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Winterfest Walking Tour Lights Up Northside Park to Celebrate the 30th Anniversary

Anne

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November 10, 2022

Winterfest Walking Tour Lights Up Northside Park to Celebrate the 30th Anniversary

Ocean City, MD – (November 9, 2022): Ocean City will celebrate the 30th annual Winterfest of Lights on Thursday, November 17, 2022. The opening ceremony will return with a magical display and tree lighting beginning at 5:30 p.m. and is FREE to the public this one night only. The Winterfest of Lights returns as a walking tour that takes you through thousands of sparkling holiday lights and many animated light displays located along a paved path in Northside Park.

Adding to the winter wonderland is a special performance by Ocean City Elementary School’s “OC Stars” performing holiday songs and dance. Mayor Rick Meehan will “flip the switch” to light the Winterfest holiday light displays and the 50-foot Christmas tree officially opening Winterfest of Lights to the public. Santa will make a surprise appearance for the opening ceremony and be sure to look to the sky for a special holiday experience.

Winterfest guests can experience the magic and spirit of the holiday season close up. The walking path contains several surprises along the way, creating family-friendly opportunities that will last a lifetime. Grab your cup of coffee or hot chocolate at the Boosters concession window and enjoy the spectacular light displays with many loyal favorites, including the Twelve Days of Christmas and the Toy Factory. Also, patrons can’t miss the animated, 50-foot Winterfest Christmas tree “performing” its show throughout the evening. New this year is a tunnel of lights that will react to you singing your favorite Christmas carol. Take your photo at one of the many photo hotspots along the way and in the new expanded Winterfest pavilion this year.

To add to the Winterfest experience, brand new this year is a Winterfest Train Garden. Visit the Welcome Center at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center to view the spectacular model railroad displays and trains. Read and learn about the history of the train station and railroad in Ocean City. Starting November 17 through December 31, the train garden can be viewed Wednesday-Sunday from 5:30-9:00 p.m. Admission is free to the public; however, donations are accepted and benefit the Ocean City Beach Patrol.

Guests will have the opportunity to take their photo with Santa Claus. Families can listen to holiday music throughout the park provided by Radio Ocean City or download the Radio Ocean City App for a more personal high-fidelity music experience.

If you have a leashed pet, bring them with you on Wednesday for Furry Friends Day! The hours of operation will be Wednesday-Sunday from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Winterfest tickets can be purchased on-site or online. Admission is $6 for those 12 years & older and FREE for those 11 years and younger. With thousands of holiday lights, Ocean City’s Winterfest of Lights will create long-lasting holiday memories for you and your family. For additional information, visit https://www.oceancity.com/winterfest/

Dinosaur Extinction Rumors Put to Rest in Ocean City – Meteoric Improvements on the Horizon

Ann

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November 9, 2022

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Dinosaur Extinction Rumors Put to Rest in Ocean City – Meteoric Improvements on the Horizon

Many Facebook patrons on Ocean City Today’s Facebook page were aghast at the news that the dinosaurs at Nick’s Jurassic Golf were being displaced to build an office building. While displacing dinosaurs sounds heartless, the reality is actually very different. The dinosaurs are migrating a block north, kids and Burley Oak patrons are interacting with and enjoying the dinosaurs until they find their final home, a bus stop gets a shelter, a local family-owned business gets new offices near their work, a residential community loses an irritation, and new workforce housing is being created.

Only the sign remains, but the dinosaurs are only migrating one block north – after delighting kids and adults while on their sojourn

Local Family Businesses Involved

Lots of nostalgic tourists to Ocean City and other beach resorts bemoan the fact that the days of family owned and run businesses are gone and that corporate types with no investment in the town come in and destroy what all of us have loved for years. This is not the case with the relocation of Nick’s Jurassic Golf. The Harrison Group owned the property. The Harrison Group employees hundreds of people in Ocean City and runs hotels and restaurants that are favorites of locals and visitors. They are a local family with roots in the peach growing industry in Berlin over a century ago. Their corporate offices inside the Plim Plaza Hotel building were cramped and they needed a new home.

Nick Gerasimos was leasing the property where he constructed the dinosaur themed mini-golf course. His sister works in social media for many local businesses. His dad works with a local hotel and property management group which hosts tens of thousands of guests each year.

The Town of Ocean City Needs More Employee Housing

The crisis created by workforce housing issues is one being addressed by the Mayor and Council in Ocean City. Businesses need help and they need available lodging for that seasonal help. The old Harrison Group offices inside the Plim Plaza hotel building will be renovated and used for workforce housing.

Harrison Group corporate offices to become workforce housing.

Then there’s the Bus Stop

Prior to the demise of the dinosaurs at 18th Street, anybody wishing to take the popular Ocean City bus had to wait outside next to a sign for the bus to come. The new office building to house the Harrison management team and employees is building a bus shelter so that anybody waiting for a ride can do so protected from the elements.

Moving one block north, here is the map of Nick’s dinosaurs migration.

Back to the Dinosaurs

In the comments on that original Facebook Post, many people expressed a desire to buy the dinosaurs. While fun, that would have made them virtually extinct to their friends and fans in Ocean City. Luckily for us, and for the Ocean City visitors who love Nick’s Jurassic Golf, those dinosaurs decided to migrate just a block north to 19th Street. This property was last a parking lot for Phillips Restaurant. Nick Gerasimos, being the responsible dinosaur owner that he is, bought the lot and went before the Ocean City Planning Commission for approval for a new Jurassic park – a mini-golf focused park very similar to the last course. Nick’s new course looks like it will be better for visitors, residents, and for the dinosaurs – if you believe that such creatures like more space. Here is the quote from the Ocean City Today article on August 4th and updated on September 22.

