For a full day of family fun, where every one of every age can find just the right amount of thrill to please or even scare them enough for it to be a memorable experience, a visit to Jolly Roger’s Splash Mountain and SpeedWorld is just the ticket! Drift back to your childhood and scream like no one can hear you as you slide down one of the many waterslides, or get behind the wheel of a go cart and drive the way you wish you could drive on Rt 50! Watch as the littlest of children laugh when they get splashed by a water squirter, or marvel that your child is brave enough to go down a slide that you couldn’t be paid to go down! Check out your teenager as they whiz past you on a go cart, giving you a worrying image of a future yet to come. And at the end of the day, as you all go home exhausted, you will be full of stories that will continue to be retold long into the fall months, when school is back. Create a memorable Ocean City day, and memories that will last forever. Go to Jolly Roger for more information.
27 Jolly Good Reasons to Visit Jolly Roger
A “Jet Powered Fundraiser”
This year, we’re teaming up with Odyssea Watersports, Jetovator, and Ocean City Brewing Company to host the Cedar Chapel “Jet Powered Fundraiser”. The school is in the process of converting a courtyard into a year-round instructional space and we’d like to help by raising $2,500 to cover the flooring, and beyond (if we surpass our goal). Here’s how the fundraiser works. Local celebrities and brewery representatives flew on one of two jet powered crafts: the recently introduced hover board and the OC Jetovator. We filmed the flights. The footage will be shown at Ocean City Brewing on July 27th. Between now and then, you can sponsor your favorite flyer and donate to the cause here.
Phase one of the the fundraiser took place at Odyssea Watersports on Monday, July 13th. Here’s how it went:
The flyers were briefed on the beach.
Then, flyers and press alike, piled into pontoon boats.
Leaving the shore behind, they set out for the day.
The crafts were set up.
The flyers geared up.
Then, they took flight. There was success…
and there was failure…
But, we had a good time for a great cause. To learn more about the Cedar Chapel “Jet Powered Fundraiser” or to donate to the cause, click here.
Sun Painted Skies (16 Photos)
Twice a day, Ocean City’s skies are painted in rich pink, purple, and golden hues for you to enjoy. Sunrises and sunsets are two free performances you can always count on and they’re experiences that shouldn’t be missed. Every person should watch the sun rise or set at least once in their lifetime. Luckily, they aren’t once in a lifetime events. Why not enjoy them on an Ocean City Beach? Sit back, relax, and watch nature do it’s work. Those of you who’ve already gotten the chance to experience Ocean City’s sunsets and sunrises shared your photos with us. Keep submitting your photos!
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Submit Your PicturesThrowback: Summer Fun Throughout the Years (15 photos)
We asked for photos and you all really came through. We’ve gotten tons of great submissions of this year’s celebration. Some of our favorites, even, have come from 4th of July celebrations of years past. Looking back on all these fond memories reminds us all of the wonderful times that come without fail when visiting Ocean City. The fond memories of past summers and celebrations make new experiences all the more meaningful. Whether you’re planning your first trip to join us or have been spending your summers here since you were a child, these photos, submitted to us by locals and visitors alike, will remind you that Ocean City always has been, and always will be a wonderful place to celebrate and relax.
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Submit Your PicturesStrollin’ the Boards (25 photos)
Ocean City’s Boardwalk stretches for 3 miles and offers something for everyone. Whether is an ice cream to cool you down, lunch with the family, or romantic dinner for two, you will always find somewhere on the Boardwalk to meet your needs. Perhaps you want to ride the rides, or just listen to the screams of others doing so, or maybe you want to people watch while eating french fries covered in vinegar and salt! An early morning jog with no cars to worry about, or an evening stroll as the rides light up as bright as the faces of the people riding them. After a full day, and plenty of sunshine and fun, ride the Boardwalk train back to your hotel or car. Whatever your desire, the Boardwalk will deliver. Check out these Ocean City Md Boardwalk Photos
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Submit Your PicturesMicrobrew Monday: July 13, 2015
With 4 breweries in town, 10 more under an hour away, and more popping up every few months, Ocean City, MD has asserted itself as the fastest growing craft beer brewery destination on the East Coast. Each week, OceanCity.com brings you ‘Microbrew Monday’ to keep you in the know about what’s going on around our local brewery scene. Don’t forget to check out ShoreCraftBeer.com for complete craft beer coverage and to learn how you can win prizes just for drinking local with the ShoreCraftBeer.com Shore-17 and OC-8 Brewery Challenges!
Here are this week’s highlights:
– Wednesday, July 15, is the return of the Clambake in Crisfield. Described as “an outdoor all-you-can-eat affair featuring crabs, clams, fish, corn on the cob, and watermelon, and in election years, lots of politicians” this event is a must attend for seafood lovers. Chesapeake Brewing Co. will be on hand to help quench your thirst with their locally inspired ales and stouts.
