2009 Wintertime Events in Ocean City MD
Although winter in the Ocean City Maryland area is considered the “off season” there remain plenty of events and activities for residents and visitors alike. Below is a listing of some 2009 seasonal offerings:
Nautical & Wildlife Art Festival and North American Craft Show - Jan. 17-18, Convention Center. Noted painters, sculptors & photographers highlight this annual show. Juried crafters utilizing a variety of media. Admission
35th East Coast Commercial Fishermen’s & Aquaculture Trade Expo – Jan. 23-25, Convention Center. Features the latest gear & all facets of the aquaculture industry. Admission
Superbowl Sunday Scramble – Feb. 1st , Eagle’s Landing Golf Course. Tailgate party with 18-hole scramble tournament. For details, Eagle’s Landing, 410-213-7277.
Seaside Boat Show – Feb 13-15, Convention Center. The “Boat Show that Works for Kids”, featuring fishing boatrs, electronics, clothing, sailboats, kayaks pottery and art, plus insurance and financing information. Admission
Mid-Atlantic Symphony Concert - Feb. 15, Community Church at Ocean Pines. Special Valentine concert. Admission http://www.midatlanticsymphony.org
Collector Car Auction – Feb. 21-22, Convention Center. Live auction of collector cars, classics, exotic sports cars, muscle cars and much more. Admission
St. Patrick’s Indoor Soccer Tournaments - Feb. 27th – March 1st, three weekends at Northside Park, 125th St. Estimated that over 100 teams will take part in this tournament for players ages 10 and up.
Reach the Beach Rec & School Open Nationals – February 27 – 28, Convention Center. One of the largest cheer competitions on the East Coast. Admission
Reach the Beach Dance Nationals – March 1, Convention Center. American Cheer & Dance Academy returns to Ocean City for its 12th annual competition. Admission
Handbell Ringers Concert – March 14th, Convention Center. American Guild of English Handbell Ringers, Area III spring festival culminates in a FREE concert at 4:30 pm.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival – March 14 noon, 60th St. south to 45th St. Over 100 entrants including marching bands, floats and more. Entertainment, food and beverages at festival.
Ocean City Hot Rod & Custom Car Show – March 14 -15, Convention Center. Premier indoor car show with special attractions and live entertainment. Admission
Home, Condo & Garden Show & Art & Craft Fair – March 20 - 22, Convention Center. Fresh ideas on decorating, remodeling, accessorizing or building your home all under one roof. Exhibitors display new products & services for home & garden, complemented by artists showcasing their most creative crafts & gift ideas. Admission
Mid-Atlantic Symphony – March 22, Community Church at Ocean Pines. Performance “Music in Motion”, features “Le Tombeau de Couperin” by Ravel & Mozart’s Symphony No. 40, along with pieces by two contemporary composers. Admission http://www.midatlanticsymphony.org
Keep watching…there is much more to come throughout the year in Ocean City Maryland!
WINTERFEST of LIGHTS - A Most Magical Place!
This is the time each year when Ocean City Maryland folks trade their surfboards for sleighs and tanning lotion for chap Stick! Well, perhaps not to that extreme however beginning on November 15th this island becomes a truly 
magical place during our annual Winterfest of Lights. At Northside Park located on 127th Street you may board the Winterfest Express tram and sing Christmas carols while gliding past lighted displays depicting favorite fairy tales including the Twelve Days of Christmas. Also at the 
park is a patio Café, (remember that lip balm?) where steaming hot cocoa may be enjoyed while perusing the fun stuff available for purchase at the Yukon Cornelius’ Gift Shop. Live entertainment is scheduled on selected nights. Heading south along Coastal Highway there is the fabulous Tunnel of Lights at the Inlet Lot where the white sandy beach 
is filled with lighted displays boasting a nautical theme. And, while here at the beach don’t forget to visit the Avenue of Trees located on Baltimore Avenue from 15th – 32nd Street. Finally, while you won’t really need a sleigh to enjoy the island at Christmas time you will want to travel the island end to end to view all of the lovely seasonal displays offered by our business community…over one million lights really do sparkle throughout the town turning Ocean City MD into a very magical place during the holiday season! This event takes place November 15th through January 1st, 2008 Sunday ~ Thursday 5:30 p.m. ~ 9:30 p.m., Friday & Saturday 5:30 p.m. ~ 10:30 p.m. (Note: to enlarge, just “click” on any photo)
“ACTIVE ADULT” LIVING - Saving the best for later!