Excerpt from Ocean City Today Article on Nick’s Jurassic Golf

The new project will also be safer and more accessible, with a crosswalk and stoplight positioned at Dolphin Street where it will be built. Geracimos contends it will be a better neighbor than the existing course as well.

Right now, as Jurassic Golf was formed from an existing course and not built by Geracimos, the lighting and music elements were already in place and created some friction with the residential neighbors. The lights shine into the street and closer to the homes surrounding the course, and the music has larger speakers that amplify the sound.

In the new project, Geracimos said he will ensure the lights point toward the course, and not the street or residential neighborhood, and that the music is distributed better to prevent sound from carrying. He will also have more parking spaces than the other project and plans to build it on a bigger footprint. He has constructed three other courses, and said he will piggyback off elements of those locations.

Where can You See Your Dinosaur Friends?

19th Street Sightings

If you drive by the new location at 19th Street and Coastal Highway now, the largest of the dinosaurs can be seen – waiting for their new home and their next meal – if you think about it long enough.

Dinosaurs from Nicks Jurassic Golf wait for their next meal and the park’s opening at 19th Street.

Sunfest Sightings

A few of your dinosaur friends visited Sunfest as part of the Shore Craft Beer Garden with Burley Oak that benefited downtown focused non-profit, the Ocean City Development Corporation.

Even the dinosaur egg provided entertainment for endless children who visited Sunfest.

You might wonder at the presence of dinosaurs at the Shore Craft Beer Garden. We wondered too – but were delighted nevertheless. The answer is that Burley was borrowing the dinosaurs for their “Controlled Chaos” Event. Which brings me to “Controlled Chaos”

“Controlled Chaos” at Burley Oak

On November 12th, Burley Oak is presenting a big “Controlled Chaos” beer festival for its first year at their property in “Beerlin.” With craft breweries, food trucks, entertainment, and festival exclusives, there are multiple tickets types available and we hear that the dinosaurs will make an appearance.

Visit Matt and the rest of the Burley Oak team – and a bunch of dinosaurs – at Controlled Chaos on November 10, 2022.

Walking the Winterfest of Lights

Anne

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November 9, 2022

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Two years ago, Winterfest of Lights changed to a walking event, which the majority of visitors to the festival loved. Over the last couple of years, we have had a lot of our readers posting pictures of their visit to Ocean City’s Winterfest of Lights, so we put together a collection of their photos to inspire you, and get you in the holiday mood. The general consensus is that taking the short walk on the paved paths around the park to see the thousands of sparkling lights and animated light displays was a great success! For those who have difficulty walking, there are plenty of spots to sit down to rest, or just take in the view. It is not necessary to walk to whole route to enjoy the event. There are scooters and powered wheelchairs available for rent, or of course, you can use your own. So whether you can make it here in person or must view from afar, sit back, make yourself a hot chocolate, and take a look at some of our visitor’s pictures!

Find more information about Winterfest of Lights here.

Crystal Weade
We loved it! Hands down loved walking it!!! It was so much better!

Diane Beury Mason
Yes, loved it. I really liked walking more than the tram

Mary Clapsaddle
I really liked being able to walk through (although the pathways were very dark in a few areas). Had a great visit!

Frances Sudano
The Winterfest of Lights…was amazing this year. From the beautiful illuminations, selfie stations. to hot chocolate and Santa…

Crystal Weade
Loved it! Walking it was great! Also all the dressed up dogs were so cute! Truly a fantastic event

Wendy Cregger
Yes! A great time! Love OC

Jennifer Warehime Millett
We had such a great time.

Heather Thomas
This year walking through the lights is by far the best time I’ve ever had . My kids even said they felt more engaged and surrounded by Christmas . Thanks for putting this together!

Angela Patricia. Engagement day 11/29/19! Yes we did!!

Find more information about Winterfest of Lights here

The Motion of the Ocean- City

Katie Ruskey

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November 8, 2022

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Grab your Aquanet as ‘Hairspray’ takes over Ocean City! The Tony Award Winning musical features young Tracey Turnblad, a starstruck teen whose dream is to dance on The Corny Collins Show. While pursuing her dream, Link Larkin, Tracey’s charming love interest, helps navigate social issues of the 1960’s.

‘Hairspray’ takes the stage at The Ocean City Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, Nov 30, 2022. Doors open at 6:30. Show time is 7:00. Tickets range from $65 to $85.

Winterfest is coming, Winterfest is coming!

Anne

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November 7, 2022

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Winterfest is coming, Winterfest is coming!

It’s almost that time of year again! Winterfest of Lights, which in the past was a tram ride through the sparkling lights in Northside Park, will once again this year be a walking tour, with an even larger path route. The walking tour is about three quarters of a mile long and will take you through thousands of sparkling holiday lights and many animated light displays along the paved paths of Northside Park. You’ll be able to sip hot chocolate, and take a photo with the old guy himself, plus marvel at the stunning 50 foot Christmas tree. We took a walk through the park recently to see how the decorating was going.

This spectacular tree welcomes you to Winterfest of Lights

Always something exciting around the next corner!

