May 2024 OCDC

Downtown Ocean City has everything

Downtown Ocean City ready to greet season with busy May event calendar

When does “The Season” start in Ocean City?

Different people will tell you different things. With the ever-expanding event schedule growing the shoulder seasons, it’s a bit of a moving target.

For some people it’s St Patrick’s day, and based on the turnout for the 2024 St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Ocean City, those people may have a strong argument. Others will tell you it is based on water temperature or when certain school districts let out for the summer.

Maybe it isn’t a specific date or event, but the

first bite of caramel corn of the year or first drink enjoyed outside on the dock of your favorite bayside restaurant. In Downtown Ocean City, we think “The Season” kicks off in May with Springfest … and we are ready.

May is when the event calendar in Downtown Ocean City starts to fill out. First we welcome Springfest (May 2nd through May 5th) to the inlet parking lot.

Now in its 33rd year, this stable event features craft vendors, food and drink, and an extensive music lineup. Highlights this year include Everclear and Lauren Alaina. Admission is free, but some music acts are ticketed, so make sure to get your tickets today.

Following Springfest is Ocean City Jeep Week (May 9th through May 12th), celebrating its 15th year. Jeep enthusiasts will flock to town to try their lifted rigs on the sand obstacle course, shop Jeepcentric vendors, and crawl down the beach. If you find yourself in conversation with one of these Jeep drivers, ask them how many rubber duckies they have.

After Jeep Week is another long-standing auto event, Cruisin’ Ocean City (May 16 through May 19th), which is also celebrating its 33rd year. While there are events, entertainment, and vendors at the Continued on page 6

Advertisers Index

Jolly Rogers Amusement Park

Discover Downtown Ocean City

New playground rose out of build-it, they will come rule

they would be faced with the harsh reality that would change their lives forever.

Some of us may remember that famous quote from the popular baseball movie “Field of Dreams” starring Keven Costner, in which a voice said, “if you build it, they will come.” At the OCDC Annual Meeting and Awards on April 17, the entire community was a buzz about the new the All-Access Playground between 3rd and 4th Street, that is nearing completion and slated to open for the 2024 season.

Two of the most unique attractions in the new playground are the Picture Exchange Communication Board and The Quiet Grove Area. Both are designed to assist in making the playground more accessible to children with special needs.

The lifesize PECS Board will be installed in the next few weeks. It is customized specifically for the park and has Spanish and English words under each Universal PECS Symbol. The board will be used as a tool to help children who have limited to no verbal communication ability share their thoughts and needs with other children and adults.

In addition to the PECS board there is also going to be the Quiet Grove, which is a sensory area where children can go to chill out. It is designed specifically to provide a quiet place for kids to go and offers some fine and gross motor activities in a semi-secluded area where children can go if they are feeling overstimulated, or just need a break.

Wendy and Tony Di Buo couldn’t be happier about the new addition to downtown. Wendy’s family has called Ocean City their home for more than six generations.

Little did they know 25 years ago when they were young parents of three little boys, and had just finished building the home of their dreams, that

They learned firsthand that autism and other disabilities do not discriminate, that they can happen in any family, and it happened in theirs. At the time, in the place Wendy had always called her home, Wendy said she realized there were limited resources and services. That left them feeling helpless and totally alone.

From that day forward, they decided to turn a negative situation in a positive one by founding the Autistic Children’s Support Group of Worcester County.

The organization, run completely by parent volunteers, is still in operation today. The continued mission of this group is so families never feel alone, like the Di Buos did all those years ago. The group provides parentto-parent support to families with children that have special needs.

Through donations from the local community, the group provides grants to help families pay for things like therapies, camps, equipment and, from time to time, members assist in special education classrooms in Worcester County’s public schools.

Trimper’s Rides of Ocean City has brought joy to families for many generations. In 2020, Trimper’s held its first Autism Day at the park. Last year, the Autism Day was expanded to a Special Needs Day.