There’s a lot to be said for delaying gratification – especially in the stages and our choice of basic shelter. We begin in a family home, move to a college dorm, find a small starter home (perhaps an apartment), graduate to a larger family home with perhaps the addition of a vacation luxury home and finally, when the kids have really moved on, finding that really special place – a perfectly suited home in an Active Adult Community. The Ocean City Maryland area has several offerings depending on your preference and preferred amenities. Certainly most “active adult communities” offer low maintenance housing, 
that ease of living we have striven for. However many of us want more – and compared with others The Parke at Ocean Pines has it all! First, it was intentionally and expertly designed with a strong sense of community, governed and managed by the residents and offering an incredible array of activities including indoor and outdoor pools, golf and country club, tennis club and a beachfront pool and parking facility in nearby Ocean City. The residence location is optimal too – a natural setting with woodlands and protected wetlands along a coastal bay adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean. A perfect place to enjoy all that life has to offer. For more information visit the website at www.theparke.org. For those who 
wish a more urban setting – there’s the Gull Creek retirement community situated seconds from downtown historic Berlin MD. While more structured than The Parke, living remains independent with residents enjoying the many area amenities including the nearby area parks, unique shopping and fine restaurants. To learn more visit to the website at www.gullcreek.org. No matter what level of activity you select for your “best time”, the heart of the mid-Atlantic region wherein lies Ocean City Maryland area has much to offer. Check us out!
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EDUCATION IN WORCESTER COUNTY - Schools with Pride!
When selecting a permanent residence in the Ocean City area, of interest is the proximity to quality educational facilities. Conveniently located, Worcester County Maryland has much to offer with both public and private facilities a short drive away. Our county public schools - www.worcester.k12.md.us/ - have one of the best attendance records and highest graduation rates of any in the State – with standardized test scores well above the average. In addition, one private school - www.worcesterprep.org/ - and three of the county’s parochial schools offer alternative learning environments. Three schools of quality higher education offer easy access to education for high school grads and for members of the work forces seeking to continue academic pursuits or career training.
WOR-WIC COMMUNITY COLLEGE - a two-year institution offering associate degrees in 10 fields including computers, accounting and business management. Wor-Wic also offers individualized training programs to businesses and their employees. The campus is within a half-hour drive from Ocean City. www.worwic.edu/
SALISBURY STATE UNIVERSITY – a member of the University of Maryland System is a four-year institution located in Salisbury. Students receive bachelor’s degrees in a variety of majors including business administration, mathematics, physics and economics. Master’s degrees are offered in Education, English, Psychology, Business and Nursing.
www.salisbury.edu/
THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE – located in Princess Anne (about 45 minutes from Ocean City) is a member of the University of Maryland System and is a four-year institution. UMES offers bachelor’s degrees in over thirty majors and offers pre-professional programs in dentistry, engineering, law, medicine and social work. Master’s degrees and Doctoral degrees are also offered. www.umes.edu/
FALLFEST of FINE ARTS/CHRISTMAS CRAFT EXPO - 2 for 1!
Ocean City Maryland celebrates the beginning of the holiday shopping season in style – with a bargain “two for one” show at the Convention Center located at 42nd Street and the bay. Each year fine artists and craftsmen gather to offer the fruits of their labors to discriminating area shoppers. Colorful backdrops, decorated holiday trees and balloons divide the great hall in half, with one side for fine art and the other for holiday crafts. Any and all items displayed being perfectly suited for the gift-giving season ahead. Paintings and unique sculptures, 
some in wood, and all reasonably priced vie for attention with lovely hand stitched, embroidered pieces including aprons, and holiday linens. There are also bright centerpieces and lovingly made tree ornaments. And, there are the vendors of fine handmade edible treats including fudge, jams and savory mixes – again, all geared to holiday entertaining. This is a nice two-day show – always celebrated on a weekend in early November. A visit to this cheer filled marketplace is a grand way to kick off the season. For more information visit our Fall/Holiday Event calendar on this page above.
