OC approves wine festival, car events, powerboat races

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(May 19, 2023) The busy summer event season has begun, and this week council members added a few staples to the 2023 calendar.

Wine on the Beach

The annual Wine on the Beach wine festival is set once again for the second weekend in September on the north end of the inlet parking lot.

According to a staff report, the festival will run from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 8 and 9 this year.

Entry fees will cover one-ounce tastings from an array of Maryland wineries. Other offerings include arts and crafts, food sales, wine for sale by the glass and bottle, microbrewery sales and entertainment.

The mayor and City Council approved the proposed terms for the event on Tuesday, and tourism staff and the city solicitor are working on a final contract. They also approved date holds for next year’s event on Sept. 6 and 7.

The staff report said the organizer will pay the town $675 in private event costs, and an estimated almost $16,500 in asset and support fees, as outlined in the proposed term sheet. The asset and support fees will be confirmed and invoiced after the event. The organizer may also request support from the police department, to be paid for on their own dime.

Powerboat Races

The Offshore Powerboat Association’s annual powerboat races are officially set for Aug. 20 from North Division to 14th Street.

According to a staff report, two races are set for noon and 3 p.m. with 15 to 20 boats participating in each. The start and finish spot will be between Second and Third streets and the footprint will be blocked off to swimmers.

The organizer will provide signs that public works staff can place at each affected entrance stating that water activity is prohibited inside the event footprint. The organizer must also provide a marine event permit, and police officers have agreed to make periodic checks during the