In order to improve a rider’s experience, Wendy worked with the design team at Trimper’s, led by Jessica Bauer, to include a section in the Trimper’s App to help improve accessibility for riders with special needs.

The Trimper’s App can be downloaded free from the App Store. Once you are on the App, click on the accessibility link. Once there, you will find Social Stories developed for the entire Trimper’s Rides experience.

A prospective rider or caregiver can read a short story that explains

Stock image of the Quiet Grove from the manufacturer.

May marks beginning of season downtown

convention center and inlet parking lot; the whole town becomes a classic car show and you can’t go anywhere without spotting muscle cars, hot rods, and vintage autos.

Over 3,000 vehicles have already registered. There will be a Special Event Zone enforced during this event, so please pay attention to the modified speed limits throughout town.

Rounding out May, the PBR Ocean City Seacrets Classic (May 31st to June 2) will take over the Inlet Parking Lot, with bucking bulls and the professional riders brave enough to ride them. This years sanctioned PBR event promises to be better than ever.

If you miss one of May’s many special events, don’t worry, as an accredited Main Street Maryland community, Downtown Ocean City has a lot to offer. Where to start? Well, the beach naturally. Ocean City has miles of clean and well maintained beaches, perfect for taking a stroll, sunbathing, or boogie boarding. Unlike some other communities, our beach is always free.

Had enough of the beach? Don’t forget our world class Boardwalk. It’s nearly three miles long and packed with rides, arcades, museums, stores, bars and restaurants.

Highlights include the Life-Saving Station Museum, Jolly Roger’s rides at the pier and, of course, Trimper’s Rides, our local surf shops, and our many arcades (yes, games are more fun if they aren’t on your phone).

Check out the Boardwalk Info Cottage (between N. Division and Caroline Streets) for more info and local recommendations, and don’t forget you can alway ride the Boardwalk tram if your feet get tired.

Hungry after all that sand and sun? A food tour of Ocean City has everything from iconic Boardwalk munchies, such as caramel corn, salt water taffy, and pizza … to high-end seafood, usually accompanied by an equally excellent waterfront view.

Looking for a drink? Downtown Ocean City has everything from the local’s favorite watering holes (head to Wicomico Street) to bayside dock bars, where the drinks are only overshadowed by the stunning sunsets. Many of our bars and restaurants have a lively entertainment schedule.

Still have some energy? Downtown Ocean City has tons of activities to get your blood pumping. Head to the bayside for Jet Ski rentals or book a tour on an ocean-going powerboat.

The recently renovated Downtown Recreation Complex (located on 3rd Street or 4th Street, depending on

who you ask …) houses the country’s oldest municipal skate park, the Ocean Bowl Skate Park.

Book a charter fishing boat and head out for the day to catch a tuna or maybe even a marlin. We have multiple bicycle rental business and we encourage you to rent bike and explore Downtown.

If you’ve arrived in Downtown Ocean City for the first time, welcome, and we hope you enjoy your stay. If it is you first, it won’t be your last. And if you missed one of May’s events, don’t worry we have a full schedule of fireworks, air shows, and music festivals coming up. “The Season” has just begun.

Di Buos recognized for efforts

sual, physical, and social settings, that will assist in determining if the ride is a good fit for the rider based on their particular special needs. It also explains the arrival experience, specific sounds, lights, height requirements, and explains ride and exit procedures.

Social stories may also help minimize the level of anxiety a rider might experience when trying something new by providing clear directions in an informative and positive manner.

Twenty-five years after the Autism diagnoses of their son, the Di Buos couldn’t be happier with the progress the place they call home has made in providing greater accessibility so all children can have an opportunity to learn and play.

The new All-Access Playground,

which has a lifesize Picture Exchange Communication Board and The Quiet Grove Area, is scheduled to open just in time for the 2024 season. These new additions to the downtown community are sure to bring smiles and laughter to children for many years to come.

