COOL WEATHER FUN in Ocean City MD…2012!
In spite of the calendar calling for an end to summertime, the fun continues in Ocean City Maryland. Fall brings the best – fishing and fewer crowds meaning the sand and surf are all yours! Exploring Assateague Island offers added excitement. Below are listed a few of our seasonal events and activities scheduled for YOUR enjoyment here at our resort. Please join us…
OCTOBER 2012
Oct. 14-28: Ocean City Fall Restaurant Week. Many spectacular restaurants will create special menus designed to tempt your taste buds. Special, fixed-priced menus will be offered throughout the two-week event. No passes, tickets or coupons are required. Just simply choose a participating restaurant and dine out during the dates of the promotion. For information call the Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association at 1-800-626-2326 x 2, www.oceancityrestaurantweek.com, inquire@ocvisitor.com
Oct. 19-April 14, 2013: ENJOY A HORSE & CARRIAGE RIDE AROUND DOWNTOWN OCEAN CITY!
10/19/12 – 4/14/13 – Friday, Saturday & Sunday from 11:00 am – 5:00 p.m. (depending on weather and/or ridership) – General Route: Starting Inlet Lot…Baltimore Avenue….Dorchester Street to Boardwalk…..going south around pier and back to the Inlet Lot. $10 per person – 3 years and under FREE
LIGHT UP DOWNTOWN CELEBRATION! November 24th – December 15th Come celebrate the holidays in downtown Ocean City at Sunset Park – Lighting Ceremony November 24th, Holiday music and dance performances each Friday & Saturday night starting at 5:30 p.m.
11/24/12 to 12/16/12 – additional Special Christmas Route – SANTA WILL DRIVE THE CARRIAGE – on Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. starting at Sunset Park located on South Philadelphia Avenue … south to S. 1st Street……north on Baltimore Avenue to Somerset Street……..south on Philadelphia Avenue back to Sunset Park. $5 per person – 3 years and under FREE
For more information visit www.downtownassociation.net or call 410-289-1413/443-783-1409
Oct 20-21: O.C. Toberfest on the Beach 2012 – Beach at North Division St., Dorchester St. & Somerset St. Bayside/Boardwalk/Inlet. FREE HALLOWEEN EVENTS FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY!
A Beach maze with Halloween displays, music and activities including a family costume parade and a Howl-o-ween costume pet parade and a Great Pumpkin Race. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. For more information contact infoevent@aol.com or visit www.specialeventpro.com
BEACH MAZE October 20-21 & 27-28 Maze hours 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Daily (weather permitting) North Division Street & the Beach. Wicked witches, pirates of the sand, scary scarecrows, ghouls in the graveyard, zombies and more await your arrival. It’s free! Be there if you dare.
HOWL-O-WEEN PET PARADE – Saturday, Oct. 20th – 2 p.m. on the Boardwalk at North Division Street (rain date October 21st) – Lots op prizes and surprises for best dressed pets, family and friends. Gather your goblins, dress in your best costume and parade the boards. Free with donation of pet food, and other pet friendly items to Humane Society. For more information click on www.specialeventpro.com/octoberfest.php
*An additional O.C. Toberfest will be held Octoer 27-28, 2012!
October 20, 2012: OC Vintage Car Rally & Ride on the Boardwalk – 2012. Come see the parade of cars sporting an Ocean City vintage license plate! Back for its second year, the OC Rally will take place on the Boardwalk on Oct. 20th. The cars will line up on 15th St. and ‘roll-off’ at noon.
Stick around for a group photo. Individual photos available after the event. Must have a valid OC vintage license plate to participate. To register, go to http://www.downtownassociation.net.
October 24-31, 2012: Third Annual LOCAL’S WEEK! – 2012. Everyone’s a “Local” during the Ocean City Museum Society’s Local’s Week.