Someone is getting a sneak preview of the lights

More lights than ever have been added this year

If you haven’t seen this tree in action, just you wait. It’s a sight to be seen!

Always a beautiful view at Northside Park

Winterfest of Lights will be open Wednesday through Sunday nights from 5.30pm – 9.30pm this year (closed Monday and Tuesday nights), starting November 17th. Admission is $6 for those over 12 years of age, children 11 years and younger are free. You can read more about Winterfest of Lights here.

Spooky Scary Skeleton… Shrimp?

Maryland Coastal Bays Program

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October 27, 2022

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Photo by Klaus Stiefel, no changes were made.

It’s that time of year when you see jack-o’-lanterns on porches and skeletons hanging in windows… but did you know even the bay is ready for Halloween with little creatures called skeleton shrimp wandering around?

If you have ever looked really closely at a sponge or a dock piling in the bay, you may have noticed tiny, long-limbed creatures reaching out that resemble a miniature praying mantis. These minute creatures are called skeleton shrimp. Not because they spookily haunt the waters of the bay, but because their long, threadlike bodies resemble skeletons, even though they don’t have any bones. They are not actually shrimp but are amphipods and move around using front and back limbs like an inchworm. To see how they move, check out this great video of these dancing skeleton shrimp found in the Coastal Bays!

Photo by Archer Larned, PhD, in Chincoteague Bay

These spooky critters are omnivores, which means that they eat plants and animals, and eat anything small enough to grab that passes by, whether it is alive or dead. They feed by holding onto a sponge or vegetation with their lower limbs and then reach out with their gnathopods, limbs specialized for feeding and defense, to grab hold of things floating in the water. Don’t worry about being grabbed by one though, because they are only about ½ to 2 inches long!

The females carry the fertilized eggs around in a brood pouch until the young hatch out. When the juveniles emerge from the egg, they look like miniature adults. Similarly, to the praying mantis, which they resemble, the female will sometimes kill the male after mating using venom from a claw in their gnathopod.

Skeleton shrimp are found worldwide in marine environments and the ones we have here in the Maryland Coastal Bays are native. So, the next time you happen to be looking at vegetation in the bay or the underside of a dock, look extra closely because you might be lucky enough to see a tiny skeleton shrimp! And a picture of one would make a spooky Halloween decoration!

About the Author – Archer Larned, PhD

Archer Larned, PhD, is the Coastal Bird Habitat Coordinator at the Maryland Coastal Bays Program. She primarily monitors a floating platform for nesting Common Terns during the summer months. She also surveys other colonial nesting waterbirds and analyzes data.

Harbor Day at the Docks – October 15th

Ann

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October 11, 2022

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A Maritime Heritage Festival from 10 am to 3 pm

The West Ocean City commercial harbor will host the reinvigorated Harbor Day at the Docks festival celebrating the rich history and maritime heritage of our area. The sport fishing and commercial fishing industries will be represented and celebrated with demonstrations and activities as well. Vendors, activities, demonstrations, displays, educational exhibits, entertainment and food as well as fun kids’ activities will all be available.

Visit the Maryland’s Coast booth to find this year’s Harbor Day at the Dock poster.

Melanie Pursel, the Director of Tourism and Economic Development invites everybody to come experience Harbor Day at the Docks, “Come celebrate our region’s rich maritime history and culture… Harbor Day at the Docks is a family friendly, free event with children’s activities, touch tanks, boat tours, and more all along the commercial fishing harbor in West Ocean City. You can even get a slice of tiger Maryland State Dessert: Smith Island Cake!”

The festival is FREE and will be a fun way to spend your Saturday in Ocean City, Maryland.

There will be educational exhibits that will entertain both kids and adults.

Highlights of the Festival

Maritime Activities – located in the Education tent, there will be a variety of activities to educate and entertain. Please check the sponsor website for more information.
Live Music:
- 10 am – noon – Trindidad and Tobago Baltimore Steele Orchestra
- 1 pm – 3 pm – The Permilla Project
Smith Island Cake for sale
Seafood cooking demonstrations
Crab-picking contests
Fish cleaning demonstrations
Nautical artisans
Education exhibits
Food vendors
FREE kids activities

Join Trinidad and Tobago Baltimore Steel Orchestra from 10 – 12 at the Harbor Day at the Docks festival.

The Hurricane of 1933: Ocean City, Maryland

Katie Ruskey

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October 9, 2022

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The Hurricane of 1933: Ocean City, Maryland

Could you imagine Ocean City without the famous Ocean City Inlet? Back in the 1930’s, it was a reality until…

It was August of 1933 and a small tropical storm out in the Atlantic had caught the eye of everyone on the mid Atlantic coast including Ocean City, Maryland. The 50 mph winds were tolerable and non threatening at the time. Slowly as the days went on, the incredible storm picked up speed and had hurled itself into hurricane status territory.

August 18th, 1930

Now a hurricane, the storm began its wrath along the eastern seaboard. However as a pre- show, insistent rain ravished the bays and canals of Ocean City for four days straight. The bay swelled with rain as the incredible storm pummeled 10 inches of rain each day on the coast.

August 22, 1933

Without the intricate technology that we now have, all that residents knew was that a storm was about to hit, but had no idea the impact it was about to have. What was called the storm of 1933, since at that time, storms had not yet been named, opened its gates of fury along the Ocean City’s coast. For hours, Ocean City was beaten by threatening winds and immense flooding. Even though this wasn’t the worst storm that had ever dismantled parts of the beach town, it was definitely one of the most impactful ones.