Wendy Di Buo was recognized at the 2024 OCDC Annual Awards with the Downtown Advocate Award. Wendy and her husband, Ton,y were also presented with a plaque honoring their contributions to Autism Awareness, which will be installed on the Quiet Grove. Funding for the Quiet Grove and Communication Board was provided by Wendy and Tony Di Buo, the Cork Bar, and OCDC’s Downtown Association Committee.

OCDC grant programs could help downtown businesses

From lighting to façades, financial help from OCDC gives boost to commerce

Continuing a long history of supporting downtown Ocean City, the Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC) has more grant programs available than ever for downtown property owners and business owners.

These grants have helped fund hundreds of property renovations and helped dozens of businesses set up new locations. It’s difficult to walk any street in Downtown Ocean City without seeing a property that one of our programs has helped improve.

Over the past year, the OCDC was pleased to announce the refunding of the Business Assistance Program and launch the Workforce Housing Program. A snapshot of the OCDC grant programs include:

Development and Assistance (Workforce Housing): Up to $25,000 for property owners developing new employee housing or rehabilitating existing employee housing.

Business Assistance: Up to $10,000 to help businesses build out interior spaces of downtown loca-

tions; can be used by owners starting a new business or existing businesses opening a new location.

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

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

Roof Improvement: Up to $2,000 for roof replacement.

Streetside Fence: Up to $2,000 for fence replacement or installation.

Downtown Lights: Up to $500 for exterior lighting upgrades.

Funding for these grants comes from Maryland’s Department of Housing and Community Development, Maryland’s Main Street Program, and the fundraising efforts of the OCDC.

These grants are restricted to downtown properties (generally south of 17th Street). Other restrictions also apply and applicants are encouraged to contact the OCDC before starting work. For more information, please contact the OCDC’s Program Manager (David Noonan) at 410-289-7739 or David@OCDC.org.

Workforce housing project granted $25,000

As a seasonal resort town, Ocean City has long relied on seasonal employees to staff the restaurants, hotels, and amusements that attract the crowds of visitors during the peak and shoulder seasons.

While many of these jobs are filled by locals, Ocean City’s businesses depend on workers from outside the immediate area, and often from outside the United States (using programs such as the J-1 visa).

These employees from outside the area need housing, and housing has been in short supply since the pandemic, when many workforce housing units were converted to short term rentals.

The number of student workers utilizing the J-1 visa and working in Ocean City has recently dropped from pre-pandemic numbers of 4,500 to under 3000 in 2023. Ocean City has not lacked the available jobs, so many officials have noted the lack of housing inventory to explain in decrease.

To encourage the development and improvement workforce housing inventory, the OCDC launched the Development and Assistance Program. This program will award grant funds to help property owners development new construction projects dedicated to workforce housing or assist in funding the renovation of existing

workforce housing units.

Recently, the OCDC was pleased to announce a $25,000 grant awarded to a local business owner who is developing a new duplex structure on

Worcester Street in Downtown Ocean City. This project will eventually have room for 36 beds dedicated to housing Ocean City’s seasonal workforce. These funds were used to offset the

costs of architectural design, surveying, and other pre-development costs. If all things go according to plan, these units will be available for the 2025 season.

Early design rendering of a workforce housing project in development for Worcester Street. This projects was recently awarded $25,000 from the OCDC.

The Information Cottage, A Friendly Space

Social media ads and on-line information are great, but sometimes do you wish you could just speak to a friendly face and get answers to your questions and suggestions about the best place to play, eat, shop or stay in Ocean City?

At the Information Cottage on the Boardwalk between North Division and Caroline Streets, our highly knowledgeable team provides oneon-one personalized visitor information services. The Ocean City Information Cottage is an inviting space where visitors can find everything they need to know about Ocean City.