FREE Admission for all who think of Ocean City as their home: residence, vacation, time-share, day trippers! Join us as we celebrate all that makes Ocean City a place we all want to call home! 10:00 a.m. – to 5:00 p.m. For more information on Museum events, visit: www.ocmuseum.org
Oct. 27-28, 2012: Ocean City Coin & Currency Show 2012. Professional coin & currency dealers will be buying & selling U.S. and World Coins and Currency, plus free appraisals & free admission. Sat., 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Sun., 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Carl Ostiguy, 443-623-7025. www.coinshows.com. or ceocoins@comcast.net
October 27, 2012: SEASIDE 10 – 2012. This well-known event will take place rain or shine! Join in the 10 mile or 5k race with both starting at the Ocean City Inlet. The race begins at 9:00 a.m. The race course includes the world famous Ocean City Boardwalk and then heads out to Coastal Hwy. Registration fees for participants. www.octrirunning.com For information call 443-497-4324
NOVEMBER 2012
November 1 – March 30, 2013: Horseback Riding at Ocean City’s Beach. Ocean City now offers horseback riding on the beach during winter, early spring.
Permit applications are now available to persons wishing to ride horses on Ocean City’s beach. Applications can be obtained from the City Clerk’s Office in City Hall at 301 Baltimore Avenue or online at www.oceancitymd.gov.
The cost is $20 for a single-day permit and $50 for a seasonal permit. Horseback riding will be allowed on the beach beginning at 27th Street and extending south to the Inlet jetty between the hours of 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. November 1 to March 30.
Nov. 3-4, 2012: Fallfest of Fine Art/Christmas Craft Expo, Convention Center, 40th Street: Juried show features fine art painters, sculptors and mixed media high crafts. Admission. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.duckmandon@comcast.net.
Nov. 15 -Jan. 1: Winterfest of Lights, town wide, Inlet lot and Northside Park, 127th Street: Dazzling lights on cold winter nights put everyone in a holiday mood. Northside Park display open Sunday-Thursday, 5:30-9:30 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 5:30-10:30 p.m. www.oceancitymd.gov/Recreation_and_Parks/special events.html. Winterfest of Lights has been named a prestigious Top 100 Event for 2010 and 2011 by American Bus Association.
Northside Park, 125th Street & The Bay
Sunday – Thursday 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Friday & Saturday 5:30 p.m. -10:30 p.m.
Enjoy this winter paradise created for the whole family! Take a ride through an animated wonderland on the Winterfest Express. Board the train and sing Christmas Carols as you glide past spectacular lighted displays including the Twelve Days of Christmas and your favorite fairy tales. Visit the Winterfest Village which is located inside a festive, heated pavilion decorated for the season. Buy a cup of hot chocolate at The OC Recreation Boosters cafe, browse the Yukon Cornelius Gift Shop for that special stocking stuffer or OC souvenir. The gift shop offers children’s sizes through Adult 4XL. Live entertainment is scheduled on some nights inside the pavilion. Santa available for photos every night until December 23.
While in Ocean City, drive along the Avenue of Trees on Baltimore Avenue from 15th – 32nd Street. Be sure to visit all of Ocean City, Maryland to create a lasting holiday memory. More than one million holiday lights sparkle throughout the town on animated displays.
Advance tickets to ride the Winterfest Express may be purchased (in person only) at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center during regular Box Office hours (Mon – Fri 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
Nov. 23-25: Holiday Shopper’s Fair 2012, Convention Center, 40th Street: Shopping extravaganza. Unique handmade merchandise, nautical, candles, photography, florals, jewelry, ceramics. Great gift & household items. Children’s activities, photo w/Santa & Non-Shopper’s lounge. Fri. & Sat., 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Admission. For information call 1-800-626-2326
November 25, 2012: Main Street, Berlin MD. Berlin Holiday Arts Night & Christmas Tree Lighting. Get in the spirit of the holiday season with the Christmas Tree Lighting, caroling and featured artists. Food and beverages available. Free Admission. Sunday, November 25, 2012 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more information call Olive Mawyer at 410-641-4775 or visit www.BerlinChamber.org
DECEMBER 2012
Dec. 1- January 2, 2010: Winterfest of Lights continues. Dazzling lights and displays throughout Ocean City Maryland. www.ococean.com
Dec. 2 – 25: Victorian Christmas, Berlin, MD: Month-long celebrations include animated window displays, horse and carriage rides, breakfast with Santa, concerts, parade, house tours, Victorian fashion show and teas. Santa visits weekends at the Atlantic Hotel. www.berlinchamber.org
Dec. 1: Christmas Parade, Coastal Highway 100th St to 115th St
Wonderful holiday parade with high school bands, floats & marching units. Parade Route from 100th Street Coastal Highway to 115th Street. Parade 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. For more information contact Elaine V. Jarvis, 410-524-9000. Honijarvis@cs.com.
