Downtown to go Red, White, Kaboom
Discover fun, food, shopping, events and entertainment in downtown OC
The month of July gives the Town of Ocean City a chance to show off one of the things it does best: Fireworks!
The Fourth of July fireworks in OC are the best in the area. They are such a large draw that the city puts on two shows, one off the Boardwalk in Downtown OC and another show uptown at Northside Park — naturally, we are partial to the Downtown celebration.
The Fourth of July festivities will kick off early at the Caroline Street Stage along the Boardwalk, with
a DJ playing tunes at 8 p.m. until the fireworks kick off at 9:30. Enjoy a bite to eat on the boards, listen to some music, and then find a spot on the beach to watch the fireworks. That’s the perfect way to enjoy the Fourth of July in Ocean City. Parking will be a premium and the town will be crowded, so remember to plan accordingly and arrive in town early.
The fireworks don’t stop after the Fourth though. The OC Beach Dance Parties return in July. Enjoy Monday nights at a family-friendly, free dance party on the beach. DJ’s will be playing tunes and the night is capped off with fireworks. Check out the downtown events calendar later in this edition of the Discover Downtown for full details and dates.
Another summer tradition starts up in July: the Sunset Park Party Nights concert series. Starting on July 11, this concert series kicks off with the sounds of the Delta Blues from the Chris English Band. Other shows this month will feature Lauren Glick and Juke Box Heroes. The shows run from 7-9 p.m. and are presented by the OCDC and Town of Ocean City. These concerts are always free and family friendly. Attendees are encouraged to bring a beach chair or blanket. Beer and wine will be for sale, with all proceeds going to support the OC Rec Boosters. These concerts at Sunset Park are usually accompanied by Continued on page 10
Discover Downtown Ocean City
OC TODAY-DISPATCH is the leading newspaper publisher on the Maryland coast, with OC Today-Dispatch publishing weekly on Friday, Bayside Gazette and Ocean City Digest publishing on Thursdays and Real Estate, the Coastal Real Estate Resource publishing key weekends throughout the year. On the Web: www.oceancitytoday.com
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‘Kids Paint OC’ art pieces will be displayed at gallery
Kids love to color and paint. Kids also love being outdoors in the summer. The “Kids Paint OC” project lets them do both at the same time.
most recognizable of local scenes, and the artists who paint plein air inspire each other and have opportunities to sell their work.”
An annual program of the nonprofit Art League of Ocean City, the Kids Paint OC program encourages children ages 6-17 to paint outdoors from July 1-31, have their work exhibited at the Ocean City Center for the Arts, and be eligible to win cash prizes. There is no charge to participate.
Painting outdoors – or painting “plein air” – began as a recognized art form in the 19th century when artists painted in the “open air” with their subject in full view, usually iconic local scenery.
“We encourage every kid in the resort and beyond to get outdoors and paint in July,” said Kacie Neeb, Art League Kids Paint OC coordinator. “And we have the supplies and inspiration they need to create their own masterpiece.”
Children who register will receive a free art kit and a “Kids Paint OC” T-shirt, while supplies last. Every child who enters will have their artwork displayed during an exclusive art show at the Ocean City Center for the Arts on Sun. Aug. 18, from 12 noon3 p.m. A panel of judges will select the winners and award $500 in cash prizes.
Kids Paint OC is made possible by a grant from the Worcester County Arts Council.
“The Art League started this program to get kids outdoors and painting,” Neeb continued, “but also to encourage the next generation of plein air painters. It’s a wonderful artform that captures the
Kids Paint OC is part of the Art League’s annual “Artists Paint OC: A Plein Air Festival” that’s now in its 19th year. In mid-August, more than 50 professional artists will paint around Ocean City and the surrounding area, culminating in Wet Paint Sales on Aug. 17 and 18 and a Quick Paint on the Ocean City Boardwalk on the morning of Sunday, Aug. 18, sponsored by the Ocean City Development Corp.
More information about Kids Paint OC and registration is available at OCart.org/kids-paint-oc-a-plein-airevent/ or email kacie@artleagueofoceancity.org.
The Art League of Ocean City is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing the visual arts to the community through education, exhibits, scholarship, programs and community art projects. Financial support comes primarily through membership dues from individuals and corporate sponsors.