August 23, 1933- The Aftermath

The surging tides from four days of rain merged with the surge of water being pushed up from the storm. The strip of land connecting Ocean City to Assateague Island was broken from the push of bay waters and overflowing tides. The bay waters broke through causing a 50 foot wide, 8 foot deep inlet, which we now call the Ocean City Inlet. Train tracks that connected both areas were barreled over and eliminated by the storm as well.

Gentleman helps lady through flooded water 1933

At the time, Mayor William McCabe estimated $500,000 worth of damage to the tiny town- an extremely large amount of money in the 1930’s. Ocean City’s boardwalk had to be rebuilt along with fortifying the new inlet that now connected the vast ocean to the back bays. This new route for fishermen became extremely popular and sky rocketed Ocean City’s fishing industry.

It’s hard to imagine Ocean City without its fishing and infamous inlet. At one point, it was Ocean City’s reality. But mother nature had other plans.

Thank you to The Ocean City Life Saving Station for the photos.

Ocean City Beach Patrol: Looking for Candidates

Katie Ruskey

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October 5, 2022

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Ocean City Beach Patrol: Looking for Candidates

Have You Spotted Them?

Everyone loves a sunny and safe day at the beach- especially Ocean City’s Beach Patrol. Patrolling the beach beginning the Saturday of Memorial Day all the way until the third Sunday in September after Labor Day, lifeguards are a staple of our beach days. Beach lifeguards watch over vacationers and locals alike from the OC Inlet Rock Pile all the way down to 146th street at the Maryland/ Delaware line. That’s over ten miles of beach! And on that ten mile plus shore line, swimmers are lucky enough to be protected by over 170 beach patrol members.

Responsibilities

Keeping a keen eye out on vacationing families is not a job lifeguards take lightly. Lieutenant Mike Stone states, “Our Mission Statement includes three very important words, “Education, Prevention, & Intervention”. We pride ourselves on communicating with the public about things they need to be aware of based on where they go to the beach. Things to consider are obviously the weather, but high & low tide, rip currents, underwater obstructions are just a few of the other important points we like to cover. Being aware of your swimming ability in the ocean is extremely important, especially if you’re new to the area.”

However there is much more than patrolling the beaches. Stone, a 38 year patrol veteran, explains, “I am responsible for assignments, days off, creating a weekly schedule (including special duties), payroll, & helping Captain Arbin run the OCBP on a daily basis.” And that’s just Stone. There are several other members on staff that work day in and day out to make sure the OCBP runs smoothly.”

What Are They Saying?

Everyone must know! What in the world are the lifeguards talking about with those brightly colored orange flags? “We are usually spelling out abbreviations and or words,” the Lieutenant comments. “Most of the time it has to do with lost & found children as we work quickly to reunite family members.” Want to give it a go? You can practice your semaphore alphabet in the off season. Maybe you can even talk to the lifeguard in code yourself.

Off Season

While vacationers are bundled up in their winter coats and sipping hot chocolate, the OCBP stays busy doing things behind the scenes. “Cleaning & painting stands, laundry, inventory, repairing & ordering new equipment, testing (PEPSEs), recruiting, recruiting, recruiting!! Captain Arbin also works on our budget for the City and has several meetings with our Director & other city Personnel.”

Did you know that being a part of the OCBP can be a year round job? “We have one FT, year round employee (Lt. Ward Kovacs) and he spends the off-season preparing things & ordering equipment/supplies. We have a few officer work weekends and some off site employment testing (PEPSE events).”

Did I Mention Recruiting?

Usually the minimum age to become a lifeguard in Ocean City is 17, however Stone says that there are some exceptions. “With proper experience & supervisor recommendation(s), we have some 16 year olds who are able to pass our PEPSE test and become an SRT (beach Lifeguard).” In addition to the PEPSE test (Pre-Employment Physical Skills Evaluation), trainees are also given CPR and First Aid training.

Do You Have What It Takes?

Why not try? This Saturday, October 8th, the OCBP is hosting a test! “Candidates can register as well as get more information about the PEPSE test & pay,” Stone encourages. For more information about becoming a lifeguard or taking the PEPSE test, please visit https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/emergency-services/beach-patrol/employment/. And good luck! We’re rooting for you!

Thank you to Lieutenant Mike Stone of Berlin for taking the time to answer our questions.

Blood Bank of Delmarva Issues Urgent Call for Blood Donations as Hurricane Ian Ravages Florida

Anne

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October 4, 2022

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Blood Bank of Delmarva Issues Urgent Call for Blood Donations as Hurricane Ian Ravages Florida

Donations are needed to support blood centers impacted in Florida and the Southeast

DELMARVA – Blood Bank of Delmarva (BBD) is calling on Delmarva residents to donate blood amid a catastrophic hurricane hitting the coast of Florida. Donations are needed locally and in anticipation of humanitarian efforts that will be necessary to support our southern neighbors. These donations are essential to maintaining a stable supply of blood and platelets in impacted regions, which can help save lives and ensure patient needs continue to be met throughout this difficult time.

On Tuesday, Hurricane Ian made landfall along the southwestern coast of Florida as a powerful Category 4 storm. Experts say it is one of the strongest hurricanes to make landfall on the west coast of Florida.

In a statement released Tuesday, America’s Blood Centers said, “The AABB Interorganizational Task Force on Domestic Disasters and Acts of Terrorism strongly urges eligible individuals in unaffected areas throughout the United States to schedule a blood or platelet donation appointment as soon as possible.”