December 1: Victorian Christmas Celebration – 2012. Snow Hill MD. 208 W Market St., Snow Hill, MD Website: http://www.purnellmuseum.com
Enjoy an old-fashioned holiday party with refreshments, music and kid’s activities. Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Admission. Claire Otterbein, 410-632-0515, mail@purnellmuseum.com, www.purnellmuseum.com
December 2, 2012: Holiday Open House – OC Life Saving Station Museum – 2012. This is an excellent opportunity to visit the Ocean City Life Saving Station Museum and also check out the Gift Shop. Many unique items for your holiday shopping. Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Free admission the entire day. Sandy Hurley, 410-289-4991, www.ocmuseum.org
Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve, Town of Ocean City. Town wide celebrations at your favorite hotel or restaurant. Enjoy ringing in the New Year at your favorite place. Many Ocean City hotels, clubs and restaurants offer special packages or menus for this special night. Call your favorite spot or 800-OC-OCEAN for general information. Firework display at Northside Park at midnight!
Stay tuned to view a listing of ALL the delightful events in the Ocean City Maryland events for the new year…Wishing everyone a HAPPY, HEALTHY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR 2013
SEPTEMBER 2012 in Ocean City Maryland…the best is finally here!
As we turn calendar page of the calendar we are delighted to find the dog days of summer have finally passed. This new month of September signals the beginning of the incomparable ‘shoulder’ season here in Ocean City MD consisting of best beach weather; warm, sunny days and cozy cool evenings along with the best of our Annual Events. Won’t you come and join in the fun?
September 9th. FREE Shakespeare at the Beach – FREE SHAKESPEARE AT THE BEACH – ROMEO AND JULIET
Brown Box Theatre is returning to its home on the Eastern Shore with an exciting production of Romeo and Juliet. This year Brown Box expand the Free Shakespeare at the Beach tour to Downtown Berlin and Snow Hill as well as it previous locations in Ocean Pines, Rehoboth, and of course, Ocean City. Bring a beach chair or blanket and enjoy a FREE outdoor Shakespeare play.
Schedule of additional Plays:
September 7, 2012 7:30 pm – Sturgis Park, 300 River Street, Snow Hill
September 8, 2012 1 pm & 6:30 pm – Historic St. Martin’s Church, 11413 Worcester Hwy., Showell
September 9, 2012 1 pm & 6:30 pm – Sunset Park, South Division Street, Ocean City
September 12, 2012 6:30 pm – White Horse Park, Ocean Parkway, North Gate, Ocean Pines
September 13, 2012 6:30 pm – Indian River Lifesaving Station, 25039 Coastal Hwy, Rehoboth Beach,
September 14, 2012 6:30 pm – Friday Night Art Stroll on Main Street Downtown Berlin
September 13 – 16th - OC BIKEFEST. OC BikeFest will bring national entertainment and bands, stunt shows, bike builders, vendors, food and beverage to the Boardwalk, Ocean City Convention Center, Inlet & Jolly Roger Park . Admission: $15 Adults, $5 Children. Thursday 11 a.m. -8 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. -8 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. -8 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. -5 p.m. For more information, please visit www.ocbikefest.com
September 20th – 23rd. SUNFEST, Ocean City’s most popular festival. Inlet Parking lot. Four days of fall fun; craft-filled tents, food vendors with plenty of popular entertainment. Admission to the Festival is FREE!