Construction starts on new downtown police substation
After years of debating, designing, redesigning and budgeting, work has finally begun on the new Ocean City Police Department Downtown Substation. The mayor and City Council approved the finalized budget for the project on June 11 and the site work began the following day.
Located on the southwest corner of Baltimore Avenue and Somerset Street, the substation is being built on what was previously an under-utilized city-owned parking lot.
The new building will include a maintenance garage for the OCPD bicycle fleet, office and meeting rooms for OCPD staff, holding rooms, and a front lobby and waiting area for the public.
Currently the only facilities the OCPD has downtown are above the Boardwalk comfort station on Worcester Street. The department has to borrow space from the Ocean City Beach Patrol for an area to repair the bicycle fleet.
This new three-story building not only gives the OCPD the adequate space they’ve needed for years, but also puts all of their downtown operations under one roof. Officers will have onsite parking at this new facility, and this new substation will give the public a more visible building to go to when they have issues that need to be addressed downtown.
The new building is located at the
same corner as the off-island shuttle stop, where buses from local campgrounds and resorts drop off visitors going to beach and Boardwalk.
The front of the substation will feature a public restroom/comfort station, which will be convenient for these off-island guests. The third floor of building will be dedicated to housing seasonal city employees and will be managed by Ocean City Development Corporation.
The new substation is a collaborative project with the Town of Ocean City and Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC). Ocean City will bond this $4.2 million project and the payment of the bond will be split evenly.
This arrangement between the town and OCDC was previously done on the beach patrol headquarters, where the city and the nonprofit organization shared the construction costs.
The OCDC secured two grants (totaling $350,000) from Maryland’s Department of Housing and Community Development to assist in the costs to design and construct the police substation.
The building was designed by the Becker Morgan Group with the downtown design standards in mind. Gillis Gilkerson will be the construction manager for the project. It is expected the project will take about a year to complete.
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a stunning bayside sunset.
you can always ride the Boardwalk tram if your feet get tired.
Another OC staple is a fishing tournament with a large prize purse. The 11th Annual Huk Big Fish Classic has an expected purse total of over $1.5 million, with anglers setting out to compete in a number of divisions such as tuna, blue and white Marlin, and wahoo.
Spectators are invited (at no-charge) to watch the weigh-ins at the scales, located at docks of MR Ducks. Don’t forget to visit the nearby Vendors Village. The Huk Big Fish Classic takes place July 26 through July 28. More details are available in our downtown events calendar.
Hungry after all that sand and sun? A food tour of Ocean City has everything from iconic Boardwalk munchies, such as caramel corn, saltwater 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 striking sunsets. Many of our bars and restaurants have a lively entertainment schedule.
If you miss one of July’s special events, don’t worry. As an accredited Main Street Maryland community, Downtown Ocean City always 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, surfing, or boogey boarding. Unlike some other communities, our beach is always free. Did you know Ocean City has a beach bonfire program? Permits are required for bonfires. See all the rules and requirement for this unique, familyfriendly experience at ocbonfires.com.
Had enough of the beach? Don’t forget our world-class Boardwalk. It’s nearly 3 miles long and packed with rides, arcades, museums, stores, bars and restaurants. Highlights include the Life-Saving Station Museum, Jolly Rogers rides at the pier and Trimper Rides at the Inlet, 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 information and local recommendations, and don’t forget
Still have some energy? Downtown Ocean City has tons of activities to get your blood pumping. Head to the bayside for Jet Ski or pontoon boat rental or book a tour on an ocean-going powerboat. You can also book a charter fishing boat and head out for the day to catch anything from flounder to tuna or maybe even a marlin.
The recently renovated Bayside Park on 3rd Street houses the country’s oldest municipal skate park, the Ocean Bowl Skate Park. Bayside Park also has tennis/pickleball courts, basketball courts and a playground.
Public playgrounds are located at N. Division Street (on the Boardwalk) and at Bayside Park. We have multiple bicycle rental businesses 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 your first, it won’t be your last. And if you missed one of July’s events, don’t worry — we have a full schedule of fireworks, air shows, and music festivals coming up.
FREE!! PROGRA SUM
Before, left, and after, right, of a recent project on St. Louis Avenue that took advantage of the OCDC Façade Improvement Program. With financial assistance from the OCDC Façade Improvement Program, the owners of this duplex were able to replace rotting and damaged cedar siding with new vinyl siding.