Blood is perishable and according to AABB, blood collection organizations nationwide on average had only 1-2 days’ blood supply heading into the storm. At BBD, the inventory as of Thursday morning was three days whereas the goal is to ideally have a seven-day supply. Anticipated disruptions in blood collections and transportation challenges in Florida and the Southeast throughout the next several days are likely to exacerbate already low inventories, particularly in the affected areas.

“Delmarva residents always step up for each other and now we must help Florida and the Southeast, a region that desperately needs our support,” said Patricia Killeen, Senior Vice President at Blood Bank of Delmarva. “Now is a critical time to help those in need by making a blood donation. It’s easy and only takes one hour. This is a dire situation and every donation counts.”

To make an appointment at a nearby blood drive, donors can call 1-888-8-BLOOD-8 or visit www.DelmarvaBlood.org. Can’t donate blood? You can still support BBD’s mission by texting BBD to 20222 to give $25.

About Blood Bank of Delmarva: Founded in 1954, Blood Bank of Delmarva (BBD) is a non-profit community service organization that provides blood and blood products to 19 hospitals on the Delmarva Peninsula. More than 79,000 blood donations are needed in this area each year for about 20,000 patients across the Delmarva Peninsula. Blood Bank of Delmarva merged with New York Blood Center in August 2019. BBD is a member of America’s Blood Centers, AABB and Blood Centers of America.

A Lot Can Happen in a Week – With Bad Weather.

Ann

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October 3, 2022

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A Lot Can Happen in a Week – With Bad Weather.

The Week in Pictures –

From the sunny days early in the week when Oceans Calling was scheduled to attract 50,000 fans to the rescue of a front end loader from the surf and coastal flooding, this has been a wild week. Here we review the week in photos

Oceans Calling Sets up on the Beach

Oceans Calling set up at the inlet prior to any threat from Ian

The beginning of last week was sunny and warm, as it has been for the last few weeks. Hurricane Ian was threatening Puerto Rico and was predicted to hit Florida, but we weren’t too worried yet.

The Boardwalk was Busy in Anticipation of the Biggest Concert Event EVER in Ocean City

The fences for Oceans Calling were up as was the traffic on the boardwalk in anticipation of the big concert weekend.

Plastic decking material was laid down on the sand to allow all those cars to drive on the beach as they set up for Oceans Calling. People watched the process with interest even though the boardwalk benches were fenced off from the public. That plastic decking becomes important later as our story starts to unfold.

The Stage Stands Ready, but the Clouds & Wind are Moving In.

The stage stands ready for the concerts, but the clouds have moved in and the wind is picking up as Ian marches north from Florida.

The press/box office opened Thursday at noon and the rumors were flying that the Oceans Calling concert weekend might cancel. The white tents and the fabric on the big stages had already suffered some wind damage, but the decision to cancel wasn’t communicated to the public until early Thursday afternoon.

Oceans Calling Canceled the Event

The message most expected but nobody wanted to hear.

Now that the decision was made, the team had to get their stuff off the beach to be sure that everybody and everything was safe. As you can see, there was already damage.

The Oceans Calling Team Starts Rapidly Breaking Down Tents & Signage

The team works quickly to get the tents down as the wind picks up and the clouds threaten the rain that is to come.

The stages are gone but the “Duradeck” remains on the inlet side of the pier

The “Duradeck” is down and water has already covered the beach

Water had obviously covered the beach – and the duradeck – on Friday evening, but by late morning as the tide was coming back up, the duradeck remained, albeit, a little buried.

The Tide Rushes In with Crashing Waves

Big waves as seen from the Ocean City pier.

The waves crashed into the pier and onto the beach, creating a problem for those working on the shore to collect all the tents, duradecking, and other accoutrements left over from the Oceans Calling Festival.

2 Loaders Try to Save the “Duradeck” and a Rescue is Necessary.

Two front end loaders try to save the duradeck

Unfortunately, the ocean had other ideas and trapped one of the loaders in the surf. With sand well above his wheels, the rescue mission ensued.

The rescue starts, but this first attempt fails and the driver in the swamped machine must be getting worried.

More help arrives and the successful rescue begins as the tide starts to recede.

The rescue efforts drew quite a crowd despite the wind and rain.

Monday isn’t Much Better

With coastal flood warnings, high wind alerts, and 8-12′ waves predicted through Tuesday and rain continuing through Wednesday, the only good news is that it is supposed to be GORGEOUS this weekend.

The waves were big Monday morning, even at low tide.

Monday was not a beach day! The north wind is driving the sand down the beach.

Waves lap the docks in Ocean City – at low tide. High tide will be worse.

The Flooding Continues Across the Lower Shore

Meanwhile the storm is causing rising tides across the lower shore. Here the Wicomico River is flooding and closed the Whitehaven Ferry.