And, along with all of the activities at the Inlet lot, remember to drop by the beach between 1st and 6th Sts to view or participate in the Sunfest Kite Festival. Thursday – Sunday – 9am – 9pm! http://kiteloft.com
September 21st – 23rd – Berlin MD. Berlin Fiddler’s Convention. Three days of free, live, Bluegrass music on Main Street in Downtown Berlin. Music lovers of all ages travel from across the region to hear competitors vie for thousands in cash prizes. The event kicks off with a concert on Friday night, followed by an Acoustic Music Competition all day Saturday and closing with a free Bluegrass Gospel Jam on Sunday morning. For more information visit http://berlinchamber.org
September 23rd. Annual SAND CASTLE HOME TOUR. Throughout the Ocean City MD area. Art League of Ocean City’s popular event features a self-guided driving tour of 10 unique Ocean City area homes. For more information visit http://artleagueofoceancity.org
September 28th – 30th, GEM, MINERAL & JEWELRY SHOW. Convention Center (40th St. – Bayside). 14k, sterling silver jewelry, pearls, beads, loose stones, crystals & more. Classic and contemporary designs for show and sale. Admission. Fri., noon-7 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Barbara Haney, 804-746-7663.
OCTOBER 2011 – Always a ‘treat’ in Ocean City MD
October always brings fine Fall weather; warm, sunny days with cool, cozy evenings and the best ocean water temps! Surfers may be seen everywhere along the beach here in Ocean City MD attempting to ‘catch’ the perfect wave! For landlubbers there are many activities including the ever welcomed – RESTAURANT WEEK, where one may sample the very best offerings from our area’s finest restaurants at reduced prices for TWO full weeks! Below is a highlight of what’s in store for October 2011!
October 1st & 2nd – WINEFEST ON THE BEACH, Inlet Parking Lot. Wineries from across the Mid-Atlantic region as well as micro-brew beer. Arts & Crafts, live music, food available & more. Admission. For more information contact Christina Nokes at 410-280-3306.
October 1st – HARBOR DAY AT THE DOCKS – A WATERFRONT HERITAGE FESTIVAL, Ocean City Commercial Harbor in West Ocean City. Join us for a maritime heritage festival on the docs in the commercial fishing harbor. Seafood cooking demonstrations, fish cleaning techniques, local food available, live entertainment and much more. FREE ADMISSION; great event for the entire family. Visit http://ocharborday.com for more information.
October 1st & 2nd – OCEAN CITY COIN 7 CURRENCY SHOW, Convention Center. Thirty or more coin & currency dealers buying & selling, plus free appraisals and FREE ADMISSION. Phone Carl Ostiguy at 443-623-7025 for more information.
October 1st & 2nd – CHESAPEAKE CELTIC FESTIVAL, Furnace Town Living Heritage Museum in Snow Hill MD. Celebrating the history & culture of all Celtic nations – Ireland, Scotland, Whales, Isle of Man, Cornwall, Brittany (France), Galicia and Astanas (Spain). Music, dancing, art, storytelling, athletics, martial arts, crafts, lifestyle recreation, dogs, sheep herding & more. ADMISSION. For more information, contact Jeanne du Nord – 410-651-0757.
October 2nd thru 16th – OCEAN CITY RESTAURANT WEEK, City-Wide. TWO WEEKS! Sample the culinary delights that Ocean City has to offer. Participating restaurants offer fixed-price menus with two and three-course meals. No tickets or passes required, but reservations are appreciated. For more information visit http://oceancityrestaurantweek.com
October 6th, 7th & 8th – ENDLESS SUMMER CRUISIN’, Inlet Parking Lot. Hot rod car show features more than 1,500 hot rods, customs, muscle cars, street machines, classics & more. Live entertainment, manufacturers’ midway, boardwalk parades & special attractions. ADMISSION. For more information visit http://enlesssummercruisin.com
October 7th – FAMILY CAMPFIRE ON THE BEACH, 130th St. on the Beach. Bring your family for a night of fun with a good, old-fashioned campfire. entertainment, storytelling, music & refreshments. S’mores & hot chocolate offered. Bring your beach blankets, warm clothes and the whole family for a night out on the beach. Phone Linda Brittingham at 410-250-0125 for more information.
October 7th & 8th – 32ND ANNUAL MID-ATLANTIC SURF FISHING TOURNAMENT, Beach from 20th – 120th Sts. Sponsored by the Ocean City Surf Angles. Approximately 100 six=person teams participate each year. Prizes and trophies are awarded. For more information and an invitation packet, contact Scott Wallace at 410-213-0646.