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PUNKIN’ CHUNKIN’ 2008 - a most “serious” event!
One cannot help but grin when hearing about the World Championship Punkin’ Chunkin’ competition. Right up the road, north about 40 minutes from Ocean City Maryland in the neighboring state of Delaware, for three days each fall the world wide contest for “chunkin (launching) punkins” is held – this icon of fun activities is in its 23rd consecutive incarnation. Homemade “launchers” and air cannons of every size (mostly HUGE) and description (some strange) – along with their enthusiastic pit crews, from all over the United States (some trucked in and some brought by rail) gather to vie for the dubious 
honor of seeing who/what can hurl a pumpkin the furthest! The goal is one mile – which has not yet been reached! However, according to the stats (4,400+ feet) – we’re coming close! This increasingly popular, really fun event is now commemorated in a book and in a movie, which has been shown on TV, and both are available for purchase at vendor stands throughout the huge midway. Speaking of which, along the near mile long midway, a 
tremendous variety of fun foods are available to entice and energize both viewers and participants in this mighty event. To complete the carnival like atmosphere there are rides including a giant Ferris wheel that allows you to get a bird’s eye view of all activities. For evening entertainment there are “headliner” musical groups in concert, live. (Tickets are additional). This year the Charlie Daniels Band and Randy Owens topped the list.
For a really fun, fall activity, be sure to add this one to your list – you’ll be glad you did. For more information visit the website at www.punkinchunkin.com
Coastal Style LUXURY LIVING SHOW - “a taste of the good life”
Termed “A celebration of the luxury lifestyle on the Eastern Shore” the Coastal Style LUXURY LIVING SHOW this weekend (October 24-26th) certainly lived up to its billing. From the uniformed greeter at the front door to the array of courteous and smiling assistants throughout the show-floor we found this first annual show to be a first class event here at the Convention Center in Ocean City Maryland. The variety of quality exhibitors amazed – fine, original art from our own Bishops Stock gallery (Snow Hill) and Patrick Henry (Berlin MD), 
shining luxury automobiles from I.G Burton, elegant furnishings, and classic “to die for” kitchens and appliances by Shore Appliance Connection are just a few of the many examples that set the overall high-tone of this show and beautifully showcased the endless possibilities available. Add to this the live cooking demos and competitions (in the “to die for” kitchen settings with Viking ranges), wine tastings, antiques appraisals, informative guest lectures and you get the picture. Completing 
the luxurious ambiance, soft, live jazz was performed in the background! Very, very classy and very enjoyable! Be sure to mark your calendars for next year - October 23-25, 2009 to get a taste of the good life here on Delmarva. You’ll be glad you did! For exhibiting information, phone 410-213-9491.
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OC MD Annual - Late FALL/HOLIDAY Events 2008
November 2008 – Events in OC!
Swing for Youth Golf Open - November 1, Eagle’s Landing Golf Course. Four-player Florida scramble with best two balls out of four. Benefits OC Recreation Boosters, which earmark all funds for youth recreation programs. Saturday. For information, Eagles Landing, 410-213-7277. www.eagleslandinggolf.com.
Atlantic Coast Dream Machines – November 1-2, Convention Center, 40th St. & Bay. Two-day celebration featuring big motor muscle cars along with tricked out trucks, celebrity guests & live entertainment. Admission. Sat., 10 a.m.- 8 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Jack Hennen, 410-798-6304. www.oceancitycarshows.com.
Fallfest of Fine Arts –November 8-9, Convention Center, 40th St. & Bay. Juried show features fine art painters, sculptors & mixed media high crafts. Admission. Sat, 10 a.m.-5 p.m; Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Donald A. Hastings, 410-524-9177. duckmandon@comcast.net
Christmas Craft Expo – November 8 -9, Convention Center, 40th St. & Bay. Themed Christmas craft show features juried artists & fine crafters. Admission includes Fallfest of Fine Art. Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Donald A. Hastings, 410-524-9177. duckmandon@comcast.net.
