OC event organizers seek vendor feedback

tive,” Miller said. “We heard a lot of compliments about what they [the audiences] got to experience in terms of favorites as well as new bands on site.”

Looking forward to next year, Miller and others involved in eventstaging are looking into more adjustments for the tent layout.

While covid inspired a wide-open site plan that patrons seem to love, the design leaves vendors exposed to the elements.

Miller plans on striking a balance that better serves both customers and businesses.

“I’ve got four pages of what I call show notes from that event [Springfest], and we’re always listening to our vendor base and our crowds,” Miller said.

Ocean City will soon send an electronic survey to poll Springfest’s vendors on what aspects of the event already work and what could be improved, Miller said.

On Thursday, attendees got to take a Star Wars-themed May the Fourth bike ride with Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan.

Next year, May the Fourth falls on the Saturday of Springfest, and Miller said he sees potential in taking more advantage of the movie holiday.

“Springfest has always been sort of coined the official start of the summer season,” Miller said.

While the city does put a lot of money into the event, the goal is not to make a profit, but to bring people into town, Miller said.

“Our desire is putting heads and beds and driving business in the town and exposing people to Ocean City,” Miller said.

Given that Springfest has been running for 32 years, it gives a great opportunity for family’s to pass down the experience from one generation to the next, Miller said.

“No matter really what your income level is, you can come to this event, walk right into the grounds and enjoy the food, the atmosphere, the crafts, the music and the camaraderie with friends and family and just people that have the same interests, so I think that’s really what makes it successful,” Miller said. “That it’s just an open opportunity to so many people looking to find a weekend escape from the normal daily routine.”