– Ocean City Brewing Co. has two dozen taps, many of which are occupied by craft beers made on premise. This week, Ocean City Brewing has new summer releases like its Blood Orange IPA, Orange Cruch Wheat Ale, and Watermelon Mint Ale, so make sure to stop by to sample them all! Also, head to the brewery for Pint Night on Tuesday at 7:00, “Firkin Friday” where a special, one-of-a-kind cask-conditioned brew is featured weekly, and breakfast at the brewery on the weekends. Finally, if you want a first-hand look at the brewing process, don’t forget to stop by OC Brewing Co. for a personal tour of the operation. Tours take place daily at 11am, 1pm and 3pm.
– Evolution Craft Brewing Company, in Salisbury, is preparing for its next beer dinner on Wednesday, July 22. For this event the brewery will be partnering with El Dorado Distillers. Tickets are on sale now for $75. Evo also has great food and beer specials all week at Public House Restaurant and the tasting room. Check them out Monday for 1/2 priced wings and all day happy hour; Tuesday you can get a beer and burger for only $10; Wednesday house-smoked brisket sandwiches are 1/2 off all day; Thursday is ‘Community Appreciation Night” featuring discounts for police, firefighters, EMTs, teachers and others who make the local community a better place; and Sunday Evo has 1/2 priced burgers and happy hour all day long.
– The 3rd Wave Brewing Co., just up the road in Delmar, DE, prides itself on ‘Good Friends, Good Waves and Great Beer’ and wants to share all three with you. This week, stop by the taproom for School Faculty Appreciation Night on Monday for Hoppy Hour prices with proper ID, Wednesday for 3 pints for $3 each, Flight Night on Thursday with half price flights, or any other night to try 3rd Wave’s newest offerings.
– Located at 10th St. and the Boardwalk, Ocean City’s first brewery- Backshore Brewing Co.- may have the best view of any brewery anywhere in the country. Stop by for the view and stay for the handcrafted beers and brand new HoopTea. Plus, don’t forget to be on the lookout for Backshore’s big screen debut in ‘Blood, Sweat, and Beer,’ a recently released documentary chronicling two craft beer breweries.
This week in OC: July 10-16, 2015
After a dreary July 4th weekend, the we’re expecting much more ideal beach weather this weekend in Ocean City, Md. If you plan on joining us, check out these events and activities going on around town:
– This weekend Ocean City goes international with the annual Greek Festival at the Convention Center. Hosted by St. George Greek Orthodox Church and lasting Friday- Monday, the Greek Festival features authentic food, live entertainment, a variety of vendors, and the chance to win $5000. Entry to the event is free and proceeds raised from fundraisers will benefit community and ministry programs of St. George Greek Orthodox Church. Visit www.stgeorgebythesea.org/greek-festival for more information.
– Also this weekend is the 28th annual OC Tuna Tournament. Originating from the Ocean City Fishing Center at Sunset Marina, the Tuna Tournament will see over 100 boats attempt to reel in prize winning fish. WIth over $500,000 on the line this is one of the premier tuna tounraments on the east coast. The event lasts Friday-Sunday with nightly weigh ins from 4:30-7:00. Admission to the weigh ins is free to spectators. Visit www.octunatournament.com to learn more.
– Finally, don’t forget to take advantage of the free weekly events hosted by the Town of Ocean City. This week, check out Sundaes in the Park and fireworks on Sunday at Northside Park from 7:00-9:00pm, then head down to the beach at N. Division St. for OC Beach Lights beginning at 9:30. You can also see beach fireworks on Monday and Tuesday night and a free Concert on the Beach on Wednesday at the Caroline St. stage. For more details or other free events, call the town offices at 800-626-2326.
Don’t forget to join our online community by visiting our forum, signing up for our newsletter, and following us on social media at on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest for breaking news, breathtaking photos, daily updates, and weekly giveaways from your online authority for everything Ocean City.
How a day of boogie boarding in the 80s is still being felt on 133rd St. (22 photos)
Way back in the early 80s, Brandon Hemp, Joseph Akob and Eddie Clark, then total strangers, bonded over their love of boogie boarding on the beach at 133rd St in Ocean City, Md.
With their sons splashing in the surf together, longtime Ocean City vacationers Cary Clark, Carol Hemp and Anita Akob soon formed their own special beach bond.
When they all returned to Ocean City the following summers, the boys renewed their friendship, adding some new faces to the mix.
But growing older and making new friends didn’t change a shared love for boogie boarding.
Spending summer vacation together on 133rd St. became an annual occurrence for the Hemps, Clarks and Akobs by 1992.
And the 133rd St. “family of friends” continued to grow.