Winterfest of Lights – November 20 – January 1, 2009, Town-wide, Inlet lot & Northside Park, 127th St. Take a drive through the Tunnel of Lights at Ocean City’s Inlet to enjoy the nautical displays of holiday lights. Ocean City is your favorite holiday place for taking in all the sights. Dazzling lights on cold winter nights put everyone in a holiday mood. Ocean City’s award-winning light displays begin with the tunnel of lights at the Inlet where you find the beach filled with lights boasting a nautical theme. Travel the avenues of Ocean City to see the old-fashioned lighted wreaths, then it’s on to Northside Park to see hundreds of animated lighted displays. Relax in the heated tent to sip hot chocolate or browse Yukon Cornelius’ gift shop for a special gift & have a photo taken with Santa. Then board the Winterfest Express to tour the lights, including the themed exhibits of the Twelve Days of Christmas & your favorite fairy tales. Small fee to ride tram. Sun.-Thurs., 5:30-9:30 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 5:30-10:30 p.m. 800-OC-OCEAN. (800-626-2326) 410-250-0125.
Carousel Winter Wonderland – November 20 – December 29, Carousel Resort Hotel, 118th St. Dazzling holiday decorations, indoor ice skating rink open to the public. Admission to the ice skating rink includes skates. Mon.- Fri., 4-9 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 10 a.m.-10 p.m. 800-641-0011. www.carouselhotel.com.
Turkey Trot – November 22, Eagle’s Landing Golf Course. One of the last chances for a great golf tournament before cold weather. Four-player scramble for adults, includes a turkey feast after play. Sunday. For information, Eagles Landing, 410-213-7277. www.eagleslandinggolf.com.
Holiday Shopper’s Fair – November 28-30, Convention Center, 40th St. & Bay. Unique holiday shopping experience. Quality crafts, photography, florals, soaps, jewelry, Nascar items, toys & more. Children’s activities & a non-shoppers lounge. Admission. Fri. & Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Janice Cropper, 410-723-8605. 800-OC-OCEAN. (800-626-2326). Download the Holiday Shopper’s Fair Fact Sheet and Application.
Fall Arts Night – November 28, Downtown Berlin MD (7 miles west of OC). Unique evening of art as shops & galleries offer free admission, showcasing local artists work. Friday, 6- 9 p.m. 410-641-4775. www.berlinmdcc.org. December 2008 – Events in OC!
Winterfest of Lights – December 1 – January 1, 2009, Townwide, Inlet lot & Northside Park, 127th St. Dazzling lights on cold winter nights put everyone in a holiday mood. Tour the tunnel of lights at the Inlet where you find the beach filled with lights boasting a nautical theme. Travel the avenues of Ocean City to see the old-fashioned lighted wreaths, then it’s on to Northside Park to see hundreds of animated lighted displays. Browse Yukon Cornelius’ gift shop, have a photo taken with Santa & enjoy hot chocolate in the heated, decorated tent while you wait to board the Winterfest Express to tour the lights. Ocean City has won awards of distinction for this striking display. Small fee to ride tram. Sun.-Thurs., 5:30-9:30 p.m; Fri.-Sat., 5:30-10:30 p.m. 800-OC-OCEAN (800-626-2326). 410-250-0125.
Victorian Christmas Celebration – December 6, Julia A. Purnell Museum, 208 W. Market St., Snow Hill. Attend an old-fashioned holiday party with Victorian music, decorations & refreshments. Admission. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Claire Otterbein, 410-632-0515. www.purnellmuseum.com. Mid-Atlantic Symphony – December 6, Community Church at Ocean Pines, Rt. 589. Begin the holiday season with a festive concert, favorite carols of the season. Admission. Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Andrea Barnes, 888-846-8600. www.midatlanticsymphony.org. Christmas Parade – December 6, Coastal Hwy., Ocean City. Floats, bands & marching units highlight this annual holiday tradition. Saturday, 11 a.m. Parade route to be announced. Presented by the Gold Coast Mall Merchants Association, 410-524-9000. Honijarvis@cs.com. Victorian Christmas – December 6 – 31, Berlin (7 miles west of OC). Month-long celebrations include life-sized story book window displays, horse & carriage rides, house tours, concerts, parade.Victorian fashion show & teas. Santa visits weekends at the Atlantic Hotel. Fee for some events. Most are free to the public. 410-641-4775. www.berlinmdcc.org.