The friendly staff members greet visitors, offer directions and distribute maps, brochures, event listings, coupons and more. Many of them have lived in Ocean city most or all of their lives, so there is no better place to uncover the hidden gems OC has to offer.

Team members can provide a wealth of information on what to see, and how to get there, including public transportation options and parking. Interested in the history of Ocean? They have free admission coupons for the Ocean City Life Saving Station Museum, just a few blocks away.

A Boardwalk Directory, listing all

Boardwalk business is available for viewing. By scanning a QR code, visitors can take that information with them on their phone so as not to miss anything as they make the nearly 3

mile journey from the inlet to 27th Street.

The cottage is a service of Ocean City Development Corporation and the Town of Ocean City. An average

of 25,000 visitors stop by each summer. It is staffed Fridays and Saturdays in May. The cottage opens 7 days a week (from noon to 8 p.m.) in June, July and August.

The recently reopened Boardwalk Information Cottage, located between North Division and Caroline Streets.

OCDC holds board elections, recognizes superior efforts

Façade projects, advocacy, volunteer work honored during annual meeting

The Ocean City Development Corporation held its annual meeting and awards ceremony on April 17 at Shenanigans Irish Pub and Grille. The event was attended by OCDC members, local government officials and department heads, business owners, and other community stakeholders.

OCDC Executive Director Zach Bankert and OCDC President Joe Wilson presented highlights and accomplishments from the previous year and talked about ideas and projects for the future.

Ballots were tallied for the election to the OCDC’s board of directors.

Elected or re-confirmed to the 15 member board of directors were Sonia Baker, Dennis Dare, Patrick McLaughlin, Bill Sieg and Heather Morrison.

Recognized with awards for their contributions to the revitalization of Downtown Ocean City were:

• Excellent Façade Project: Paul Sayan and Christophe Sayan. Contractor: GC Gerson Construction LLC.

• Excellent Façade Project: George “Joe” Harrison and Theresa A. Harrison. Contractor: David Bradley of Bradley Construction Company Inc.

• Excellent Downtown Development Project: Todd, Jill, and Sophia Ferrante for Sonrays Villas. Architect: Keith Iott. Project Manager: Mike Clifford.

• Volunteer of the Year: Vicki Eckenrode.

• Downtown Advocate: Wendy Di Buo.

• Outgoing Board Member: Buddy Dykes.

• Legacy Award: Bob Torrey.

Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan and Michele Burke of Worcester County Tourism and Economic Development

Outgoing member of the board of directors, Buddy Dykes, receives his award from Zach Bankert, OCDC executive director, Steph Meehan, OCDC board member and Joe Wilson, OCDC president.

Board of Directors Treasurer Anna Bushnell Dolle, Mary Lynn Knerr of the Kite Loft, and Ocean City Planning and Zoning Commissioner Pam Robertson at the annual OCDC awards dinner.

Downtown Events

May 2 – May 5

Springfest

Celebrating its 33rd year, Springfest a four-day festival put on by the Town of Ocean City and taking place at the inlet parking lot. Enjoy four days of food, craft vendors, and music. Music highlights include an Olivia Newton-John tribute “The Olivia Show”, Lauren Alaina, and Everclear. Admission is free, select concerts are ticketed. More info at ococean.com

May 4

Book Signing with Mark Millikin

Join the author of “Baseball Fever in Baltimore” at the Ocean City LifeSaving Station Museum from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Meet the author and learn more about his newest book. More info at ocmuseum.org

May 9- May 12

Ocean City Jeep Week

A celebration of everything Jeep.

