White Marlin Open 2009- August 3th thru the 7th!
The 36th Annual White Marlin Tournament begins today here in Ocean City Maryland. The currently empty (pictured here) weigh station located at Harbor Island will become the focal point for many hundreds of fishermen and onlookers each evening beginning at 4pm as the days’ catch is 
weighed and measured. With the 2009 prize money expected to reach $2,500,000, this fishing contest is considered a Premier Event on the East Coast. Over 300 boats are scheduled to participate and is open to everyone just by registering. The early morning race to the canyons located many miles off the Ocean City coast is all too soon followed by the parade of 
ships, many triumphant, returning through the inlet and up the bay in the evening. The Clarion Resort Fontainebleau Hotel located at 101st St. and Oceanfront will be the site of the Awards Ceremony Banquet on Saturday, August 8th from 4 until 6 pm. Come join in the festivities, see the many reasons why Ocean City MD has been proclaimed the White Marlin Capital of the World!
For more information visit the official ‘Open’ website at http://www.whitemarlinopen.com
Updated results for the 2009 White Marlin Open may be read by clicking this link - http://tinyurl.com/nz8gl7
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SHARKS! – more FREE fun in Ocean City Maryland!
As part of the Town of Ocean City summertime FREE entertainment program, interesting and educational daily lectures are offered outdoors at the foot of the Boardwalk in front of the OC Life-Saving Station Museum by the inlet on Division Street. It was Thursday – so it must be SHARKS! Arriving just minutes before the program began, we were delighted to see so many already seated; parents with children, grandparents with grandchildren along with lots of just interested, unaccompanied adults! The fact and fun-filled program began with pictures of the many species of these ancient aquatic denizens! For instance, did you know that sharks have inhabited our oceans for over 400 million years? 
And, that sharks have a sand papery skin and cartilage skeleton vs. the scales and bones of most fish? That the average shark over the course of its life may have as many as 30,000 teeth? As the talk progressed samples of sharkskin and teeth were passed around allowing for real hands-on experience. Impressive throughout the presentation was the participation of the more ‘junior’ members of the audience – youngsters reeling off the Latin names for many of the species identified by the tooth filled jaws displayed by our very knowledgeable presenter this day.
The location of this activity is interesting also – the tall tower of the Life-Saving station has recently been ‘freshened’. Too, once inside the Museum there are 
many displays offering a terrific overview of Ocean City – both then and now – with exhibits of shipwrecks and beachwear. There are also mermaid displays, sands from around the world, aquarium room & Davy Jones’ locker.
These programs are not to be missed – and are presented each Monday through Saturday beginning at 10:30 am. The topics vary daily and include beach safety, aquarium feeding, knot tying and all about SHARKS!
For more information about this fine, local Museum you may visit the website at
http://www.ocmuseum.org
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The FREEMAN STAGE at BAYSIDE – 2009 Performances
A program sponsored by the JOSHUA M. FREEMAN FOUNDATION, the FREEMAN STAGE at BAYSIDE offers a myriad of enjoyable summertime events for anyone looking to spend a pleasant evening outdoors here in the Ocean City Maryland area. Located just a skip and hop over the Maryland (north Ocean City)-Delaware line at the intersection of Route 54 and Rt. 20 in the new Bayside Community. The performance packed calendar, running from Memorial Day through October, makes available to the general public such things as live concerts, 
plays, lectures, art shows, camps and activities for kids, etc. The majority of the performances at The Freeman Stage are FREE to the public and do not require a ticket for entry. Convenient parking is available. At present the lovely stage is situated in a pastoral setting beside a lake. Lawn seating, even for the few-ticketed events is still first come, first served. It is recommended that you arrive early and bring a lawn chair or blanket!
Last Thursday evening we visited the Freeman Stage during the staging of ‘Raggedy Ann & Andy’, a story which captures the imagination of young and old alike. It was terrific! 
On Saturday evening, personally unable to attend, our friends gave rave reviews to a live performance of the famed Delaware Symphony Orchestra. And, we see by the calendar that an Art & Jazz Festival is in the offing. Can’t wait!
Speaking of calendars – a quick visit to the Freeman Stage website at www.freemanstage.org will surly assist anyone looking for a dose of enjoyable summertime culture set in the glorious outdoors here at the beach!
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22nd Annual Tuna Tournament – A Big Catch!
