In a scene from 2019, John Walton, holding the American flag, leads the celebrants in the zany event that traditionally opens Ocean City's summer tourism season.
By Maddy Vitale
Mark LeMunyon had two monumental things to celebrate Friday, the first day of the Memorial Day weekend.
It was his 31st birthday and the Keller Williams administrative assistant had something else to smile about – his first Business Persons Plunge in Ocean City.
LeMunyon dressed for the occasion, donning a bejeweled crown, a briefcase, sport coat and casual but office-worthy shirt, tie and pants.
“It’s my birthday, so I needed to wear a crown,” he joked moments before he joined about 200 other business people to hop in the ocean. “I think this is an incredible event. It is just a great way to open the beaches and the ocean. I feel invigorated.”
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The wacky tradition, which has officials and business people marching into the waves at Moorlyn Terrace beach, is in its 16th year. At the start of the plunge, a banner plane flew over, highlighting the anniversary of the event.
Revelers sported chic dresses, formal suits and costumes. This year, a businessman took the dip wearing a mask of President Trump.
Some of the business people laughed as waves rolled in and got them a bit wetter than they might have expected.
Hundreds of onlookers lined up to watch the zany spectacle led by John Walton, a local real estate broker and first runner-up in Ocean City's Mr. Mature America Pageant in both 2018 and 2019.
Mark LeMunyon, administrative assistant at the Keller Williams real estate firm, raises his arm in victory after he takes the plunge.
Walton said every year, with the support of the city, the event helps to generate free publicity and media coverage to start the season off right.
This year even more merchants joined in the tradition, he pointed out.
“Between the beautiful weather, the backing of the city and the interest from the merchants, this is one of the biggest plunges we’ve had,” Walton noted.
Michele Gillian, executive director of the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce, was pleased with the big turnout and said the day marks “100 days of great summer weather.”
“The crowds are great. The fact that we were named by Coastal Living Magazine as one of the top 10 places to go on Memorial Day weekend may have brought more people,” Gillian said. “People are coming down and staying for the weekend. Our accommodations are doing well. There are still some available, but very little. It is going to be a packed, beautiful weekend.”
Mark Soifer, retired Ocean City public relations director, "unlocks" the beach.
A companion event took place before the Business Persons Plunge. This event, which also attracts crowds for its zaniness, was the annual “Unlocking of the Ocean” and “Unlocking of the Beach,” emceed by Director of Special Events Michael Hartman.
Mark Soifer, the former public relations director for Ocean City, comes out of retirement every year to “unlock the beach” with a giant wooden key.
On Friday, he was joined by a host of dignitaries, including Former U.S. Ambassador to Panama and Congressman Bill Hughes, Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian and City Council members.
Before the unlocking, Gillian said a few words. He joked that with Soifer’s permission, “America’s Greatest Family Resort” was going to be renamed “The World’s Greatest Family Resort.”
He told the onlookers that while Memorial Day weekend is meant to be enjoyed with family and friends, it is also a time to remember members of the military for all of their sacrifices.
“When you see a veteran say thank you,” Gillian said.
Officials and onlookers enjoy the fun tradition that welcomes summer.
Paul Chiolo, of Keller Williams, with his sons, Anthony, at left, and Michael, moments before they take a dip.
The Boardwalk bustles at the start of Memorial Day weekend.
Ocean City mascot Martin Z. Mollusk makes an appearance. His creator, Mark Soifer, stands in the back, (white hat) with pageant winners, Mr. Mature America 2019 Jack Merritt, Miss Ocean City Megan Keenan, Junior Miss Ocean City Julia Wilson and Little Miss Ocean City Stevie Wright.