Enjoy parades, vendors, and a sand course on the beach. Events to take place throughout town. More info at ocmdjeepweek.com

May

11

Historic Sites Tour

Spend the day discovering the history of your favorite beach town! This event will have you stepping into the past as you tour some of Ocean City’s oldest homes, churches, and establishments. More info at ocmuseum.org

May 16- May 19

Cruisin’ Ocean City

This event will feature over 3,000 hot rods, customs, classics and trucks. While the main events will take place at the beachside inlet parking lot, which is located along the historic OC boardwalk, and at the Ocean City Convention Center, there will be various car shows citywide. There will also be entertainment, Boardwalk parades, special guests, featured cars, live music,

celebrities, a Pedal Car Show, a Neon Light Car Show, a Pinup Contest, a Husband Calling Contest and lots more

May 17

Book Signing Jim Motsko and Joanne Guilfoil

From 11: a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum, join White Marlin Open founder Jim Motsko and his co-author Joanne Guilfoil and learn more about their recently released book, “The Making of the World’s Largest Bill Fishing Tournament: The First 50 Years of the White Marlin Open”. Learn more at ocmuseum.org

May 18

International Museum Day

Free admission to celebrate international museum day at the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum. More info at ocmuseum.org

May 31- June 2

PBR Ocean City

Seacrets Classic

Experience the electrifying adrenaline rush of PBR! This is your chance to witness talented bull riders going head-to-head with powerful bucking bulls in this must-see competition. More info at pbr.com

OC Cruzers announce their

2024 car show schedule

The OCDC is happy to once again be partnering with the Ocean City Cruzers to bring a full array of hotrods, muscle cars, and other classic vehicles to Somerset Plaza. The car shows will take place on select Sunday afternoons from 3:00 to 6:00 PM. The event is family-friendly and free to the public. Shows will either have a DJ playing tunes or live music. Somerset Plaza is located on Somerset Street between Baltimore Avenue and the Boardwalk.

June 9: Classic Cars and Live Music from Classic Vibe

June 23: Classic Cars with DJ

July 14: Classic Cars with DJ

July 28: Classic Cars and Live Music from Rob Fahey

August 11: Classic Cars and Live Music from Josh Pryor

August 25: Classic Cars and DJ

September 1: Classic Cars and DJ

September 15: Classic Cars and Live Music from Beach Bandit Duo

Sunset Park will be full

of

music on ‘Party Nights’

Summer concert series will return beginning in July

The OCDC and Town of Ocean City’s Special Events has once again partnered to bring back the Sunset Park Party Night summer concert series. This year’s schedule features familiar local talent such as Lauren Glick, Teenage Rust, and Full Circle. By popular demand, we’ll have plenty of bands playing classic rock, such as Juke Box Heroes and Tranzfusion. Variety is the spice of life, and so we’ll have the Hot Sauce Band on Aug. 1. Our series will lead off with the Delta Blues of the Chris English Band and conclude with the local favorite, the Dunehounds.

July 11- Chris English Band (Delta Blues)

July 18 — Lauren Glick (Rock and Pop)

July 25 — Juke Box Heroes (Foreigner cover band)

Aug. 1 - Hot Sauce Band (Classics with a Twist)

Aug. 8 — Tranzfusion (Classic Rock)

Aug. 15 — Teenage Rust (Classic Rock)

Aug. 22 — Full Circle (Rock and Pop)

Aug. 29 — Dunehounds (Jam Band)

Sunset Park Party Nights take place on Thursdays in July and August, starting on July 11th. We kick things off at 7 p.m. and wrap up around 9. Sunset Park, truly one of OC’s hidden gems, is located at the

intersection of Philadelphia Avenue and S. Division Street.

This event is free and familyfriendly. Guests are encouraged to bring beach chairs. Beer and wine will be sold at the event, with proceeds benefitting the OC Rec Boosters. Mark your calendars for good times and bayfront sunsets.

OCDC will host free document shredding day

The OCDC is once again partnering with Lower Shore Enterprises on May 9th. The public is welcome to come and safely dispose of their unwanted paper documents.

The event will be taking place at the parking lot on the south east corner of Philadelphia Ave and Dorchester Street. Shredding and document disposal is free, but donations are welcome and will go to benefit Lower Shore Enterprises.