October 8th – FALL CAR CRUISE, Main Street in Berlin MD. Classic cars cruise the streets of Historic Berlin Maryland. With music in the streets and local shops in theme, thousands of visitors come to see the classic cars from the 50′s, 60′s and 70′s roar up and down the streets of this lovely Eastern Shore town. For more information visit http://berlinchamber.org or phone Olive Mayer at 410-641-4775.
October 14th & 15th – CORVETTE WEEKEND, Inlet, Boardwalk & Town-wide. Hosted by the Free State Corvette Club, 
this is a great event for corvette enthusiasts & owners. Car shows, road rallies, a boardwalk parade and other related activities raise money for Spina Bifida Association of MD and other charities. For more information call 410-590-5630.
October 14th & 15th – OKTOBERFEST & OKTOBERFEST ART & CRAFT FAIR, Convention Center; 40th St. & Bay. Two full days of continuous entertainment – with over 50 exhibitors displaying holiday items, gifts and wearable art, hand blown beer growlers, sports memorabilia, fine art, photography, bath & beauty products, candles, home decor and MORE! A Bavarian Bandstand, dance contests, a Knockwurst Eating Contest…and more. ADMISSION includes Craft Show. Contact Mike Wicklein or Starr George at 410-213-8090 for more information.
October 22nd – BREWS ON THE BEACH, CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL, Hooper’s Crab House, West Ocean City. Sample over 90 beers. Live entertainment! Noon til 5pm at Hooper’s Crab House in West Ocean City. For more information, visit http://hooperscrabhouse.com
October 27th – JULIA A. PURNELL’S BIRTHDAY PARTY, Julia A. Purnell Museum, Snow Hill, MD. Our gift to you…free admission and birthday cake! More information contact Claire Otterbein at 410-632-0515.
October 29th & 30th – HALLOWEEN FAMILY FUN, Ocean City Boardwalk. A ‘Spook-tacular’ even for the whole family. Boardwalk costume parade, family events and more. Details coming soon. Visit http://oceancity.org.
October 29th – SEASIDE 10 MILER/5K RACE, Ocean City Inlet Parking Lot. Start at the Inlet and run the length of the Boardwalk and then hop on Coastal Hgwy up to 72nd Street and back the same route to the finish line – 3 hr. time limit. Walkers welcome but anyone who cannot finish the race within the alloted timeframe will not receive an official time. For more information and registration, contact Chris Keibe at 443-497-4324 or Charlie McClure at 443-370-9202.
October 29th – SWING FOR YOUTH GOLF OPEN, Eagles landing Golf Course. Four-player Florida scramble at Eagles Landing Golf Course with best two balls out of four. Each participant will receive cart and greens fees, gift certificate to golf shop, sleeve of Titleist Pro VI balls, raffle tickets and mulligans. For registration and information contact Bob Croll at 410-213-7277.
October 30th – HALLOWEEN SPOOK-OUT PARTY, Northside Park, 125th & Bay. Participants of all ages can have a howling good time with events that include carnival games, arts & crafts, hayrides, snacks and muc more. Costume contests scheduled throughout the event. For more information call Chris Clarke at 410-250-0125.
For more information on any and all October 2011 events and activities visit http://ocean-city.com/calendar/#2011_10
HARBOR DAY at the docks – Waterfront Heritage Festival
The large, tent-filled parking lot surrounding the commercial dock located in West Ocean City will again become the site of the 3nd annual Harbor Day celebration on Saturday, October 2nd. This event was created to celebrate Ocean City’s long-time maritime heritage – and the present fishing fleet that provides countless pounds of fresh seafood for locals and visitors alike. The event will focus on maritime traditions such as: Commercial Fishing, Sport Fishing, Marine aquaculture, Safety at sea, Local seafood processing and more.
This event is both interesting and informative! 
