(June 30, 2016) From patriotic concerts and fireworks to a hot dog-eating contest and 5K race, Ocean City, Ocean Pines, Berlin and Snow Hill have numerous ways to celebrate Independence Day.
Here are a few activities taking place this weekend.
Ocean Pines:
• Freedom 5K:
Ocean Pines kicks off its Independence Day celebration on Monday with the fifth annual Freedom 5K run.
Families are encouraged to participate in the timed race, which starts at 8 a.m. at the South Gate Pond on the corner of Ocean Gateway and Racetrack Road where participants will go around the park, head into the woods and come back out onto the road.
Attendees are encouraged to wear red, white and blue to support the military. The event benefits Athletes Serving Athletes, a nonprofit organization empowering athletes living with disabilities to train and compete in more than 60 running and triathlon events each year.
At the finish line, flags from each of the military branches will be on display in Veterans Memorial Park, and the first 250 registered runners are guaranteed event T-shirts.
Registration begins at 7 a.m. and costs $25 in advance or $35 the day of the event.
Register online at OceanPines.org and Active.com or call the Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks Department at 410-641-7052.
The event will take place on Tuesday, July 5 if there is inclement weather on Monday.
• Celebration:
The fun in Ocean Pines continues at 10 a.m. with the Fourth of July celebration at Veterans Memorial Park and the Sports Core property.
The All-American celebration will include a deejay, water slides, carnival games and refreshments. Festivities take place until 2 p.m.
Wristbands for unlimited rides on the water slides cost $6 and tickets will be sold for additional rides and games.
Swimming at the Sports Core Pool on Cathell Road is free for swim members. Adult, non-members pay $8 and children ages 5-17 are $6. Add $1 for nonresidents.
The celebration will take place on Tuesday, July 5 if there is inclement weather on Monday
• Fireworks:
Ocean Pines festivities come to a close with a free fireworks display at Showell Park across from Showell Elementary School on Racetrack Road, Monday night.
Visitors are encouraged to watch the display from Showell Elementary School, the Community Church of Ocean Pines, Most Blessed Sacrament School, St. John Neumann Church or the Pavilions for a good view. Free parking will also be available in these locations.
Fireworks will begin shortly after dark. The event is open to the public and the Community Church at Ocean Pines will be selling refreshments.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket.
The event will take place on Tuesday, July 5 if there is inclement weather.
In addition, the Yacht Club deck will be open as well as the Tiki Bar at 11 a.m. The location provides a nice view of the Ocean City fireworks and Tranzfusion will be playing live music from 6-10 p.m.
For more information, call the Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks Department at 410-641-7052 or visit OceanPines.org.
Berlin:
Burley Oak Brewing Company on Old Ocean City Boulevard will host a family event during the Town of Berlin fireworks display on Sunday, July 3 from 6-11 p.m. Fireworks will begin at dusk.
“Burley is opening the parking lot so that people have somewhere to sit, drink a few beers or nonalcoholic beverages and see the fireworks easily,” Burley Oak’s General Manager Nicky Chavis stated in a press release. “We wanted to help make the display happen, because everyone in the community was so let down last year when we were told they weren’t going to be happening; we didn’t want that to happen again.”
Burley Oak donated $5,000 to the display and wanted to hold an event in conjunction to the fireworks.
In addition, the Independence Day celebration will bring attention to Berlin Falls, a new multi-use outdoor park across the street from the brewery.
“To be able to celebrate the day of independence of your country, in your own town, with your family, without having to travel or fight traffic, makes the holiday that much more enjoyable and memorable,” Chavis said.
Burley Oak will offer 20 different beers at $5 a glass along with its new “Burley Beverage Line,” which includes cold brew coffee, nitro coffee, root beer, rotating flavored sodas, Kombucha and other handcrafted nonalcoholic beverages.
Zion Reggae band will be performing and there will be a variety of children’s games and activities including a bounce house.
Sobo’s Food Truck will provide food and Eastern Shore Kettle Korn is slated to be in attendance as well as other local favorites.
Attendees are encouraged to bring beach chairs.
Parking will be available at The Maryland Coastal Dispatch, Berlin Falls and a small handicapped lot will be available at the brewery as well.
For more information, contact Chavis at nickychavis@burley-oak.com or call Burley Oak at 443-513-4647.
Snow Hill
• Fireworks:
Fourth of July festivities take place Saturday, July 2, in Snow Hill with a fireworks display over the Pocomoke River in Sturgis Memorial Park.
