By MADDY VITALE
Rocco Biancaniello of Hainesport, N.J., took a couple bites of chocolate-vanilla twist ice cream in a cup, while his wife, Cheryl, browsed the merchants.
“I’m getting a little taste of summer, while my wife does some shopping,” Rocco said Saturday with a smile.
Cheryl proudly displayed some of her purchases. She bought a couple of Ocean City-themed T-shirts and reusable drinkware.
“The Yeti rambler was three dollars cheaper than at the store,” Cheryl noted.
The Biancaniellos weren’t bundled up. They weren’t fighting winds or quickly hurrying in and out of shops to escape the chilly weather.
The couple, who have a second home in Ocean City, enjoyed an afternoon at Market Madness at the Flanders Hotel in Ocean City.
Market Madness is believed to be the first event of its kind in Ocean City because it joins the Downtown Merchants Association and the Boardwalk Merchants Association, along with the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce for one huge event.
About 40 merchants had display tables that filled two rooms in the Flanders for the very first Market Madness.
Like the Biacaniellos, hundreds of shoppers stepped into the hotel to purchase clothing, jewelry, candy, accessories and even discounted amusement tickets for places including Playland’s Castaway Cove and Gillian’s Wonderland Pier.
Declan O’Meara, 11, of Ocean City, and his mom, Colleen, stepped up to the Castaway Cove table to buy some tickets.
Donna and John Jones, also of Ocean City, had the same idea, and waited for their sheet of tickets.
“We are getting ride tickets. We got here a little while ago, but so far, it is great,” Donna said.
Brian Hartley, Playland’s vice president who oversees day-to-day operations, explained that the tickets they were offering were half price and people were buying them up.
He also said a few words about the day.
“Everyone is extremely happy about this event,” he said.
Families checked out tables with colorful displays of toys and other goodies at tables for Jilly’s Boardwalk shops, including Jilly’s Candy Factory.
Jody Levchuk, of Ocean City, who owns the Jilly’s shops with his family, noted that the shopping extravaganza was a big success.
“So far, I think my entire block has been here. Every time I turn around, I am seeing another one of my neighbors,” he said, laughing.
A Jilly’s employee, Courtney Corson, of Somers Point, said she was so happy about the turnout.
“It’s a great event. It is convenient for kids to be able to get what they want,” Corson said. “It’s really a family event.”
Shoppers filled Arlene Voudouris’ booth for The Shoppes at the Flanders Hotel to peruse upscale clothing and other merchandise on sale for $10 and $25.
“We have been busy all day,” Voudouris said, while helping a customer.
Cherie Denton, of Seaville, stopped at the booth and looked through some items before making her purchase.
“It is beautiful. I love this,” Denton said of her find.
Event organizers from the associations said they plan on making Market Madness an annual tradition.
Karen Bergman, director of catering for the Flanders and who is also a city councilwoman, stood at a table that showcased the wedding packages offered by the hotel.
She said before the doors even opened at 10 a.m., people were lining up to shop for Market Madness.
“It’s been a whirlwind of a day. They started to come in right at 10 a.m. and it hasn’t stopped since,” Bergman said by the afternoon. “Everyone is walking around with bags. Some people have never been in the hotel before and now they are taking tours.”