And, ADMISSION IS FREE! Event highlights include seafood cooking demos, fish cleaning techniques, contests, Maritime storytelling, games for children, live entertainment and more. Various booths will be manned by willing presenters representing local, non-profit organizations all related in some form to the enhancement and protection of our valuable location along the Atlantic Ocean 
and the adjacent Coastal Bay region. Food tents will be in evidence, if last years event is any indication. Local eateries such as The Shark, Sunset Grille and Crab Alley will offer special dinners at special festival prices! Last year, the very generous shrimp salad sandwich from Crab Alley was excellent – large, whole shrimp just barely held together with a light, tasty dressing. Also, last year the largest crowd surrounded the fish-cleaning demo from Martin Seafood where a pretty, young woman was deftly filleting large, beautiful flounder with the flash of a knife. The resulting fillets were perfect!
It is a delightful; interesting and informative, and very local, event – offering real seaside flavor and celebrating the traditions of our region!
For more information visit the website at www.ocharborday.com
To enlarge any photo, just ‘click’.
SUNFEST – OC’s Premier Event 2010
The beginning of fall brings SUNFEST, the always-anticipated, biggest and best annual event, to the beach in OCEAN CITY MARYLAND. Four whole days, beginning Thursday, September 23rd through Sunday, September 26th…filled with live musical performances, tents overflowing with arts and crafts and tempting food! This year marks the 36th
season for this grand party which is always held at the INLET PARKING LOT at the south end of our famed BOARDWALK. The Town of Ocean City’s Sunfest has been rated by Sunshine Artist, “American’s Premier Show and Festival Magazine,” the number one traditional art and craft show in the nation! Featured in the arts and crafts area, many artists will be demonstrating their creativity right before your eyes. Special kid’s activities are ongoing throughout the festival. Food selections, including Eastern Shore specialties – from crabs to oyster fritters – will abound. Admission to the 4-day festival is FREE. Tickets for 
headline acts are on sale at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center for various live performances including musical offerings by The Fabulous Hubcaps, Gloriana is opening for Negron, the Voice of Three Dog Night with Blood, Sweat and Tears and a FREE Show on Sunday by Beatlemania. Hours daily are 10 am until 10 pm and 10 am until 6 pm on Sunday. Don’t miss it…this is the event we’ve all been waiting for! For details phone 410-626-2326 or toll free 1-800-OC-OCEAN or visit the website at http://ococean.com/events/sunfest.
Note: Parking is FREE at the Convention Center south lot with shuttle service taking you directly to the Sunfest grounds for only $2.00 all day.
(Our thanks to Bill Swartwout for these great photos.) To enlarge, just “click”!
Delmarva BIKE WEEK 2010 – rumbling FUN everywhere!
Today marks the beginning of the annual Delmarva Bike Week celebration here on Delmarva. And, if today’s early activity is any indication, the period from September 16th through the 19th will be BIG and FUN! First off, this year instead of having just one central location at which to gather, attendees have prime locations throughout the region beginning with the big lot at Harley Davidson of OC ( located on US Route 50 in Berlin); others include the Arthur W. Perdue Stadium (Home of the Delmarva Shorebirds), Winterplace Park in Salisbury, Harley Davidson of Seaford and, of course, Seacrets in downtown Ocean City Maryland. Once arrived at any of these locations, bikers and their fans will find lots of exciting new things – more vendors offering cool biking stuff and many will include live entertainment – offered each evening until 10 pm. Over at the OC Fishing Center harbor, Mickey Fins Bar and Grill‘s offerings already include “Bike of the Night” every Monday! Look around during this week of celebration and you can see welcome signs on restaurant marquees everywhere. This annual festival is all about the bike and those that love ‘em; come hear that well-remembered rumble! For more information be sure to visit the official website at www.delmarvabikeweek.com
To enlarge any photo, just “click”!
KIRBY’S PUB – ‘Best sunblock at the beach…’
At least that’s how they term themselves!
It’s true though…as we quickly learned during our impromptu visit the other day. As we entered through the single door from stark sunshine into a dimly lit interior we were immediately taken to another place; another time. A time when the neighborhood tavern was just that – an integral part of the neighborhood; serving good measure drinks and offering ‘superior’ bar food. And, you notice a man at the bar (nice selections on tap!), eating while reading a paper; the one beside him watching TV – one of many, and then a couple of guys in for a table-side lunch having a rousing conversation – politically oriented no doubt! It’s what a ‘locals’ bar’ should be!