The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. with ice cream and drinks available before the fireworks start around 9:15 p.m. There will be bounce houses and face painting for kids.
Hamburgers, hot dogs, barbecue chicken, soft drinks and beer will be provided by the Snow Hill Rotary and Snow Hill native Tommy Mason is selling pulled pork.
Look forward to an appearance from Lollipop the Clown and DJ Dale Smack will be spinning the tunes.
Guests should bring a lawn chair or blanket to Sturgis Park.
The Julia A. Purnell Museum will have free admission for locals until 4 p.m. and will sell neon glow sticks and LED flashers as a fundraiser during the fireworks.
The event will take place on Sunday if there is inclement weather on Saturday. Parking will be available at public lots on Green and Washington streets.
For more information, call 410-632-0809.
Ocean City:
• Uptown Concert and Fireworks:
At Northside Park on 125th Street, The Janitors kick off a free concert Monday at 8 p.m. followed by fireworks at 9:30 p.m. The National Anthem will lead the patriotic show.
“Northside Park is a spectacular place for families to watch the colorful displays light up the evening sky and lagoon,” Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan stated in a press release. “We encourage spectators to get there early to claim their spot to watch the fireworks,” which visitors can catch from anywhere in the park.
“The Fourth of July holiday is a great opportunity for residents and visitors to stay and play in Ocean City,” he said.
Attendees are encouraged to bring beach chairs and blankets. Call 1-800-626-2326, 410-250-0125 or visit www.ococean.com for more information.
• Downtown Concert and Fireworks:
A free concert on the Caroline Street Stage in downtown Ocean City features The Reagan Years, which begins Monday at 8 p.m. with a fireworks display following at 9:30 p.m.
Meehan said the July 4 celebration is “a unique opportunity to watch fireworks sparkle over the ocean.’’
“Our exceptional venue on Caroline Street allows visitors to bring beach chairs or blankets and claim a spot on the sand for a special and patriotic display,” he said.
Call 1-800-626-2326, 410-250-0125 or visit www.ococean.com for more information.
Hot Dog-Eating Contest:
Stop by Fish Tales Bar & Grill on 22nd Street, bayside, Monday at 1 p.m. for the ninth annual Independence Day “Top Dog” hot dog-eating contest.
“It’s a lot of fun. It’s neat to see people come out and cheer on their favorite competitor,” said Brandon Hemp, Fish Tales manager and contest coordinator. “I’d like to see a local person win it this year. Locals have placed, but no one has won it since the first year.”
Anyone 18 and older who is interested in competing in the July 4 event may stop by the 22nd Street bayside bar and restaurant at any time prior to that day to speedily consume five deli-style hot dogs and buns.
A Fish Tales representative will time each participant, and the 20 people with the fastest times will advance to the finals, scheduled to take place Monday, July 4, at 1 p.m. The cost to take part in the qualifier is $5, which will go toward the prize money pot.
On July 4, a stage will be assembled in the restaurant’s parking lot for the 10-minute event, which is modeled after Nathan’s famous Fourth of July international contest. Bleachers will be set up in front of the stage for spectators.
The “Top Dog” will take home $1,000 and a trophy. Cash prizes will also be awarded for second and third place. DJ BK is slated to emcee the competition again this year.
Thirteen contestants stuffed their mouths with hot dogs and buns in 2015. Last year’s winner, defending champion David Brunelli, of Philadelphia, ate 25 hot dogs in 10 minutes.
Fish Tales and Coors Light are sponsoring the event. Dietz & Watson will supply the hot dogs.
Call 410-289-0990 for more information or to participate in the hot-dog eating contest, if spots are still open.
Ocean City parking information:
The inlet parking lot will charge a $50 flat fee for all day parking on Monday, which is good for one entry and allows visitors to arrive at 5:30 a.m. and stay until midnight without being charged an hourly rate.
Depending on availability, there will also be a late entry fee starting at 3 p.m. and costs $30 for one entry. When the lot fills, visitors can use neighboring parking lots including Worcester Street, Somerset Street, Dorchester Street, North Division Street, Fourth Street and the West Ocean City Park & Ride.
Ticketed parking operations will return at midnight on July 5.
Taking the Ocean City bus costs $3 for the entire day and the West Ocean City Park and Ride on Route 50 offers free parking with a $3 ride-all-day shuttle service to downtown.