“Stigma” Art Project Addresses Addiction, Will Travel to Schools

Anne

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October 3, 2022

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“Stigma” Art Project Addresses Addiction, Will Travel to Schools

“STIGMA HIGHLIGHTED” ART EXHIBIT ADDRESSES NEGATIVITY TOWARDS INDIVIDUALS BATTLING ADDICTION, OPENS ON OCT. 7 AT OCEAN CITY CENTER FOR THE ARTS

OCEAN CITY, MD — Sept. 30, 2022 — “As an artist, a mother, a friend, and having personally dealt with other’s addictions, I agreed [to participate in the Stigma project,] knowing it will travel, and others will hear the journey each of these strong and courageous people have traveled through to get where they are today,” portrait artist Teri Edgeworth, wrote. “If their story touches a heart and saves people from going down their path or even for starting one step in that direction, I am grateful…”

The “Stigma Highlighted: Portraits of Recovery” project is designed to use artwork and personal stories to challenge misconceptions and negativity towards individuals battling addiction. The program is sponsored by the Giving Spirit Foundation, Worcester County Health Department, Worcester Goes Purple, Talbot Goes Purple, and the Art League of Ocean City.

The Stigma exhibit is free and opens to the public on First Friday, Oct. 7, 5-8 p.m. at the Ocean City Center for the Arts, 502 94^th St. bayside. The original paintings will be on exhibit in Studio E until Oct. 29. Reproductions of the paintings, along with a video and resource materials, will travel to the middle and high schools in Worcester Co. the week of Oct. 24.

Local artists, including Edgeworth, created portraits influenced by their stories of 12 survivors from Worcester, Wicomico, Talbot and Somerset counties in various stages of recovery. The artists personally met with the individuals, listened to their journeys, and interpreted them in hand-painted portraits. The artists also wrote accounts of their interactions with their subjects, writing how it personally affected them.

A team recorded each participant’s interview where they shared their personal stories. These interviews make up a 15-minute video where the individuals speak directly to young people, sharing experiences and wisdom, and the video will accompany the exhibition to the local schools. Viewers can scan QR codes next to each portrait to see each individual’s video.

In conjunction with the Stigma show, Debbie Smullen, Worcester Connects program coordinator and the face of Worcester Goes Purple, will speak about her work with people who are dealing with addictions or are in recovery. The event is free, and all are welcome at Ocean City Center for the Arts on Tuesday, Oct. 11, 6 p.m.

“The Art League of Ocean City has made it our mission to connect all the people in our community through the arts,” Katrin Huber, education director for the Art League, said. “By creating 12 strong and beautiful portraits by local artists, we want to use the power of art to shine a light on the stigma around addiction and recovery by giving it a face and the opportunity to meet these 12 individuals and hear their stories.”

A new website – www.StigmaHighlighted.com – is currently active and displays the 12 portraits and stories as well as the 15-minute video.

More information is available at ArtLeagueofOceanCity.org or by calling 410-524-9433.

The Ocean City Center for the Arts at 502 94^th Street is the home of the Art League of Ocean City, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing the visual arts to the community through education, exhibits, scholarship, programs and community art projects. More information is available at 410-524-9433 or ArtLeagueofOceanCity.org.

Coastal Storm Flooding, High Waves and Wind Through Tuesday

Ann

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October 3, 2022

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Coastal Storm Flooding, High Waves and Wind Through Tuesday

High Winds and Significant Coastal Flooding Expected Through Tuesday

Ocean City, Maryland – (October 2, 2022): The National Weather Service, Wakefield, has placed Ocean City under a Coastal Flood Warning as remnants of Ian linger off the coast. The storm will bring widespread rain and increasing, gusty winds through Tuesday.

Rain will begin Sunday afternoon, bringing a potential of 1-4 inches over the next two days. Wind gusts of 50 mph and repeated flooding during tidal cycles will also occur in low lying areas over the next few days.

The Town of Ocean City’s Emergency Services personnel is closely monitoring the storm. Citizens are encouraged to Know Your Zone and Division and be prepared for any impact the storm may have on Ocean City. To get the most updated information, residents and visitors can sign up for e-news alerts by visiting: http://oceancitymd.gov/enews. In addition, information will be posted on the following sites:

Town of Ocean City website: www.oceancitymd.gov/knowyourzone
FM Advisory Radio Station – 99.5
Town of Ocean City Access Channels 4 & 15

For more information regarding storm preparedness, please visit: http://www.ready.gov/hurricanes.

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Ocean City Utility Box Art: Scavenger Hunt

News

Katie Ruskey

-

October 1, 2022

0

Ocean City Utility Box Art: Scavenger Hunt

When the weather turns chilly, basking at the beach is exchanged for taking in the scenery. Grab a Dumsers milkshake, a bucket of Thrashers fries, and introduce the kids to the rich art of downtown Ocean City.

South of the Route 50 bridge and North Division Street, heading towards the infamous Ocean City Inlet, are about 18* beautifully hand painted utility boxes “hidden” among the streets. The utility boxes containing electrical essentials of downtown OC, are just off the boardwalk all the way over to St. Louis Avenue. Being that the boxes are about five feet in height, one might think that they would stand out. However these decorated boxes tend to blend in with the gorgeous ocean scenery that we all know and love as Ocean City.

One of the best things about the utility box art downtown is that it keeps you and the family outside! No inside voices or “do not touch” signs. Kids get to look around the beautifully decorated streets of Ocean City, keep their eyes peeled for these incredibly painted boxes, and even learn how to read a map all at the same time. Shh- don’t let them know they’re learning.

This scavenger hunt would be best completed by foot. If the weather is cold, bundle up and get those steps in. If the boardwalk is too windy, this is a perfect activity as the buildings tend to block the wind on the side streets. Towards Christmas time, you might even come across some holiday decorations, especially the large Christmas tree lit up at Sunset Park.