OCDC grants aim to assist downtown property owners
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
Grants provide significant help
spaces of downtown locations; 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.
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK, MAY -
Downtown Events
July 2024
Month of July
Daily Events at OC Life
Saving Station Museum
The museum will host daily programs throughout the month of July (Monday-Saturday). Program topics include knot tying, beach safety, historical summaries, and marine life. Programs start at 10 a.m. More info at www.OCMuseum.org/events
July 4
FIREWORKS!
The Town of Ocean City presents its annual fireworks show downtown. This professional produced fireworks show will be visible from anywhere downtown, but your best bet is to stake out a spot on the Boardwalk. Live DJ’s will be playing at Caroline Street Stage on the Boardwalk, starting at 7 p.m. and the fireworks are set to start at 9:30 p.m.
July 8
OC Beach Dance Parties with Fireworks
A summer tradition returns with weekly dance parties at the Caroline Street Stage (on the Boardwalk). This family-friendly, free dance party will kick off at 7:30 p.m. with DJ’s from Ocean 98. Don’t forget to bring a beach chair or blanket. The fireworks display will begin at 9 p.m.
July 11
Sunset Park Party Nights
This free concert series kicks off with the first show of year with Delta Blues from the Chris English Band. Enjoy OC’s famous bayside sunset while listening to live music. These shows are family friendly and free to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own beach chairs and sunglasses. Beer and Wine will be available, with proceeds going to support the OC Rec Boosters. Sunset Park is located bayside, at the intersection of S. Division Street and Philadelphia Avenue. Shows run from 7-9 p.m.
July 14
OC Cruzers on Somerset Plaza
The OC Cruzers continue their classic car shows on Somerset Plaza. 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. Shows take place from 3-6 p.m.
July 15
OC Beach Dance Parties with Fireworks
A summer tradition returns with weekly dance parties at the Caroline Street Stage (on the Boardwalk). This family friendly, free dance party will kick off at 7:30 p.m. with BK and Chrissy Radio Ocean City. Don’t forget to bring a beach chair or blanket. The fireworks display will begin at 9 p.m.
July 18
Sunset Park Party Nights
This free concert series continues with rock and pop sounds of Lauren Glick. Enjoy OC’s famous bayside sunset while listening to live music. These shows are family friendly and free to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own beach chairs and sunglasses. Beer and Wine will be available, with proceeds going to support the OC Rec Boosters. Sunset Park is located bayside, at the intersection of S. Division Street and Philadelphia Ave. Shows run from 7-9 p.m.
July 22
OC Beach Dance Parties with Fireworks
A summer tradition returns with weekly dance parties at the Caroline Street Stage (on the Boardwalk). This family friendly, free dance party will kick off at 7:30 p.m. with DJ Knappy & Gizmo. Don’t forget to bring a beach chair or blanket. The fireworks display will begin at 9 p.m.
July 25
Sunset Park Party Nights
This free concert series continues with the familiar sounds of the Foreigner Cover Band, Juke Box Heroes! Enjoy OC’s famous bayside sunset while listening to live music. These shows are family friendly and free to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own beach chairs and sunglasses. Beer and Wine will be available, with proceeds going to support the OC Rec Boosters. Sunset Park is located bayside, at the intersection of S. Division Street and Philadelphia Avenue. Shows run from 7-9 p.m.
July 26-28
The 11th Annual Huk Big Fish Classic
This year’s Big Fish Classic has an estimated purse of over $1.5 Million! The boats will head out Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with the hopes of catching massive tuna, marlin, wahoo and other big fish. There is no entry fee to watch the weigh-ins at MR Ducks (located Talbot Street and the Bay). The scales will be open from 4 to 9 p.m.. Vendors will be set up in the nearby parking lot and will open at 3 p.m. each day. More info at www.BigFishClassic.com
July 28
OC Cruzers on Somerset Plaza
The OC Cruzers are back on Somerset Plaza. These shows are family friendly and free to the public. Stroll Somerset Plaza and check out an array of classics vehicles, hot rods, and custom cars. Shows take place from 3-6 p.m with live music from Rob Fahey.
Information Cottage serves to educate on personal level
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 City? 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 three-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.
The cottage opens seven days a week (from noon to 8 p.m.) in June, July and August.
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.
The recently reopened Boardwalk Information Cottage is located between North Division and Caroline streets.