Also, the Route 50 Bridge will remain closed to marine traffic from 10:25-10:55 p.m. on July 4 and will reopen for boaters at 11:25 p.m.
Here are a few activities taking place this weekend.
Ocean Pines:
• Freedom 5K:
Ocean Pines kicks off its Independence Day celebration on Monday with the fifth annual Freedom 5K run.
Families are encouraged to participate in the timed race, which starts at 8 a.m. at the South Gate Pond on the corner of Ocean Gateway and Racetrack Road where participants will go around the park, head into the woods and come back out onto the road.
Attendees are encouraged to wear red, white and blue to support the military. The event benefits Athletes Serving Athletes, a nonprofit organization empowering athletes living with disabilities to train and compete in more than 60 running and triathlon events each year.
At the finish line, flags from each of the military branches will be on display in Veterans Memorial Park, and the first 250 registered runners are guaranteed event T-shirts.
Registration begins at 7 a.m. and costs $25 in advance or $35 the day of the event.
Register online at OceanPines.org and Active.com or call the Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks Department at 410-641-7052.
The event will take place on Tuesday, July 5 if there is inclement weather on Monday.
• Celebration:
The fun in Ocean Pines continues at 10 a.m. with the Fourth of July celebration at Veterans Memorial Park and the Sports Core property.
The All-American celebration will include a deejay, water slides, carnival games and refreshments. Festivities take place until 2 p.m.
Wristbands for unlimited rides on the water slides cost $6 and tickets will be sold for additional rides and games.
Swimming at the Sports Core Pool on Cathell Road is free for swim members. Adult, non-members pay $8 and children ages 5-17 are $6. Add $1 for nonresidents.
The celebration will take place on Tuesday, July 5 if there is inclement weather on Monday
• Fireworks:
Ocean Pines festivities come to a close with a free fireworks display at Showell Park across from Showell Elementary School on Racetrack Road, Monday night.
Visitors are encouraged to watch the display from Showell Elementary School, the Community Church of Ocean Pines, Most Blessed Sacrament School, St. John Neumann Church or the Pavilions for a good view. Free parking will also be available in these locations.
Fireworks will begin shortly after dark. The event is open to the public and the Community Church at Ocean Pines will be selling refreshments.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket.
The event will take place on Tuesday, July 5 if there is inclement weather.
In addition, the Yacht Club deck will be open as well as the Tiki Bar at 11 a.m. The location provides a nice view of the Ocean City fireworks and Tranzfusion will be playing live music from 6-10 p.m.
For more information, call the Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks Department at 410-641-7052 or visit OceanPines.org.
Berlin:
Burley Oak Brewing Company on Old Ocean City Boulevard will host a family event during the Town of Berlin fireworks display on Sunday, July 3 from 6-11 p.m. Fireworks will begin at dusk.
“Burley is opening the parking lot so that people have somewhere to sit, drink a few beers or nonalcoholic beverages and see the fireworks easily,” Burley Oak’s General Manager Nicky Chavis stated in a press release. “We wanted to help make the display happen, because everyone in the community was so let down last year when we were told they weren’t going to be happening; we didn’t want that to happen again.”
Burley Oak donated $5,000 to the display and wanted to hold an event in conjunction to the fireworks.
In addition, the Independence Day celebration will bring attention to Berlin Falls, a new multi-use outdoor park across the street from the brewery.
“To be able to celebrate the day of independence of your country, in your own town, with your family, without having to travel or fight traffic, makes the holiday that much more enjoyable and memorable,” Chavis said.
Burley Oak will offer 20 different beers at $5 a glass along with its new “Burley Beverage Line,” which includes cold brew coffee, nitro coffee, root beer, rotating flavored sodas, Kombucha and other handcrafted nonalcoholic beverages.
Zion Reggae band will be performing and there will be a variety of children’s games and activities including a bounce house.
Sobo’s Food Truck will provide food and Eastern Shore Kettle Korn is slated to be in attendance as well as other local favorites.
Attendees are encouraged to bring beach chairs.
Parking will be available at The Maryland Coastal Dispatch, Berlin Falls and a small handicapped lot will be available at the brewery as well.
For more information, contact Chavis at nickychavis@burley-oak.com or call Burley Oak at 443-513-4647.
Snow Hill
• Fireworks:
Fourth of July festivities take place Saturday, July 2, in Snow Hill with a fireworks display over the Pocomoke River in Sturgis Memorial Park.
