July 2025 OCDC by OC Today-Dispatch

Downtown Ocean City has everything

Discover fun, food, shopping, events and entertainment in downtown OC

It feels like summer in Ocean City! Our sleepy beach town, with its year-round population of right around 7,000 people swells to over 300,000 on major summer holidays like the Fourth of July. The beaches are crowded, the restaurants and amusements are booming, and the town has an energy that is infectious. Seagulls, sunblock, and salt air … these are sounds and smells of summer, and we are here for it.

June was a nice warm up to summer with events like the OC Air Show and Jeep Week, but now we are ready for the big event, the Fourth of July. Hundreds

of thousands will be in town for the fireworks display on July 4.

There will be shows both uptown and downtown … although in our opinion there’s no better view of a world class firework show than from the worldfamous Ocean City Boardwalk. There will be a prefirework show at the Caroline Street Stage starting at 8 p.m. with DJ Kutt, followed by fireworks at 9:30.

Parking will be at a premium, and you may consider arriving early or using the West OC Park and Ride and riding the shuttle into town.

July also marks the beginning of the summer’s free, family-friendly events. Presented by the Town of Ocean City and the OCDC, Sunset Park Party Nights

start on July 10 with free concerts every Thursday through August.

July’s shows will welcome bands such as Tranzfusion, Monkey Paw, Risky Business, and Randy Lee Ashcraft and the Saltwater Cowboys. Shows start at 7 p.m. and will have beer and wine for sale. Bring you sunglasses and beach chairs and enjoy a evening concert set to the background of bayside sunset. Sunset Park is located at the intersection of Philadelphia Ave and S. Division Street.

Starting on July 7, the Town of Ocean City will be hosting weekly dance parties and fireworks at the Caroline Street Stage on the Boardwalk. These free shows Continued on page 6

Rides

Discover Downtown Ocean City

Editor.........................................................................

OCDC grant programs could help downtown businesses

From a new roof and siding to business fit out, OCDC provides financial help to revitalize Downtown Ocean City

Is the exterior of your home or business looking a little rundown? Perhaps your siding is faded and damaged, your roof has lost too many shingles this past winter, or maybe your drafty front door is practically air conditioning the outdoors.

Maybe you want to open a new business, but the cost of rent makes the interior fit out of your commercial space cost prohibitive. With the rise in construction prices, your renovations could drive you into the red. Perhaps your solution is to utilize one of the many grant programs that the Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC) has to offer residents and businesses in Downtown Ocean City.

If business is your thing, you should know that assisting businesses in Downtown Ocean City has always been a mission of the OCDC. With all the new grant opportunities available from the OCDC, there’s no time like the present to renovate that commercial property or open a new business in a downtown location.

Perhaps you’ve been eyeing a certain vacant property and imagining it as a new coffee shop, a restaurant, or a surf shop. Or maybe you’ve walked past a construction site and wondered if you could do the same for an older property. Whatever your line of business is, the OCDC may be able to contribute some funding to bring that business to life.

The OCDC has been helping businesses with renovations for the past two decades. From the Boardwalk to the bay, we have provided grant funding to assist with major construction projects in the downtown area.

The OCDC sees the importance of putting a fresh face on current businesses and helping new or expanding businesses with reactivating vacant commercial spaces. We want to see Downtown Ocean City become more attractive while still retaining its turn of the 20th century charm.

But we don’t provide our funding to businesses only. The OCDC provides several grant programs to help fix up homes, apartments, small condominiums, rental units, and workforce housing. We feel that a revitalized community requires ample residential properties that are safe, attractive, and energy efficient.

That’s why we created our grant programs to help revitalize residential and commercial properties in our area. The OCDC hosts fundraising events and seeks grants from local and state governments to make these programs possible.

To date, hundreds of properties have received our assistance. In fact, you probably can’t walk down any street in Downtown Ocean City without see a property that one of our programs has helped to improve. Here’s a rundown of what the OCDC has to offer businesses who qualify for our grant programs.

Business Assistance: Up to $10,000 to help businesses build out interior spaces of downtown locations; can be used by owners starting a new business or existing businesses expanding to a new location.