If you’ve found all of the utility boxes in the downtown area, you can always venture out for others. Between 1st street and 121st street, over ten more boxes are decorated.

While this is a fun family activity, following traffic rules, using crosswalks, and being mindful are necessary to keeping everyone in Ocean City safe. Have fun!

For more information and a map of the scavenger hunt, visit https://www.oceancitytoday.com/news/take-a-walk-on-the-artistic-side-ocdc-creates-walking-tour-to-see-decorated-utility/article_96eb61e8-a901-11eb-bfe7-5bfdf46c2a62.html

*Mentioned about were “about 18” utility boxes as some boxes may have been replaced or relocated.

The National Weather Service Issues Warnings for Maryland Beaches

Ann

-

September 29, 2022

0

The National Weather Service Issues Warnings for Maryland Beaches

Ian has devastated Florida, he is taking aim at South Carolina and now he is threatening our region with the effects of his passing. To make it worse, we have a high pressure to our north which keeps our weather dismal throughout the weekend. The National Weather Service has issued gale warnings, high surf advisories, small craft advisories, and more. Please stay connected and up-to-date on the latest forecast for Ocean City, MD.

The Weather Channel shows warnings for Ocean City, MD

DETAILED FORECAST FROM NOAA

Go to weather.gov for a detailed and updated forecasts. You can also click on the picture to go to the NOAA site.

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
418 PM EDT Thu Sep 29 2022

MDZ025-302030-
Maryland Beaches-
418 PM EDT Thu Sep 29 2022

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK IN EFFECT THROUGH SATURDAY EVENING...
...MODERATE RIP CURRENT RISK IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING...
...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT IN EFFECT FROM 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING
THROUGH SATURDAY EVENING...
...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM FRIDAY TO 4 AM EDT SATURDAY...
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM FRIDAY TO 6 AM EDT
SATURDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southeast Maryland.

.DAY ONE...Tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   MODERATE RIP CURRENT RISK.
   HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK.
   Beach Hazards Statement.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK.
   Beach Hazards Statement.
   Wind Advisory.
   High Surf Advisory.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

$$

Waves crash under the pier foretelling bigger and stronger waves and wind

Beach Hazards Statement From the National Weather Service

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
408 PM EDT Thu Sep 29 2022

MDZ025-300415-
/O.CON.KAKQ.SU.Y.0009.000000T0000Z-221001T1000Z/
/O.CON.KAKQ.BH.S.0008.220930T0000Z-221002T0000Z/
Maryland Beaches-
408 PM EDT Thu Sep 29 2022

...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM EDT SATURDAY...
...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 8 PM EDT THIS
EVENING THROUGH SATURDAY EVENING...

* WHAT...For the High Surf Advisory, large breaking waves of 6
  to 10 feet expected in the surf zone. There is also a high
  risk of rip currents.

* WHERE...Maryland Beaches County.

* WHEN...For the High Surf Advisory, until 6 AM EDT Saturday.
  For the Beach Hazards Statement, from 8 PM EDT this evening
  through Saturday evening.

* IMPACTS...Dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and
  localized beach erosion.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Inexperienced swimmers should remain out of the water due to
dangerous surf conditions.

Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions.

&&

Time of high total tides are approximate to the nearest hour.

OCEAN CITY INLET MD
MLLW CATEGORIES - MINOR 4.0 FT, MODERATE 5.0 FT, MAJOR 6.0 FT
MHHW CATEGORIES - MINOR 1.5 FT, MODERATE 2.5 FT, MAJOR 3.5 FT

             TOTAL      TOTAL    DEPARTURE
 DAY/TIME    TIDE       TIDE     FROM NORM   WAVES    FLOOD
            FT MLLW    FT MHHW       FT       FT      IMPACT
 --------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------  --------
 29/11 PM     3.0        0.5        0.6        1       NONE
 30/12 PM     4.0        1.5        1.2        1      MINOR
 30/11 PM     3.5        1.0        1.3        1       NONE
 01/01 PM     3.9        1.4        1.1        1       NONE
 02/01 AM     3.2        0.7        1.0        1       NONE

&&

$$

MRD

Go to weather.gov to see the latest on the predictions for Hurricane Ian

High Surf Advisory

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
408 PM EDT Thu Sep 29 2022

MDZ025-300415-
/O.CON.KAKQ.SU.Y.0009.000000T0000Z-221001T1000Z/
/O.CON.KAKQ.BH.S.0008.220930T0000Z-221002T0000Z/
Maryland Beaches-
408 PM EDT Thu Sep 29 2022

...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM EDT SATURDAY...
...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 8 PM EDT THIS
EVENING THROUGH SATURDAY EVENING...

* WHAT...For the High Surf Advisory, large breaking waves of 6
  to 10 feet expected in the surf zone. There is also a high
  risk of rip currents.

* WHERE...Maryland Beaches County.

* WHEN...For the High Surf Advisory, until 6 AM EDT Saturday.
  For the Beach Hazards Statement, from 8 PM EDT this evening
  through Saturday evening.

* IMPACTS...Dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and
  localized beach erosion.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Inexperienced swimmers should remain out of the water due to
dangerous surf conditions.

Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions.

&&

Time of high total tides are approximate to the nearest hour.

