Warm Weather Means Bustling Boardwalk

By MADDY VITALE Sun-splashed skies and temperatures reaching into the mid-50s served as the catalyst for a bustling Ocean City Boardwalk, where bicyclists, strollers and beachgoers crowded into the resort, creating a spring-like scene Sunday afternoon. Some families munched on pizza, others took their dogs for runs along the water’s edge and still others browsed stores, played in the arcades or surfed. The one thing in common was that everyone appeared to be having a great time. Carolyn and Ben Kollman, of Linwood, didn’t have a choice where they would spend their day. At 6 a.m. their sons, Blaise, 3, and Benny, 5, decided to make the family’s wakeup call one that included the wish to head to the Boardwalk. Everyone has their own way to enjoy the Boardwalk. The Kollman brothers, each wearing protective helmets with dinosaur themes, zigzagged along on their scooters, while their parents stayed close by their side. “We love it here. We love the Boardwalk. It is a perfect day to get out with the kids,” Carolyn noted. “The quote of the day was 'OC Today.'" And at noon, their day on the Boardwalk was just beginning. “We are going to hit the arcade, go to the beach and get something to eat,” Carolyn said. “We are going to stay outside for as long as possible.” Blaise and Benny agreed that Ocean City is one of their favorite places. “I like the Ferris wheel!” exclaimed Blaise. “I like all the rides. I really like the rollercoaster,” Benny said. And while the outdoors was on most people’s minds as they filled the Boardwalk, candy and other goodies rounded out the day. Boardwalk stores bustled with customers. Customers shopped for candies and novelties. The sign at the Ocean City Music Pier welcomes visitors. A Boardwalk entertainer serenaded the strollers with flute music near the Music Pier. Some people sat on benches to eat their lunches, while others enjoyed nibbling their treats from Boardwalk pavilions looking out at the ocean. The Music Pier's loggia was filled with people looking out at the waves and relaxing. For Randy and Jennifer Blumsted, of Glen Mills Pa., and their 9-year-old daughter Elle and family dog Bear, the unseasonably warm weather and their love of Ocean City took them on a road trip. “I used to live here when I was in college,” Randy said. “I guess you would call us shoobies now. We really like Ocean City.” Jennifer added, “It is just nice to exercise, get out in the fresh air and away from work.” Jennifer and Randy Blumsted, of Glen Mills, Pa., their daughter Elle and dog Bear take a stroll along the beach.