definitely want to get first. Moreover, you want other people to find and like the same places or menu items you like. That’s where the Best of Ocean City comes in.
The following statements are true according to our voters as of August 25. We often get people who don’t like the results, and I tell them all the same thing: Vote your conscience and may the legitimately Best of Ocean City rise to the top…

Crab Cake dinner

Is the Crab Cake Factory really twice as good as everyone else?

With nearly 50 percent of the vote, it would seem so. Several upstarts, including The Shark, have mounted an impressive write-in campaign that has split the vote for 2nd. OC Fish Company is in 3rd.
places to get wings

Is there even such a thing as Best Wings?

Write-ins from Johnny’s and Pit’n’Pub have muddied the water and “Other” is the leading best place to go get wings. The Original Greene Turtle is a close second, but it really is anybody’s ballgame.
pizza

Lombardi’s has the best pizza? Tell it to Johnny’s fans

Speaking of Johnny’s write in campaigns, they’re killing it in the pizza department. They’re close on the heels of Lombardi’s and even ahead of some of last year’s most impressive names.
The Crab Bag Crabs

The Crab Bag is demolishing Hooper’s

I have no dog in this fight, but the number of people who are voting for the Crab Bag make it look as if it might be unstoppable in this year’s Best of Ocean City. The only one even in shouting distance at this writing is Hoopers…
anthonys

The subs at Anthony’s are better even than the subs at Anthony’s!

The top two vote-getters so far are Anthony’s Beer, Wine, and Liquors and Anthony’s on 17th Street.Both are excellent choices but it is hard to believe the folks at Primo or Fat Daddy’s are going to let that monopoly stand.

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Smokers and Pit ‘n’ Pub are duking it out

Two great places are neck and neck with the West O Smokers edging the downtown Pit ‘n’ Pub, but that might not be true for much longer.

5 can’t miss stories from the week

Last week we got out and explored the peninsula as well as Ocean City proper. There was plenty to see and (as you know) we often post our adventures on our Twitter feed as well as on Facebook and Instagram. Follow us at any of those places to see these stories as they come out.

Things go sideways at the Ocean Bowl skate park

The Ocean City skate park turned 40 and there was an amount of fanfare but the focus was on the past and the people who would take the skate park into the future. I got a video to go with my story but missed the memo that Facebook Live is only shot vertically, so the vireo is sideways but still a lot of fun.

Sailing over the Eastern Shore of Virginia

As part of our continuing day trip series, we headed down to the southern part of the peninsula to do a little exploring on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Stay tuned for more stories, but this one is about one of the burgeoning businesses there, Virginia Hang Gliding. It’s just about an hour from Ocean City, but if you make it a part of a bigger day trip it doesn’t matter. Spend a couple hours hang gliding and head out for lunch in one of the cool little towns that dot the distance between Ocean City and Painter, Va. We’ll have more suggestions as the weeks go on, but for now I say hang glide in the morning, lunch at the Island House in Wachapreague, knock around some of the antique stores and museums between there and the Wallops Island Flight Facility visitor center and have dinner in Chincoteague.

Speaking of day trips

Another destination to shortlist for your day trip is Crisfield, Md. It’s the jumping off point for visits to both Tangier Island, Va. and Smith Island, Md. but even if you don’t jump off from there you totally can keep yourself occupied.

Already preparing for next summer

While people are bemoaning the end of summer, the Ocean City Beach Patrol has its eyes on next summer. They’re preparing to hire and train a bunch of new life guards to ensure that next summer goes as smoothly as did this one.

State Visit

Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot came by to visit during the MACo conference last week and returned more recently with a big announcement.

Ocean Bowl turns 40, people hang out

The Ocean Bowl 40th Anniversary was more for the people who won’t see 40 this decade or the next than people who already have. Over the years, the Ocean City skate park has clung to tradition. To summer people and locals, to fighting and embracing stereotypes but most of all, to the notion that skating is a very specific endeavor that is for everybody once, but not for everybody always.
Recently, the skate park celebrated its 40th anniversary. There didn’t appear to be a ton of fanfare that wasn’t for the participants themselves, but the skaters were left to their own devices, which is really where they shine.

kids at the skate park
Earlier this summer, locals and visitors alike were all over the Ocean Bowl, many returned to celebrate the landmark Ocean City skate park’s 40 Anniversary.

Landmark Ocean City skate park

Show up in the middle of the week unannounced and it is more than a little impressive how the park runs. To kids, it might look as if there are adults in charge, but in my experience it is a teen- (or 20-something-) run endeavor. But that has been the beauty of it in my experience. The people in charge know how precarious their hold on this massive amount of freedom is, and they treat it with maximum respect.
I have never walked unchallenged into the Ocean Bowl, although walking into a school never has been a problem for me. The people in charge (here I fight the temptation to call them kids) are relaxed and respectful but always a little wary. Their attitude seems to be that people who aren’t following the rules are either too caught up in their own endeavors or trying to get away with something. In either case, there is not a lot of leeway for shenanigans.

Skate park crowd
Younger skate park members watch the festivities at the Ocean Bowl 40th Anniversary celebration.

Give respect, etc…

They were announcing the winners of what they called the “One Trick Pony” award up on the stage, but there still were skaters in the bowl. There seemed to be a pretty steep divide between the people who were skating and the crowd listening to the presenters, but it wasn’t the divide you might expect.
The younger ones, the kids who hadn’t been around for the 25th Ocean Bowl Anniversary sat rapt, answering trivia questions and listening as the park’s history was recounted. There were families at the picnic tables getting a little respite from the heat and enjoying snacks as the event pushed on. In the bowl, however, there was an amount of gray.
Maybe it is a timing thing, but what I go out to take photos at the Ocean Bowl I’m the oldest person in the park by 15 years at least. That wasn’t true this day. There were a couple of teens and people in their 20s taking runs, but there were more than a few older guys getting in runs while the kids were otherwise distracted.
It felt right, though. The next generation, the kids who would eventually get jobs working at the park and then become taxpayers who attend council meetings to fight for funding, were listening to the awards and the history. They were getting invested. In another decade or two, when the question of replacement or maintenance comes up at a town hall meeting, or when some half-scandal or misguided excitement gets people who have never skated interested in the future or the process of running the Ocean City skate park, these kids will be there. But they’ll be grownups. They’ll not only defend the Ocean Bowl but talk about sitting in the hot sun at the 40th Anniversary and make the case to ensure that the oldest skate park in America see it’s 80th anniversary. It’s 100th.