OCEAN CITY INLET MD
MLLW CATEGORIES - MINOR 4.0 FT, MODERATE 5.0 FT, MAJOR 6.0 FT
MHHW CATEGORIES - MINOR 1.5 FT, MODERATE 2.5 FT, MAJOR 3.5 FT

             TOTAL      TOTAL    DEPARTURE
 DAY/TIME    TIDE       TIDE     FROM NORM   WAVES    FLOOD
            FT MLLW    FT MHHW       FT       FT      IMPACT
 --------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------  --------
 29/11 PM     3.0        0.5        0.6        1       NONE
 30/12 PM     4.0        1.5        1.2        1      MINOR
 30/11 PM     3.5        1.0        1.3        1       NONE
 01/01 PM     3.9        1.4        1.1        1       NONE
 02/01 AM     3.2        0.7        1.0        1       NONE

&&

$$

MRD

Wind Advisory

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
341 PM EDT Thu Sep 29 2022

MDZ025-VAZ077-078-084>086-099-100-300345-
/O.NEW.KAKQ.WI.Y.0010.220930T1200Z-221001T0800Z/
Maryland Beaches-Northumberland-Lancaster-Gloucester-Middlesex-
Mathews-Accomack-Northampton-
Including the cities of Ocean City, Lewisetta, Alfonso,
Beanes Corner, Brook Vale, Kilmarnock, Lancaster, Lively, Regina,
Achilles, Glass, Gloucester Point, Maryus, Naxera, Ordinary,
Severn, Grafton, Harmony Village, Church View, Cooper, Healys,
Jamaica, Nesting, Bavon, New Point, New Point Comfort, Peary,
Chincoteague, Wallops Island, Melfa, Exmore, Cape Charles,
Cheapside, Fishermans Island, Kiptopeke, Kiptopeke State Park,
and Plantation
341 PM EDT Thu Sep 29 2022

...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM FRIDAY TO 4 AM EDT
SATURDAY...

* WHAT...Northeast winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph
  expected.

* WHERE...In Maryland, Maryland Beaches County. In Virginia,
  Northumberland, Lancaster, Gloucester, Middlesex, Mathews,
  Accomack and Northampton Counties.

* WHEN...From 8 AM Friday to 4 AM EDT Saturday.

* IMPACTS...Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects.
  Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may
  result.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high
profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.

&&

$$

For more information from the National Weather Service visit
https://weather.gov/akq

NOAA National Weather Service
1325 East West Highway
Silver Spring, MD 20910
E-mail: w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov

Images of Oceans Calling Coming Down

Ann

-

September 29, 2022

0

It’s what we were all hoping wouldn’t happen, but the threat from Ian, as he marches north along the coast, has caused the Oceans Calling festival organizers to cancel the entire event this weekend. They started piling sand a couple weeks ago and the planning has been going on for months ahead of that. We heard they had tickets sold to buyers in all 50 states. Hotels are booked. Businesses here in Ocean City were ready to welcome the predicted 50,000+ visitors.

As morning dawned here in Ocean City, the full extent of the damage done to Florida was filtering onto our televisions and into our phones. The images were horrific and the predictions for Ian’s effect here were becoming more reliable. What started as less than an inch was escalating to 4+ inches of rain. The weather forecasters were beginning to predict sustained winds 10 – 30 mph. Small craft advisories and gale warnings are in place.

The end of the wondering…

Scenes from the De-Construction of Oceans Calling

The press/box office before the occupants packed up and went to help other team members.

The festival organizers announce the cancellation of all activities to keep everybody safe.

Now, the capable team is scrambling to get everything down before the heavier winds and pouring rains reach us. Here are some pictures of today.

THINGS TO DOHave A Great Time!

Places

Family Fun

On The Water

Boardwalk Guide

Nick's Mini Golf & Ropes

SPECIAL OFFERS & DISCOUNTS

Grand Hotel

Hilton Oceanfront Suites

Ocean City Hotel Group

Park Place Hotel

SPECIAL OFFERS & DISCOUNTS

RestaurantsWhere to Eat in Ocean City, MD

By Type

Cuisine

By Area

Captain's Table

The Angler

SPECIAL OFFERS & DISCOUNTS

Local Family Businesses Involved

The Town of Ocean City Needs More Employee Housing

Then there’s the Bus Stop

Back to the Dinosaurs

Excerpt from Ocean City Today Article on Nick’s Jurassic Golf

Where can You See Your Dinosaur Friends?

19th Street Sightings

Sunfest Sightings

“Controlled Chaos” at Burley Oak

About the Author – Archer Larned, PhD

A Maritime Heritage Festival from 10 am to 3 pm

Highlights of the Festival

The Week in Pictures –

Oceans Calling Sets up on the Beach

The Boardwalk was Busy in Anticipation of the Biggest Concert Event EVER in Ocean City

The Stage Stands Ready, but the Clouds & Wind are Moving In.

Oceans Calling Canceled the Event

The Oceans Calling Team Starts Rapidly Breaking Down Tents & Signage

The stages are gone but the “Duradeck” remains on the inlet side of the pier

The Tide Rushes In with Crashing Waves

2 Loaders Try to Save the “Duradeck” and a Rescue is Necessary.

Monday isn’t Much Better

The Flooding Continues Across the Lower Shore

DETAILED FORECAST FROM NOAA

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK

Beach Hazards Statement From the National Weather Service

High Surf Advisory

Wind Advisory

Scenes from the De-Construction of Oceans Calling

Organizers Refunding the Full Ticket Price

About Us

Follow OceanCity.com

THINGS TO DO
Have A Great Time!

Restaurants
Where to Eat in Ocean City, MD