Commercial Façade Improvement: Up to $10,000 to help businesses make exterior improvements to their buildings; examples include rollup doors, awnings, siding, railings, porches, windows, and doors. Businesses can stack this program with other programs at the OCDC.

Façade Improvement: Up to $7,500 to help make exterior improvements to your building, such as new siding, railings, porches, windows, and doors.

Green Building Initiatives: Up to $7,500 to improve the energy efficiency of your building, such as installing new windows, doors, and improved insulation.

Roof Improvement: Up to $2,000 to replace a roof.

Streetside Fence: Up to $2,000 to install or replace a fence.

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The owners of this property recently took advantage of the OCDC’s Façade Improvement, Green Building Initiatives Program, and Roof Improvement programs for new siding, windows, doors, and roof.

Free shows happening all summer Grants available for facade fixes

also start at 7:30 p.m. with rotating DJs every week. A free fireworks show starts at 9 p.m.

The OC Cruzers continue their car shows on Somerset Plaza on July 13 and July 27. These free shows feature an array of classic cars as well as live music. See the full details in our events page in the Discover Downtown.

This month we will also welcome the Summer Sports Safari (aka S3 Festival). This event will take place on the beach around Somerset Street and will feature a range of beach sports such as spike ball, foot volley, beach lacrosse, and more.

Spectators can watch the different beach sports and browse vendors and are also encouraged to register to play in a tournament or drop-in match. Find out more info on this family sports festival at www.s3festival.com.

The fishing tournament season is in full swing throughout town. Downtown’s own Huk Big Fish Classic is celebrating its 12th year. Last year’s tournament featured over 88 boats with a total prize pool of over $1million dollars!

M.R. Ducks on Talbot Street and the bay is the headquarters for this event, where spectators can watch the weigh ins, grab an afternoon drink at the area’s Bayside dock bars, and browse the ven-

dors there to support the tournament. The tournament takes place July 25-27; more info at www.BigFishClassic.com.

If you miss any of July's special events, don’t fret. As an accredited Main Street Maryland community, Downtown Ocean City has plenty to offer.

Start with the beach — miles of clean, well-maintained shoreline perfect for strolling, sunbathing, or boogie boarding. Unlike some coastal towns, our beaches are always free. Plus, Ocean City has a beach bonfire program; permits are required, so visit www.ocbonfires.com for details.

If you’re ready for a break from the beach, don’t miss our world-class Boardwalk, nearly three miles long and filled with rides, arcades, museums, shops, bars, and restaurants. Highlights include the OC Life-Saving Station Museum, Jolly Roger rides at the pier, Trimper Rides at the inlet, and numerous arcades—because games are more fun in person!

Feeling hungry after a day in the sun? A food tour of Ocean City offers everything from classic Boardwalk treats like caramel popcorn, saltwater taffy, fries, and pizza to upscale steaks and seafood with stunning waterfront views.

Thirsty? Downtown Ocean City has a variety of local bars, especially around Wicomico Street, and bayside dock bars

where you can enjoy drinks alongside breathtaking sunsets. Many establishments feature lively entertainment schedules, as well.

Still have energy to burn? Head to the bayside for jet ski rentals or book a tour on an ocean-going powerboat. The recently renovated Bayside Park at 3rd Street features the country’s oldest municipal skate park, the Ocean Bowl Skate Park, along with basketball, pickleball, and tennis courts. Head to the Bayside for fishing, walking, or stunning sunset viewing. For a more adventurous outing, consider chartering a fishing boat to catch tuna or marlin.

Ocean City features several bike rental shops, so rent a bike and explore downtown and the Boardwalk. Watch out for pedestrians, and make sure your only on the Boardwalk from 2 a.m. to noon.

For more information and local recommendations for just about anything in the downtown area, visit the Boardwalk Info Cottage located between North Division and Caroline Streets.

If you’re visiting Downtown Ocean City for the first time, welcome! We hope you enjoy your stay. If it’s your first visit, it certainly won’t be your last.

And if you miss any of June’s events, don’t worry—there’s a full schedule of fireworks, sports tournaments, and music festivals ahead. Summer has just begun!

Continued from Page 4

Downtown Lights: Up to $500 to install new exterior lights or upgrade current ones. The goal is to light up dark areas throughout the downtown area.