By 1999, 3 generations of the Hemp, Akob and Clark families were spending summer vacations in Ocean City, and new friends were coming into the fold.
And, before too long, the 4th generation of 133rd St. was being thoroughly represented.
Most years, the growing group of Ocean City vacationers celebrates July 4th together with a 133rd St. party, like this one in 2001!
And this one a few years later.
In 2010, Carol Hemp set out on a beautification project to bring new life to the 133rd St. Dune Crossing.
Thanks to plenty of help from the 133rd St. “family of friends,” some mulch, and new plant life, the project was an overwhelming success.
They even added decorative bird houses in addition to flowers, flags and sculptures.
Which helped the group add even more friends during the 2000s.
Including Pam Maskell (left), Scott & Amy Grace (back row, 2nd and 3rd from left), Larry & Diane Macklin (center), and the “Mayor of 133rd St.,” Nick Usiondek (back row, 3rd from right), and the Thomas Family (right).
And longtime 133rd St. lifeguard, Bryan Joiner, who retired from the Ocean City Beach Patrol in 2013; but not before a proper send off from his family.
The farewell party gave birth to a new tradition and the 133rd St. group now holds an annual end of year bash on Labor Day weekend.
At the 2014 party, 33 members of the group participated in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge in honor of fallen 133rd St. friend Ned McFeely. A testament to the close-knit nature of the group.
Speaking of close, many years and memories after their initial meeting, Joe, Eddie and Brandon are still great friends who still share a love for boogie boarding.
And Carol, Cary and Anita still look forward to their families spending summer days together.
While the next generation of the 133rd St. “family of friends” creates lifelong memories and friendships of their own.
And continue an Ocean City legacy that has spanned decades of summer vacations!
Take a Spin at the Carousel Hotel
The Carousel Hotel on 117th Street is as family friendly as they come. With an indoor pool, an outdoor pool, and a kiddie pool, an ice rink, fitness center and sauna, and live entertainment, there is plenty to keep the whole family busy. You can step straight from the hotel onto the golden sands of Ocean City’s famous beach, or you can enjoy being close to the beach, but not quite on it by staying at the pool with its gardens and children’s activities.
There are rooms and condos, with ocean views or bay views, and a choice of indoor or outdoor dining. Take a spin on this Carousel journey and look at some photos of this well know hotel, then go to http://www.booking.com/hotel/us/carousel-resort-and-condominiums to get more details and to book your stay. 
A Royal Visit to the Princess Royale
The Princess Royale Oceanfront Family Resort & Condominiums sits on Ocean City’s sandy beaches, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The huge glass atrium houses the large indoor pool and pool front rooms and suites. There are two room suites plus 2 & 3 bedroom luxurious condominiums, along with whirlpools and saunas and a day spa. There are games for the kids around the pool area, and both indoor and outdoor restaurants and cafes. So treat yourself like royalty and check out these photos of the Princess Royale Hotel. Go to http://www.booking.com/hotel/us/princess-royale for more information and to book your stay here.
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How your families spend their time in Ocean City (15 photos)
The 4th of July represents our Declaration of Independence from Great Britain and the birth of our nation and its values. With family being one of our core values, it’s no wonder we spend the holiday celebrating with our loved ones. In Ocean City, the beach is the main venue for celebrating our nation’s independence. With 10 miles of sand and ocean at your disposal, a variety of attractions and things to do, and a spectacular fireworks show and concert in the evening, the weather did not damper your fun this 4th of July weekend. We asked for your 4th of July photos and you delivered. We’d love to see your photos. Just visit our ‘submit your photos’ page. Keep submitting your pictures for a chance to win a free two-night stay at the Grand Hotel & Spa!
This week in OC: July 3-9, 2015
With July 4th upon us, Ocean City, Md is primed for one of its biggest annual celebrations. To help celebrate, OceanCity.com and the Grand Hotel are teaming up to give you a chance to win a free 2 nights stay! For your chance to win, visit OceanCity.com/Submit and share your favorite photos from July 4th in OCMD. Winner will be announced next Friday on our Facebook page.
Here are the rest of your holiday weekend highlights:
– As always, the Town of Ocean City is committed to giving you an Independence Day celebration you’ll never forget. You can catch a free concert followed by eye-popping fireworks displays at 2 locations- the beach at N. Division St. and Northside Park– beginning at 8pm. If one day of fireworks isn’t enough, Ocean City will also have beach fireworks on Monday and Tuesday nights.
-When it comes to July 4th in Ocean City, Seacrets is a tradition as time honored as fireworks and crab feasts. This year will be no different as Ocean City’s most iconic bar will hold an all day celebration complete with a fireworks extravaganza of its own. As it tends to do on holiday weekends, Seacrets is likely to fill up fast, so make sure you get there early if you want a spot in the bay.