It’s here again! The 22nd Annual Ocean City MD Tuna Tournament is going on this weekend; and one doesn’t have to be an angler or even a tournament participant to be caught up in the excitement of this event. Held at the new and truly magnificent Ocean City Fishing Center located at the eastbound gateway to the Harry Kelly Memorial Bridge onto the island one can just look around to understand and appreciate what all of the hoopla is about. From the early dawn (5:00 am) departures of the big boats with crews aboard anxious to be at the fishing grounds 
to the late afternoon glide into the area dock to have their catch weighed and displayed its all geared to catching the big fish! With over 100 boat entries and prize money now grown to $600K+ dollars the Tuna Tournament is a big contest. For three days each year, visitors and locals alike may become part of this happening…park in the large lots which are adjacent to the Fishing Center, stroll the pier and admire the variety of beautiful charter boats with the myriad of clever names, see the captains and mates provision and then later return and off-load 
the catch. And, you may step up to the covered outdoor bar named Mickey Fin’s directly overlooking the weigh station to enjoy a cold beverage. Actually, you don’t need the excuse of a tournament to enjoy this exciting Ocean City Maryland outdoor sports adventure – fishing the Atlantic. Most any day from early spring through late fall you can find someone always looking for the big catch but this tournament brings it all together! Stop by tonight!
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Woo Woo, Welcome aboard!
For several consecutive weekends over the past Christmas holidays, the public was invited to view the further achievements of the membership of the Corddrey Company Crossing operating model railroad located in Snow Hill Maryland. The huge model railroad is housed on the entire second floor of the Pocomoke River Canoe Company. And, although we are unable to reach them today we are betting that visitors to the area are able to experience this fantastic display often in the summertime – whenever the Canoe Company is open. First, the model railroad – for anyone who has enjoyed this as a 
hobby as a child or an adult – this is definitely worth a visit! Five or more tracks allow trains to continuously travel the circumference of the room…through a model town resembling the nearly 300-year-old village of Snow Hill. Many scenes contain the replicates of past and present buildings as well as water features similar to the still-present, famed Pocomoke River, upon the banks of which this historic town was originally built. The only discordant note were some mountains – as anyone from the Eastern Shore knows – we have no mountains only sand dunes at the beach! Nevertheless, this town in miniature is a must-see for both young and old!
On the first floor, the building houses the Pocomoke River Canoe Co. This exciting 
business offers Old Town Canoe & Kayak Sales, canoe and kayak rentals, group trips, self-guided adventures, portage service and much, much more. If you elect to rent a canoe here, during your river trip you may chose to fish and while doing so may cheerfully discover some of the ever-present wildlife such as playful otters and shy turtles. Bird watching is also a very popular pastime, a large variety of our avian friends are everywhere under the canopy of foliage along the river. Herons and egrets are plentiful and the occasional bald eagle may be seen.
For a day long double treat don’t miss the Corddrey Company Crossing operating model railroad and the Pocomoke River Canoe Co. in Snow Hill just a short trip south on Rt. 113 – during your summertime visit to Ocean City Maryland.
For more information and open hours telephone 410-632-3971.
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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
ISLE OF WIGHT NATURE PARK – essence of the sea shore!
Each year thousands pass hurriedly, almost unknowingly, by the entrance to this little known park site at the traffic light on their way across the Rt. 90 Bridge to Ocean City MD. This area, almost an island is bordered on the west by the St. Martin’s Neck River, the remainder surrounded by the Assawoman and Isle of Wight bays. Termed a salt marsh 
island it provides an important greenway and is owned by the state of Maryland and Worcester County. The state portion of the island is a wildlife management area used for recreational boating, fishing and shell fishing by visitors from neighboring areas. The park portion, under the auspicious of Worcester County provides the very essence of the natural seashore. 
Upon entering and immediately looking to the right one sees the salt marsh – home to a large variety of shore birds…this day a large white heron. In the distance the shoreline of the community of Ocean Pines is revealed. Also located on the west side is a small sandy beach. Looking southward, the waters of the inland bays are visible along with 
those nearly always-present bay breezes…making this an ideal place to visit on a warm summer day to enjoy the quiet space. Following the road to the left along the natural shoreline, one quickly comes upon an open area which offers an entrance to a long, sturdy pier jutting straight out into the Isle of Wight Bay. The pier is ideal for strolling and 
offers an impressive view of the exciting Ocean City skyline complete with its many identifiable buildings. Picnic tables are provided. Spend an hour, spend the day the Isle of Wight Nature Park will impress you! Admission is free! Please remember the natural environment is Worcester County’s most valuable resource!