Development and Assistance (Workforce Housing): Up to $25,000 for property owners to develop new employee housing, rehabilitate existing employee housing, or convert existing properties into employee housing. This can be accessory or non-accessory workforce housing located at the place of business or at a separate property.

These grant programs are restricted to downtown properties generally located south of 17th Street. Other eligibility requirements must be met, as well. If you want to apply, please make sure you contact the OCDC before beginning any construction work. You may contact the program manager, David Noonan, at (410) 289-7739 or david@ocdc.org to start your application.

Funding for these programs are in part provided by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, the Main Street Maryland Program, Worcester County, the Town of Ocean City, and the fundraising efforts of the OCDC.

July 4

Downtown Fireworks

Downtown Events - July 2025

An annual OC tradition, enjoy a world class fireworks experience in Downtown Ocean City. The Caroline Street Boardwalk stage will have a free show from DJ Kutt from 8:00 – 9:30 with the fireworks show starting afterwards. Fireworks will be visible from the Boardwalk. Please plan according and remember parking will be at a premium so consider using the West Ocean City Park and Ride. More info at www.ococean.com.

July 7

OC Beach Dance Parties with Fireworks

This free, all ages, family friendly summer series is back at the Caroline Street Stage (located on the Boardwalk at Caroline Street). The festivities kick off with music and the beach dance party at 7:30. Don’t forget your beach chairs or blankets. The free firework show starts at 9:00. This week’s music will be presented by Ocean 98.1. More info at www.ococean.com.

July 10

Sunset Park Party NightsTranzfusion

The first in this year’s annual summer concert series, Sunset Park Party

Nights is back this week with the classic rock of Tranzfusion. This concert series is free to the public and family friendly. The shows run from 7:00 to 9:00 at Sunset Park, located at the corner of Philadelphia Ave and S. Division Street. Guests are encouraged to bring a folding chair or beach blanket. Beer and wine will be for sale with proceeds going to the OC Rec Boosters. This event is brought to you by the OCDC and the Town of Ocean City. More info is available at www.ococean.com.

July 12 &

13 Summer Sports Safari aka S3 Festival

This sports festival will have a number of sports the attendees can participate in, such as sand lacrosse, beach volleyball, foot volley, spikeball, and teqball. The event will have drop-in and tournament style sporting events, as well as vendors, music, and food offerings. The event is free to spectate but does require registration to take part in the sporting activities. S3 Festival will be held on the beach in front of the Boardwalk at Somerset Street. More info is available at www.s3festival.com.

July 13

OC Cruzers on Somerset Plaza

The OC Cruzers continue their series of

JESUS AT THE BEACH FESTIVAL

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 31st Annual - 2025

at the Ocean City, Maryland Convention Center. Daily from 10 AM - 1 PM PRAISE

on the Beach at North Division Street in Ocean City, Maryland. Nightly from 7 PM - 10 PM

classic car shows on Somerset Plaza for the 2025 season. These shows are family friendly and free to the public. Stroll Somerset Plaza and check out an array of classics, hot rods, and custom cars. The July 13 show will have live music from Troy Mawyer. Shows take place from 3:00-6:00 p.m. on Somerset Street between the Boardwalk and Baltimore Ave.

July 14

OC Beach Dance Parties with Fireworks

July 17

Sunset Park Party Nights –Monkey Paw

The summer concert series Sunset Park Party Nights is back this week with the rock and roll sounds of Monkey Paw. This concert series is free to the public and family friendly. The

shows run from 7:00 to 9:00 at Sunset Park, located at the corner of Philadelphia Ave and S. Division Street. Guests are encouraged to bring a folding chair or beach blanket. Beer and wine will be for sale with proceeds going to the OC Rec Boosters. This event is brought to you by the OCDC and the Town of Ocean City. More info is available at www.ococean.com.

July 21

OC Beach Dance Parties with Fireworks

This free, all ages, family friendly summer series is back at the Caroline Street Stage (located on the Boardwalk at Caroline Street). The festivities kick off with music and the beach dance party at 7:30. Don’t forget your beach chairs or blankets. The free firework show starts at 9:00. This week, DJ KNAPPY will bring the beats. More info at www.ococean.com.