The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. with ice cream and drinks available before the fireworks start around 9:15 p.m. There will be bounce houses and face painting for kids.
Hamburgers, hot dogs, barbecue chicken, soft drinks and beer will be provided by the Snow Hill Rotary and Snow Hill native Tommy Mason is selling pulled pork.
Look forward to an appearance from Lollipop the Clown and DJ Dale Smack will be spinning the tunes.
Guests should bring a lawn chair or blanket to Sturgis Park.
The Julia A. Purnell Museum will have free admission for locals until 4 p.m. and will sell neon glow sticks and LED flashers as a fundraiser during the fireworks.
The event will take place on Sunday if there is inclement weather on Saturday. Parking will be available at public lots on Green and Washington streets.
For more information, call 410-632-0809.
Ocean City:
• Uptown Concert and Fireworks:
At Northside Park on 125th Street, The Janitors kick off a free concert Monday at 8 p.m. followed by fireworks at 9:30 p.m. The National Anthem will lead the patriotic show.
“Northside Park is a spectacular place for families to watch the colorful displays light up the evening sky and lagoon,” Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan stated in a press release. “We encourage spectators to get there early to claim their spot to watch the fireworks,” which visitors can catch from anywhere in the park.
“The Fourth of July holiday is a great opportunity for residents and visitors to stay and play in Ocean City,” he said.
Attendees are encouraged to bring beach chairs and blankets. Call 1-800-626-2326, 410-250-0125 or visit www.ococean.com for more information.
• Downtown Concert and Fireworks:
A free concert on the Caroline Street Stage in downtown Ocean City features The Reagan Years, which begins Monday at 8 p.m. with a fireworks display following at 9:30 p.m.
Meehan said the July 4 celebration is “a unique opportunity to watch fireworks sparkle over the ocean.’’
“Our exceptional venue on Caroline Street allows visitors to bring beach chairs or blankets and claim a spot on the sand for a special and patriotic display,” he said.
Call 1-800-626-2326, 410-250-0125 or visit www.ococean.com for more information.
Hot Dog-Eating Contest:
Stop by Fish Tales Bar & Grill on 22nd Street, bayside, Monday at 1 p.m. for the ninth annual Independence Day “Top Dog” hot dog-eating contest.
“It’s a lot of fun. It’s neat to see people come out and cheer on their favorite competitor,” said Brandon Hemp, Fish Tales manager and contest coordinator. “I’d like to see a local person win it this year. Locals have placed, but no one has won it since the first year.”
Anyone 18 and older who is interested in competing in the July 4 event may stop by the 22nd Street bayside bar and restaurant at any time prior to that day to speedily consume five deli-style hot dogs and buns.
A Fish Tales representative will time each participant, and the 20 people with the fastest times will advance to the finals, scheduled to take place Monday, July 4, at 1 p.m. The cost to take part in the qualifier is $5, which will go toward the prize money pot.
On July 4, a stage will be assembled in the restaurant’s parking lot for the 10-minute event, which is modeled after Nathan’s famous Fourth of July international contest. Bleachers will be set up in front of the stage for spectators.
The “Top Dog” will take home $1,000 and a trophy. Cash prizes will also be awarded for second and third place. DJ BK is slated to emcee the competition again this year.
Thirteen contestants stuffed their mouths with hot dogs and buns in 2015. Last year’s winner, defending champion David Brunelli, of Philadelphia, ate 25 hot dogs in 10 minutes.
Fish Tales and Coors Light are sponsoring the event. Dietz & Watson will supply the hot dogs.
Call 410-289-0990 for more information or to participate in the hot-dog eating contest, if spots are still open.
Ocean City parking information:
The inlet parking lot will charge a $50 flat fee for all day parking on Monday, which is good for one entry and allows visitors to arrive at 5:30 a.m. and stay until midnight without being charged an hourly rate.
Depending on availability, there will also be a late entry fee starting at 3 p.m. and costs $30 for one entry. When the lot fills, visitors can use neighboring parking lots including Worcester Street, Somerset Street, Dorchester Street, North Division Street, Fourth Street and the West Ocean City Park & Ride.
Ticketed parking operations will return at midnight on July 5.
Taking the Ocean City bus costs $3 for the entire day and the West Ocean City Park and Ride on Route 50 offers free parking with a $3 ride-all-day shuttle service to downtown.
Also, the Route 50 Bridge will remain closed to marine traffic from 10:25-10:55 p.m. on July 4 and will reopen for boaters at 11:25 p.m.