Author: Jeff Evans

Now celebrating 19 years, the Art League of Ocean City’s annual outdoor painting festival, “Artists Paint OC,” is happening Aug. 14-18 in the resort, giving you the opportunity to select from hundreds
of just-created original landscape paintings of iconic coastal scenes

For five days, 50 artists compete for the top prizes of cash and prestige as they spread out across the area to paint famous vistas. These “plein air” artists are professionals; many are award winners in multiple competitions.  

There are two opportunities to buy the original art. You are invited to the free “Wet Paint Sales” on Saturday, Aug. 17, from 5-7 p.m. and on Sunday, Aug. 18, from 1-3 p.m. Both sales are held at the waterfront Ocean City Center for the Arts, 502 94^th St. bayside, and both are free to attend. Every painting is one-of-a-kind and ready to hang.

“If you’re looking for a permanent and unique memory of your time in Ocean City, this is an opportunity to find a treasure no one else but you will have,” Rina Thaler, executive director of the Art League, said. “This event only happens once a year, and our Arts Center is the only place you’ll find literally hundreds of original paintings to choose from.” 

The “Wet Paint Sales” at the Arts Center are a chance to mix and mingle with the artists, and enjoy light refreshments, live music, and a cash bar. The juror for this year’s event is Dutch artist Carole Boggemann Peirson who has been a professional oil painter since 2005 and is mostly known for her East Coast landscapes. Peirson moved to the United States from her native Netherlands in 2000 when she and her husband tied the knot and now lives on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. 

The easiest time and place to watch the artists paint is on the Boardwalk on Sunday morning, when they’re concentrated in the immediate area near South Division St. In two hours, from 9-11 a.m., the artists race to complete a painting of an iconic Boardwalk scene, frame it, and run it to the Arts Center on 94^th St. Peirson will judge the paintings, with cash prizes awarded by the Ocean City Development Corp. The art goes up for sale to the public at 1 p.m., while the paint is still wet on the canvasses.

The following article was provided by the Art League of Ocean City. For more information, please visit their website by clicking here.

Ocean City, Maryland, is more than a picturesque beachfront town boasting mouth watering seafood and breathtaking landscapes. It’s a vibrant community enriched by tradition and a shared love for the sea. Embodied in this community spirit is a long-standing opportunity of adventure for over 35 years, the Sea Rocket! Showcasing how this celebrated attraction seamlessly blends thrilling water activities with Ocean City’s robust community, let’s set sail on an exploratory experience.

The Patriotic Spirit of the Sea Rocket Speedboat

The Sea Rocket, painted in patriotic colors of red, white, and blue, symbolizes the American Dream! This is more than a speedboat; it’s an emblem of national pride that rides the waves of Ocean City. The Sea Rocket experience allows both locals and visitors to engage with the Atlantic Ocean’s mighty splendor while taking in an awe-inspiring perspective of Ocean City’s skyline. As you skim along the coastline, you can spot iconic landmarks, your own hotel such as The Doubletree by Hilton or The Holiday Inn, and even playful bottlenose dolphins, our regular aquatic companions- further enhancing your connection with this vibrant coastal community.

Basking in Nature’s Grandeur: Sea Rocket Sunset Cruises

As your day of adventure comes to an end, we invite you to join us on a more relaxing adventure: the Sea Rocket Sunset Cruise. Watch as the setting sun paints a canvas of golden hues across the sky, bathing the cityscape in a warm, calming light. Every landmark, from the bustling boardwalk to the beautiful beachside hotels, radiates in the sunset’s glow. These shared moments of tranquility, watching nature’s spectacle together, are the very essence of our close-knit community. Harrison’s Harbor Watch, only 5 minutes away, is one site that may grab your attention and be the place for dinner after your cruise comes to an end.

Elevating Adventures with Ocean Parasailing

For thrill-seekers, Sea Rocket’s parasailing ventures offer an exhilarating bird’s-eye view of our beautiful city and the neighboring Assateague Island State Park. As you’re lifted high into the sky, snugly fastened, and securely linked to our trusty boat, you’ll get a whole new perspective on Ocean City! It’s a sight that’ll stick with you as you satisfy your thrill seeking desire. Hey, is that your hotel over there? Seeing it from way up here sure makes you feel like a part of this remarkable city! Who knows, this new view may pique your interest of some new places to visit once you return to land, such as the new Wedge Bar that is located right in the inlet!