July 24

Sunset Park Party Nights –Risky Business

The summer concert series Sunset Park Party Nights is back this week with a high energy show from Risky Business. This concert series is free to the public and family friendly. The

Continued to Page 15

“Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.”

History’s here as Ocean City celebrates 150 years of fun

From its humble beginnings through the exciting events and festivals of today, Ocean City, Maryland has always embodied innovation, freedom from daily routine and a bonding of generations of family and friends. Take a look back at some of the important events that helped shape this great city.

Thanks to the railroads

As early as 1875, trains brought tourists across the wooden trestle bridge into Ocean City to the railway station at Baltimore Ave. and S. Division Street, the current location of the southern terminal for the Ocean City Beach Bus.

Until 1919, not only people, but materials to build the Boardwalk, hotels and restaurants as well as much of the food and other life-sustaining supplies arrived by rail. It was not an easy journey. “Day trippers” left Baltimore by steamship, crossed the Chesapeake Bay and then embarked on the three-plus-hour train ride to OC. All this just for a swim in the ocean. That makes Saturday afternoon traffic at the bridge seam less daunting!

Planks were placed over the tracks at various times to allow horse drawn vehicles and eventually automobiles to cross. Nothing was free, even back then! A toll was collected for both vehicles and pedestrians. The state constructed the first automobile bridge in 1919 resulting in easier travel for some, but the railroad was still the primary access route for most visitors.

Tourism was the only industry in Ocean City until 1896 when the Ludlam family and crew from Cape May, New Jersey brought pound fishing to the coast of Ocean City. The pounds (huge nets, 40 feet wide with funnel shaped openings so fish could enter but not escape) were located about one mile offshore.

Outreach

Fishermen from other regions began to arrive to perform the very difficult and dangerous tasks of launching large wooden boats off the beach, pulling the nets aboard, then rowing the fish to shore. They lived in fish camps, small wooden structures located from what was then S. 1st to S. 7th street. The 1933 storm destroyed most of the camps and the land they occupied.

Spurred on by the success of ocean resorts in New Jersey, investors sought opportunities along this Atlantic barrier island, which at the time stretched from the Delaware line to Chincoteague, Virginia.

According to the book, “Vanishing Ocean City” by Bunk Mann, Stephen Tabor and Hepburn Benson paid approximately $.50 an acre for what is now a large part of downtown Ocean City — from the ocean to the bay and one mile north and south of what is

now North Division Street.

Another investment group, the Atlantic Hotel company bought 50 acres from them and officially chose the name “Ocean City” for the new town they were developing. On July 4, 1875, they opened the Atlantic Hotel, 112 rooms — no electricity or indoor plumbing. The second hotel to be build was The Seaside and the first restaurant on the Boardwalk, Connor’s, opened in 1892.

Small sections of the Boardwalk were constructed as early as 1879. There were boards placed directly on the sand that could be picked up and stored on the porches of the hotels for storms and high tides. In 1885 the first permanent Boardwalk was constructed, on pilings 2.5 feet above the sand.

1890 saw the arrival of the Daniel Trimper family. One of the two hotels they purchased upon arrival was damaged by a storm and rebuilt with turrets on top to resemble Windsor Castle. A theater and amusement park were added and, by 1900, it became known as Windsor Resorts.

That area today is Trimper’s Rides and Marty’s Playland. A unique fixture of the amusement area is the Herschell-Spillman carousel, one of the oldest continuously operating carousels in the United States. Installed in 1912, it quickly became a community treasure and still delights children today.

The early 20th century brought significant developments that solidified Ocean City as a premier coastal destination. The construction of the fishing pier in 1907 added another dimension to the town’s appeal, offering a place for recreation and commerce alike. It contained a roller rink, shops, pool tables and a bowling alley.

Today it is the site of Ripley’s Believe It or Not, Jolly Roger at the Pier and Thrasher’s. In 1910, Dolle’s Candies opened on the Boardwalk at Wicomico Street, where their confections continue to draw beachgoers and create traditions that thrive today.

The Boardwalk continued to grow, not just in physical length but in cultural significance, becoming a hub of activity for visitors seeking entertainment and leisure.