– Fish Tales will be home to yet another American tradition as the 8th annual July 4th Hotdog Eating Contest takes place at 1pm. Participants have had the chance to qualify over the past few weeks, now see who can eat the most hotdogs in 10 minutes and take home the Ocean City title.
Finally, don’t forget to join our online community by visiting our forum, signing up for our newsletter, and following us on social media at on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest for breaking news, breathtaking photos, daily updates, and weekly giveaways from your online authority for everything Ocean City.
10 Looks at Paradise (Plaza)
Your own piece of paradise awaits you in these Paradise Plaza photos. On the Boardwalk at 9th Street, it really is in the center of everything. The views from the balconies are amazing, with the beach just steps away. A relaxing pool offers an alternative to the beach, and the 9th Street Taphouse Bar and Grille is onsite offering breakfast, lunch and dinner with its exciting menu and daily happy hour. Walk to all the entertainment the Boardwalk has to offer or people watch from your balcony. Your little piece of paradise while staying in Ocean City Maryland.
21 Photos of The Grand Hotel
The Grand Hotel and Spa, on the Boardwalk at 21st Street, has spectacular views of the Ocean City Boardwalk, Atlantic Ocean and Assawoman Bay. Just steps away from the beach, there is also an indoor as well as an outdoor pool, fitness center, onsite spa and game room to keep everyone in the family happily occupied. Check out 21 Photos of The Grand Hotel. 
Beach Patrol Competes for Bragging Rights on Saturday, July 25
The members of the Ocean City Beach Patrol spend the summer vigorously training, attending mandatory safety meetings, and manning life guard stands to protect our visitors while they enjoy our beaches and ocean. Each Beach Patrol crew operates as a team to man the 5 or 6 lifeguard stands on its assigned beach, with the crew chief stand located in the center. An assistant crew chief and up to six additional SRTs (Surf Rescue Technicians) work together under direction of the crew chief to cover all stands 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. All guards follow the same training program, so guards from any crew can work together to save lives; but Ocean City’s coastal geography creates unique working environments at each beach and each crew takes great pride in keeping its area safe.
In order to promote teamwork and crew pride, the Ocean City Beach Patrol sponsors competitions throughout the summer to encourage members to work together and practice using essential life guarding skills in high-stress situations. The 2015 Crew Competitions takes place this Saturday, July 25, beginning at 6:30pm on the beach at N. Division St.
The “Crew Comps,” as they are called, test the physical and mental toughness of beach patrol members, while giving them the chance to compete for pride in events such as the land line, paddle relay, run-swim-run relay, 400 M sprint relay, and tug of war. Not only are the Crew Comps a fantastic way to put the Beach Patrol to the test, they also give the rest of us the opportunity to thank the men and women responsible for keeping our beaches safe!
Below are the winners of last year’s competiton. Make sure to head out to this year’s to support the men and women who keep you and your family safe all summer!
2014 Crew Comp results
The overall winner of Crew Comps last summer was Crew 1 from the South. They defeated the two time defending champions from the Middle North, Crew 12 (CC DeKemper, Summers 2012 & 2013). CC Kevin Johnson and ACC Manu Ouellet, along with their well-balanced team of both rookies & veterans, were able to rise above all other challengers. The other members of Crew 1 from last year are as follows: George Buchman, Sam Duhaime-Morisette, Will Gray, John Miller, Tyler Mitchell, Jon Rothermel, and Yannick Stein-Tremblay. They secured first place with a score of 41 points. Tied for second place with 33 points were Crew 9 & Crew 17. Crew 9 was led by CC Jake Ritter and ACC Andrew Douglas and Crew 17 was led by CC Charlie Swartz and ACC Karen Hessler.
Run Swim Run
1st Crew 1
2nd Crew 9
3rd Crew 17
Land Line
1st Crew 1
2nd Crew 12
3rd Crew 8
Soft Sand Relay
1st Crew 17
2nd Crew 6
3rd Crew 9
Paddle Board Relay
1st Crew 7
2nd Crew 9
3rd Crew 1
Tug of War
1st Crew 2
2nd Crew 5
3rd Crew 1
16 looks at the World’s Biggest Bill Fish Tournament (16 photos)
The White Marlin Open in Ocean City Md takes place at Harbor Island Marina at 14th Street and the Bay. Check out Ocean City’s Famous White Marlin Open Photos. Hundreds of boats compete for the prize money, and hundreds more spectators show up to watch the fish be weighed in. Watching the boats depart from the Ocean City Inlet in the early hours of the morning, as they set out to catch the big one, is also a spectacular sight. Join them in the late afternoon and on into the evening as the boats return with their catch for the weigh it in, hoping they have won some share of the prizes money which totals more than $2 million.
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