New Year’s Eve - December 31, Townwide celebrations at your favorite hotel or restaurant. Enjoy ringing in the new year at your favorite summer place. Many Ocean City hotels, clubs & restaurants offer special packages or menus for this special Wednesday night. Call your favorite spot or 800-OC-OCEAN (800-626-2326) for general information.
New Year’s Eve Bus Rides – December 31, Town of Ocean City Maryland The Town of Ocean City offers free bus services for New Year’s Eve from 6 a.m. New Year’s Eve to 6 a.m. New Year’s Day. 800-OC-OCEAN (800-626-2326).
Autumn WINE FESTIVAL - of good spirit!
There seemed to be no limit to the atmosphere of good spirits (pardon the pun), despite the overcast skies, surrounding opening day for the 6th Annual Autumn WINE FESTIVAL this past weekend. Sponsored by Wicomico County Recreation, Parks & Tourism and sited at the Pemberton Historical Park in Salisbury MD this Fest is surely a hit! Nineteen MARYLAND wineries from all across the state proudly offered the results of intense viticulture – including champagne and port, to a very appreciative and discerning audience. A quick scan of the license tags in the parking lot 
showed festival attendees from all around the mid-Atlantic region. And why not? In addition to the fine wineries represented, the food court offered an additional fourteen vendors – presenting varied menus including oxtail stew, seared coconut shrimp, calamari and the ubiquitous Maryland favorite, oyster fritters. If this was not enough, the tents of over 30 craft vendors lined the festival perimeter – while seven distinctly different groups performed exceptional live music alternately on stage. There you 
have it - fine wines, great music, tempting foods and a little pre-holiday shopping - who could ask for more - surely something for everyone. This is a must-attend event for anyone looking for a very special fall weekend getaway. Next year (2009) this event is to be held on October 17th and 18th. Be sure and mark your calendars. And remember that Ocean City MD (30 minutes west) offers a wide variety of places to stay during your visit. For more information visit www.autumnwinefestival.org.
HOT RODS AND TEXTILES…a “Second Season” Double Header!
This past weekend offered a real double-header for visitors and locals seeking area Annual Events. Beginning early on Friday, October 9th, the local roads began to rumble with the sounds of the 11th Annual ENDLESS SUMMER CRUISIN’ show. More than 1,500 customs, muscle cars, classics and more rolled into Ocean City MD to brighten the inlet parking lot with their shining paint and glistening chrome. This three day custom auto extravaganza is a real delight to those of us who remember the cars of yesteryear. Wandering around the huge lot on a sunny afternoon it’s not difficult to find a car owner who won’t want to wax poetic on his auto – his proud creation. For more information on this and other area auto related shows visit the website at www.oceancitycarshows.com.
For our second event and a real change of pace, we visited the Fiber 
(Some may ask – fiber? This is the textile type as opposed to the cereal type!) Fest, sponsored by the Julia A. Purnell Museum in Snow Hill Maryland – a short trip down Rt. 113 from Ocean City. Snow Hill is the seat of our Worcester County Government. And, it is a must see for any area visitor especially those with an eye to historic architecture – combined with rural charm. This year, due to the popularity of this event, the Fiber Fest has expanded to Sturgis Park along the lovely banks of the Pocomoke River. Displays, including some sources of 
the natural fibers - live alpacas and wooly sheep, were in abundance. All featured lovely examples of handmade textile art and craft. Many vendors willing to share their knowledge were in attendance, some creating their lovely wares on the spot. To obtain further information about this and other museum events visit www.purnellmuseum.com.
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