Meanwhile, the fishing industry also flourished, attracting both avid anglers and commercial ventures. The Ocean City Beach Patrol was established in 1930 to safeguard the many swimmers who would gather near the Coast Guard Station at Caroline Street.

The new resort experienced a major setback in 1925.

The Great Ocean City Fire

The great Ocean City fire ravaged three blocks of

Fishing, tourism anchored OC

the fishing pier. Starting at the city’s first electric power plant on Baltimore Avenue and Somerset Street (the location where the new OC police building is being constructed today), the fire quickly spread and consumed the original Atlantic and the Seaside hotels, two blocks of the Boardwalk, Dolle's Candyland and damaged many other structures.

Business owners where not discouraged. The Atlantic Hotel was rebuilt just one year later, in 1926, and continues to operate on the Boardwalk between Somerset and Wicomico streets, still managed by the original family.

Other businesses quickly followed suit, leading to rapid city expansion. However, in August 1933, the Chesapeake-Potomac hurricane significantly altered Ocean City's landscape once again.

1933 Storm

The storm surge created a gap in the barrier island, isolating Ocean City from Assateague and allowing the ocean to reach the bay.

The community suffered significant damage. The railroad bridge, vital to the town, was destroyed and never rebuilt. Buildings were toppled, flooded, or filled with sand.

The 1919 automobile bridge was damaged, temporarily isolating the resort. However, a month after the

storm, President Roosevelt approved a project to build a jetty system to keep the inlet open. The Army Corps of Engineers then began dredging. This allowed the development of the West Ocean City fishing harbor, supporting sport and commercial fishing.

These changes also widened the beach at the south end of town, now the site of the inlet parking lot and various fests and festivals we enjoy today.

With the construction of new roadways, hotels and restaurants, Ocean City continued to be a popular summer destination. Residents were able to develop successful businesses while living in a small-town setting.

In 1946, the Route 50 bridge opened, improving the ease and safety of automobile and boat traffic. By 1950, regularly scheduled bus services began, increasing the number of visitors from nearby cities.

Storm of ‘62

Again, in 1962, weather presented a challenge. A nor’easter flooded downtown, destroying the Boardwalk and businesses. Despite the devastation, rebuilding began quickly and expanded the resort area north to 41st Street, where previously there was nothing but desolation.

The late 1960s and early 1970s Continued to Page 14

All of our candies are handcrafted with the finest ingredients. Wockenfuss is an Ocean City tradition everyone loves – especially your friends and family at home. Because they can’t wait for you to bring them back a box of our homemade fudge and taffy just for them. So visit WOCKENFUSS for the candy that gets a big fuss.

OC anniversary events ongoing

Continued from Page 13

marked the growth of north Ocean City, with the development of "condo row" and bayside businesses. In 1964, The Carousel, the first high-rise hotel, opened at 117th Street.

That same year, the Arnold Palmer Putting Course opened at 31st Street. Rides, shows and water activities were added over the years and it evolved as Jolly Roger Amusement Park.

Convention Hall (now the Ocean City Convention Center & Center for the Performing Arts) opened in 1970 at 41st Street. The Route 90 bridge's opening in 1972 spurred more significant growth in the uptown area.

Bayside bars and dining were virtually unknown at the time, as most people preferred the beach and ocean over the bay. However, John Fager had a different vision and opened the BAR at 59th Street on the bay in 1975 — now Fager’s Island. Its popularity paved the way for many more bayside hotels and restaurants.

Ocean City continued to grow and prosper during the 1980s and 1990s, though it remained at the mercy of hurricanes and nor’easters. Continuous efforts were necessary to maintain its primary attractions, the beach and Boardwalk.

By 1985, certain areas of the beach had become severely eroded, rendering them nearly nonexistent at high tide. In response, Ocean City, Worcester County, the state of Maryland, and the federal government initiated the Beach Replenishment and Hurricane Protection Program in 1988.

This involved pumping sand from the ocean floor along the entire shore, creating a dune line and a 200-foot beach spanning from the Boardwalk to the Delaware line. The construction of the sea wall, a concrete and steel structure extending 30 feet below the sand from 4th Street to 27th Street, was completed in 1991 to safeguard the Boardwalk and adjacent structures. Beach replenishment continues to take place every four years.