Sea Rocket: Activities for All

The Sea Rocket offers various exciting water activities for everyone. Hop onto our Banana Boat for an adrenaline-fueled ride or explore the calm waters with our kayak and Stand Up Paddle Boards [SUP] rentals. We also offer Private Party Cruises, ideal for unforgettable gatherings to share memorable moments against the beautiful backdrop of Ocean City. Angling enthusiasts can dive into a thrilling deep-sea adventure with Chaser Sportfishing, reaffirming Sea Rocket’s commitment to offering a variety of engaging activities that cater to everyone.

We are proud to partner with the Sea Rocket to provide guests with an incredible Ocean City experience. From soaring through the sky to cruising along the beautiful coastline, let the Sea Rocket steer toward an adventure you’ll cherish forever. To receive a ten percent discount on any Sea Rocket experience click here to book your adventure today! Please enter “OCMDHOTELS10” to receive the discount.

Celebrate July Fourth in Ocean City

Free Fireworks and Music at Two Locations

Ocean City, Maryland – (June 18, 2024): Ocean City will light up the night sky with two simultaneous fireworks displays on Thursday, July 4^th in celebration of our nation’s Independence Day. With your family and friends, beach chairs and blankets, residents and visitors can watch the fireworks sparkle over the beach and the bay.

The northern celebration at Northside Park, 125th Street and the bay, will kick off at 8:00 p.m. with DJ musical entertainment followed by a spectacular fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. “Northside Park is the perfect place for families to watch the colorful displays light up the evening sky and lagoon,” said Mayor Rick Meehan. “We encourage spectators to get there early to claim their spot to watch the fireworks.” The soccer field and walking path on the northwest side of the park will be closed from viewing due to state and local safety precautions as the fireworks display will move off the west pier into the park to bring the experience closer than ever before.

On the south end of town, guests can head to Ocean City’s famous Boardwalk with its bright lights, an assortment of food, family fun and more. This celebration will kick off with a DJ at 8:00 p.m. on the beach at Caroline Street. The official fireworks show will begin at 9:30 p.m. “The July Fourth Celebration in Ocean City is a unique opportunity to watch fireworks over the ocean,” Meehan continued. “Our Caroline Street Stage allows visitors to bring beach chairs or blankets and claim a spot on the sand where they can enjoy the live performance and capture a special and patriotic firework display set to music.”

Parking operations for the Inlet Parking Lot will stay the same for the holiday, Thursday, July 4, however; the parking rate for the Inlet Lot will increase to $5 per hour for the day. Visitors are reminded that parking is extremely limited at both fireworks locations and significant traffic delays are expected after both shows.

Coastal Highway bus service will be available from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. Patrons can ride for only $4 for a ride-all-day pass and are reminded to anticipate delays and full buses due to event-related traffic and ridership. The West Ocean City Park & Ride on Route 50 is another transportation alternative, offering free parking and $4 ride-all-day shuttle service downtown to and from Dorchester Street and St. Louis Avenue. The service running to and from the West Ocean City Park & Ride to Dorchester Street and St. Louis Avenue will be available from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Expect traffic delays and high rider demand at the West Ocean City Park & Ride. West Ocean City Park & Ride passes are also valid on Coastal Highway buses.

Finally, area boaters should note that on the evening of July 4th, the span of the Route 50 Bridge will remain closed to marine traffic at the usually scheduled 10:25 p.m. and 10:55 p.m. opening times. The Route 50 Bridge will reopen for boaters at 11:25 p.m. on the evening of July 4th.

With safety in mind, the Ocean City Fire Marshal’s Office (FMO) is also urging spectators to leave the fireworks to the professionals. “The power and danger of fireworks should not be underestimated,” said Ocean City Fire Marshal Josh Bunting. “In addition to causing damage, fireworks can cause injuries and we want people to be safe during their holiday stay in Ocean City. The safety and wellbeing of all residents and visitors of the Town of Ocean City is the primary goal of the Ocean City Fire Department.”

Although the State of Maryland has approved the use of ground-based sparkling devices such as cylindrical and cone fountains, these are not legal to use or possess in Ocean City. Further, all other fireworks that may be sold in neighboring states are not legal for use by the public anywhere in Maryland.

“The Fourth of July holiday is a great opportunity for residents and visitors to stay and play in Ocean City,” Meehan finished. “With a beautiful setting and two great fireworks events, we hope our guests will come early and stay late to celebrate America’s birthday at the beach and leave knowing that Ocean City gave them something to smile about.” For more information about July Fourth activities, visit ococean.com/events or call the Ocean City Welcome Center at 410.723.8600.