The weather forecast looks great for the weekend, and the beaches, boardwalk and streets will be busy. As I have a couple of times already this summer, I want to remind everybody to respect the laws that keep everybody safe.
Drivers must stop for pedestrians at crosswalks, and pedestrians should never walk out into traffic without first making eye contact with drivers. Bicyclists should heed all stop signs and red lights, and follow the same rules as cars. Drinking alcohol on the beach or anywhere in public is prohibited. This law will be strictly enforced. Dogs are not allowed on the beach at any time of day between May 1 and Sept. 30.
Because some towns have outlawed them, many people have asked if the 10 x10 canopies that you see more and more on the beach are legal in Ocean City. The city does not yet have an ordinance governing them, but with so many people sharing limited space, please be respectful of other beachgoers. If it’s windy, do not set up a canopy. They can easily become a hazard to others.
Please respect the power of the ocean and swim only at beaches protected by the Ocean City Beach Patrol. The patrol has started its extended evening hours at beaches throughout the island. You can see the locations and hours here.
The city will hold its annual Bicycle Auction 10 a.m. to noon Monday (July 17) at the Shelter Road Recycling Center. Anybody can bid on bicycles that the police have determined to be abandoned or unclaimed, and it’s a chance to get some pretty great bargains. The auction is always popular, so get there early. Registration opens at 9 a.m. See more information here.
Night in Venice is next weekend, and we’re expecting another great night for our 63rd annual boat parade. This year’s theme is “Rockin’ Through the Decades,” and the weekend celebration will include a Friday night (July 21) concert by the 2000s boy band O-Town with Ryan Cabrera and a Sunday night (July 23) performance by 1970s icon Gloria Gaynor. Tickets are available for both shows at oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice.
I hope you all have a great weekend.
Warm regards,
Jay A. Gillian
Mayor