The rest is history in progress…

Today, almost all the land between the ocean and the bay, from the inlet to the Delaware line, is occupied by various businesses, housing and amusements. Ocean City's full-time resident population is about 7,000,

but this number increases to 300,000 during the summer months.

With limited land for expansion, Ocean City is focused on utilizing existing resources to create the best possible experience for both residents and visitors. Since the initial Springfest and Sunfest in 1975, which featured a small collection of craft and refreshment tents, entertainment in Ocean City has grown significantly.

The events now include Cruisin' car weekends, Bike Week, Air Show, Christmas parade, St. Patrick's Day parade, Winterfest of Lights, Broadway shows at the Performing Arts Center, Dreamfest, Oceans Calling, Country Calling, Boardwalk Rock, and the Rising Tides Festival.

Seasonal activities feature Sunset Party Nights, Beach Dance Parties, Movies on the Beach, and Sundaes in the Park with fireworks. Additional activities are added every year.

The focus of Ocean City Development (OCDC) is on preserving and beautifying the downtown area while keeping pace with the expanded expectations of today’s crowds.

From the challenges of adequate workforce housing, to parking, building design, traffic flow and preserving the rights of the year-round downtown residents, the OCDC is there to guide and enhance the process.

As part of the city's 150th Anniversary celebration, OCDC’s Public Art Committee has revived the nostalgic tradition of postcards that were once a staple for visitors.

Many of the events mentioned in this article are incorporated into a trifold card, available for free from OCDC’s Information Booth on the Boardwalk between North Division and Caroline streets, or at the Ocean City Museum on Baltimore Avenue at Dorchester Street, and the OC LifeSaving Station Museum at the inlet end of the Boardwalk.

One panel serves as a detachable mailable postcard, allowing recipients to send it to friends or family members to share the enjoyment of visiting Ocean City.

If you have not yet experienced all Ocean City has to offer, now is the time.

More information on the above topics can found at www.ocmuseum.org or in the book “Vanishing Ocean City” by Bunk Mann, available at the museum.

A photo from 1920 is featured in the OCDC’s 150th Anniversary Tri-Fold Post Card, which is free and available at businesses and museums throughout town and at the Boardwalk Info Cottage.

Downtown Events - July 2025

Continued from Page 10

July 25-27

12th Annual Huk Big Fish Classic

The Huk Big Fish Classic is back for its 12th year. This annual fishing tournament is headquartered at M.R. Ducks (Bayside and Talbot Street), where you can watch the weigh-ins, browse the vendors, and enjoys a drink while watching the best sunset the East Coast has to offer. Last years tournament had over 88 boats and $1.16 million in prize money. More info is available at www.BigFishClassic.com.

July 26

Coral Reef Awareness Week

The Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum is celebrating Coral Reef Awareness Week with a day of special events at their Boardwalk museum located at 813 South Atlantic Ave. Ellwyn Autumn will be in attendance from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a signing of her childrens book “A Fish Named Fancy.” The

museum will also have a special creature feature and take home craft at 12:00 in their aquarium room. More info is available at www.ocmuseum.org

July 27

OC Cruzers on Somerset Plaza

The OC Cruzers continue their series of classic car shows on Somerset Plaza for the 2025 season. These shows are family friendly and free to the public. Stroll Somerset Plaza and check out an array of classics, hot rods, and custom cars. The July 27 show will have a DJ spinning tunes. Shows take place from 3:00-6:00 p.m.

July 31

Sunset Park Party Nights –Randy Lee Ashcraft and the Saltwater Cowboys

The summer concert series Sunset Park Party Nights is back, this week with the county sounds of Randy Lee Ashcraft and the Saltwater Cowboys. This concert series is free to the public and family friendly. The shows run from 7:00 to 9:00 at Sunset Park, located at the corner of Philadelphia Ave and S. Division Street. Guests are encouraged to bring a folding chair or beach blanket. Beer and wine will be for sale with proceeds going to the OC Rec Boosters. This event is brought to you by the OCDC and the Town of Ocean City. More info is available at www.ococean.com.

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