Kirby’s Pub has been around for ten years now – taking the place of the old Mug and Mallet. Sandwiched between Liquid Assets and Candy Kitchen in the 94th Street Center, bayside, off Coastal Highway with off-street parking, it boasts a prime, uptown location.
Again citing those ten years, no doubt one reason for Kirby’s success is the waitress 
named Lisa; the best waitress that we’ve ever had good luck to ever encounter! Immediately upon seating (perching) oneself either barside or at one of the tables aligned along the wall opposite, this waitress is greeting you – heartily, menus in hand and with a genuine smile. Then giving you enough time (but not too much) to decide, she’s back, still smiling, taking your order! The food takes a bit of time (but not too long) – it’s cooked to order!
And, oh the food – of course I had to try the Pub special (listed back of the menu in a blue box)…Kirby’s Seafood Club! Served in a wrap or layered between your choice of rye/wheat or white, the jumbo-lump crab cake and generous scoop of house made, jumbo shrimp salad, crispy bacon, choice of cheese, lettuce, FRESH tomato and mayo- SING!!! Fresh, spicy, just what you’ve been craving. It’s huge, and accompanied by Kirby’s fresh chips, weighs in as a ‘real meal’! In my opinion, at $12.00 it’s a bargain! My companion opted for the house-made, jumbo-shrimp salad on wheat. Again, a more than satisfying portion of ‘real tasty’.
Feeling more than full, we asked for our check and after leaving a nice tip for our excellent service, departed.
We will return again to this wonderful ‘locals’ bar’ very soon, noting the special homemade soups on the menu. And, if you find yourself visiting in Ocean City MD, looking for the real deal, we hope to see you there!
To enlarge any photo, just ‘click’!
HOT RODS AND TEXTILES…a “Second Season” Double Header!
This weekend offers 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 12th Annual ENDLESS SUMMER CRUISIN’ show. More than 1,500 customs, muscle cars, classics and more roll into Ocean City MD to brighten the inlet parking lot with their shining paint and glistening chrome. This four 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 may visit 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, are in abundance. All feature lovely examples of handmade textile art and craft. Many vendors willing to share their knowledge will be in attendance, some creating their lovely wares on the spot. To obtain further information about this and other museum events visit www.purnellmuseum.com.
To enlarge any photo, just “click”.
LABOR DAY CELEBRATED – and extended!
It’s the end of August, with Labor Day weekend not far off, marking the official end of summer. However, it also marks the beginning of our super Second Season here in Ocean City Maryland. The FREE, live ‘Concerts on the Beach’ program, (located at the North Division Street beach) continues each Wednesday at 8 pm – bring a blanket! And, keep that blanket handy for Thursday nights, same place, for the FREE “Bonfire Hour” where each week you can learn interesting facts, history and fun things to do from different presenters here in Ocean City. If you haven’t taken the time this summer, stroll down to the inlet end of the Boardwalk and visit the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum. 
Inside, this historic building offers a glimpse in our town’s past with exhibits of shipwrecks and beachwear…also mermaid displays, sands from around the world, aquarium room and Davy Jones’ locker. Small admission fee charged. September, daily, 10 am – 10 pm; October, daily 10 am – 4 pm; November and December, weekends, 10 am – 4 pm. The month of September begins with a show at the Convention Center, 40th & Bayside. It’s the annual Labor Day Weekend Art & Craft Festival (September 4 – 6th). Artists & crafters display 
unique items for show and sale. Of course our special Labor Day Weekend Concert will be held – it’s FREE and it’s on the beach, again at N. Division Street. Bring your blanket or chair and enjoy this always-terrific annual event on Saturday, September 5th at 8 pm.
And, remember Second Season (my favorite time) begins right now! The ocean is warm and the sand is inviting… and more seasonal fun events are scheduled right through the Christmas Holidays to come here in Ocean City Maryland. Remember, the ocean is always here, waiting for YOU!
To enlarge any photo, just ‘click’!
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.
