Springfest offers music, vendors, activities

Ticketmaster pages for each show are available at https://www.ococean.com/springfest/musiclineup/.

All the other performances are free, as so is Springfest.

The line-up of free shows includes many local and regional groups, such as Poole and the Gang, Front Page News, Rt 50, and the Mathew Street Band.

Regulars like the Elvis cover band Bob Lougheed & The Memphis Mafia, and Rick K Road Trip will perform as will some new musical faces that includes up-and-coming country singer Sam Grow and Neil Diamond tribute band Real Diamond.

The live music will be surrounded by refreshments, including a food tent featuring around 10 vendors, and gormet food options located in the midway area.

Revenue from beer sales will go to support four local nonprofits: The Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City, Art League of Ocean City, Ocean City Lioness and the Knights of Columbus.

Specialty beverage sales, which includes options like margaritas for Cinco De Mayo, will go to support the Ocean City Recreation Boosters.

Other tent sections will also house vendor booths with more than 200 artists and craftspeople along with many more pop-ups from businesses and organizations.

Besides the music, food and drinks, Springfest will also offer a few special activities.

On Thursday at 6 p.m., Star Wars Fans are invited to dress up like their favorite character and join the Mayor’s Bike Ride and Boardwalk Parade to celebrate May the Fourth, — as in May the Fourth be with you. Riders can bike with Mayor Rick Meehan on a Boardwalk loop beginning and ending at South First Street.

There will also be painting activities with T.C. Studios instructors and supplies included, and inflatable play-places on the beach.

Trimper Rides, located on the end of the Boardwalk, is opening for Springfest with $30 tickets for unlimited rides all four days.

Jolly Roger, which is just off the lot by the pier, is offering three deals: a $5 off day or nighttime armband, a $10 off two-hour armband at Speedworld Go-Kart Track, and buy one get one free at Jolly Roger Mini Golf, both at 30th Street.

Just hours before one of Springfest’s headliners, Starship, were set to perform at last year’s event, a violent nor’eastern stopped the festivities short only halfway through.

“Last year was a little dramatic on weather, but we were ready and we always are because we’re outdoors,” said Brenda Moore, a special events coordinator for Ocean City.

This year, Miller said organizers are “optimistically confident” that the days ahead hold fair weather for Springfest. If it’s just some rain, the show will go on. That’s what the tents are for, Miller said.

“The flipside of the rain and wind that we sometimes run into is these incredibly beautiful, sunny days at the beach, at the ocean, along the Boardwalk that are just perfect for families to come and visit and get great memories and have a great time,” Miller said.

Organizers are still constantly monitoring the weather, so if they see a storm system approaching, they can make an appropriate call on the severity and notify attendees, Miller said.

HUNTER HINE/BAYSIDE GAZETTE

Despite the past week’s rain, preparation for the 32nd annual Springfest is going well and weather forecasts look clear, said Frank Miller, director of the Ocean City Special Events Department. Brenda Moore, a special events coordinator for Ocean City, and Frank Miller standing among the ongoing Springfest setup at the inlet parking lot.

Miller also advised visitors from western and central Maryland to come prepared for the temperature drop between mainland and shoreline.

“You might be coming from a 75 degree day, come to the ocean and you’re sitting at 63,” Miller said.

The inlet lot will be completely closed, and nearby parking will likely be hard to find, so Miller and Moore encourage visitors to park in designated lots

See TAKE Page 12

45 Martinique Circle • Ocean Pines

Custom built split-bedroom floorplan with large, screened porch is being sold totally furnished including TV & stereo system. Encapsulated crawl space with dehumidifier & inside monitor. Gas fireplace in living room with new logs in 2018. New roof in 2022 & new gas tankless hot water heater in 2018. Heat Pump was replaced in 2015 & installed on a stand. Grill on patio pavers is included. Ice maker does not work. Laminate flooring in kitchen. Large front deck. Detached shed in rear yard. Easy to see as it is seldom used.

$349,900