For more information on this and our other area parks visit the website at www.dnr.state.md.us/greenways/counties/worcester.html.
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SHORE BIRD EXPLORER – in our own backyard!
One exciting portion of the list of seemingly endless events offered during the increasingly popular Delmarva Birding Weekend occurs here in our own backyard – the Shore Bird Explorer Cruise. Check-in and boarding one of 
the two very full, yet still comfortable pontoon boats on a mild and sunny afternoon at the Talbot Street pier here in Ocean City MD was easy. Easier yet was the almost immediate “spotting” of the birds. Our tour boats – appropriately named the Assateague Explorer(s) headed north under the Rt. 50 bridge for a glimpse of the wildfowl resting (we’re right smack dab on the Atlantic Flyway) and nesting on 
Skimmer Island…that little but growing spit of sand viewed just north of the bridge. All manner of waterfowl and shore birds live in our area including some rarely ever seen species once believed to be gone from the 
Maryland coastal region. We turned and continued our journey southward along the inlet down alongside the north shore of Assateague Island. While underway all it took was a shout from one of the guides and all eighty pairs of binoculars turned toward the marsh… and in one quick second those fortunate enough to possess what looked to be a small camera with a 20” lens began clicking away… Our guide identified the 
mating pair – in a most reverent tone – of a species currently unknown to Maryland waters. Other names of birds, once unfamiliar began to resound – oystercatchers, cormorants (double crested), black-backed gulls, loons, ospreys, rails and royal terns – even the elusive piping plover. Throughout the too short, 2 hour trip excitement reigned! Upon returning to the 
dock everyone was invited to a little reception – a time to compare notes – at the Angler Restaurant. All attendees had fun, some by adding to his or her “life list” – others just enjoying anew what we who live in the area daily take for granted – enjoying this very special region in which we live, our own backyard!
For further information about all area “birding” related activities year round visit the website at www.delmarvabirdingweekend.org.
Note: To enlarge any photo, just “click”. My apologies for not using one of those ‘oh so cool’ cameras with the l o n g telephoto lens. Maybe next year!
STROLL OUR BEACHES…anytime!
An outdoor activity enjoyed by nearly everyone, visitor and local alike, is a stroll along the long, pristine white sandy beaches of Ocean City MD. Bordering the sometimes-boisterous surf along the Atlantic Ocean the beach 
is the perfect place to take a deep breath and clear one’s mind. One of the most celebrated occasions for a stroll is the Annual New Year’s Day Beach Walk. Now in it’s 29th year and held each January 1st, the Assateague Coastal Trust sponsors this ever-popular event at the Assateague Island State Park. And although one may visit the beach anytime a stroll along the shoreline, in addition to providing 
exercise, this particular event becomes a learning experience when led by a Park Ranger sharing his knowledge and experience of our barrier islands. On this day, all is not just walking, over the years we’ve viewed “pick-up” 
volleyball games where anyone is welcome to join in as well as hardy surf fishermen trying to celebrate their “first catch” on the first day of the New Year.
No matter the weather, no matter the season, to enjoy your visit to the fullest, the beaches of OC and the adjacent Assateague Island seashore parks are the place to be…!
Note: Our Assateague Island National Park was recently voted one of the five best beaches on the Atlantic Coast.
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K-COAST Surf Shop – at the beach since 1989!
For a visit to the ultimate surf shop in Ocean City Maryland check out K-Coast. Whether heading to the original at 78th Street or the newer 10,000 sq. ft. flagship location at 35th Street and Coastal Hwy where you will find the largest inventory of surfboards, skateboards and bodyboards in the Mid Atlantic region – YOU are guaranteed to have fun. 
Each location is only a few minutes from the beach where you can dive in. The Sugar Shack at 35th is fully stocked with casual clothing, surf fashions, sandals and swimwear too. And, they feature a wide variety of polarized sunglasses from which to choose – everything for the surfing lifestyle. There is also a full line of skate shoes for the landlubber.
K-Coast also offers surfing lessons. In October there is the Annual K-Coast/Reef Open Surf Festival that benefits the Ocean City MD Career Firefighters and Paramedics – a don’t miss event! And remember, if you have a ding in your board K-Coast has been repairing surfboards since the beginning and prides itself on the best repairs in the business.
For more information there is a terrific website with a virtual tour at www.kcoast.com but if your at the beach – just stop by!
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