Ocean City in Running as "Best Fall Festival" in National Contest

By MADDY VITALE Ever been to Ocean City’s Fall Block Party? If so, then you know it is a blockbuster festival offering live entertainment, hundreds of crafters and food vendors, and it transforms the downtown into a mega-fun, family-filled event. That’s why when deciding which town across the country hosts the best fall festival, the likely answer would be -- Ocean City. USA Today compiled the Top 10 list of "Best Fall Festivals" from Ocean City's Fall Block Party to the Trailing of the Sheep Festival in Idaho to the Georgia Apple Festival. While there is an eclectic mix of festivals to choose from in the contest, one thing is certain: for the thousands of people each year who make Ocean City’s Fall Block Party a tradition, there is no other choice to make when casting a vote. To vote, visit https://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-fall-festival-2023/. Michele Gillian, executive director of the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce, said there are plenty of reasons why Ocean City made the Top 10 list of Best Fall Festivals. It currently sits at No. 5. “Ocean City welcomes more than 350 crafters, food vendors and entertainers that line a mile of downtown Asbury Avenue between 5th Street and 14th Street for the annual Fall Block Party,” she said. “The event helps draw tens of thousands of people to Ocean City to celebrate the fall. It’s a wonderful event to see your neighbors and enjoy the food, entertainment and great shopping.” Big Daddy Duo entertains the crowds in 2022. Last year’s Fall Block Party in Ocean City was one of the largest the resort has seen in years, Gillian noted. According to USA Today's rules for the voting, you may vote for your favorite festival once per day until voting ends on Monday, Sept. 4, at noon Eastern Standard Time. The winning festivals will be announced on Friday, Sept. 15. USA Today describes the importance of fall festivals like this: "Fall festivals are a great way to mark the changing of the seasons, celebrate the harvest, enjoy the outdoors, and have some fun with friends and family. And there's something magical about being surrounded by colorful leaves and pumpkins as the sounds of live music and laughter fill the crisp air." Tricia Baxter and her niece, Ashley Baxter, both of Springfield, Pa., display their shopping finds at Ocean City's 2022 Fall Block Party. The current leaders in USA Today's contest are: Best Fall Festival

• Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta
• Trailing of the Sheep Festival
• Di­a de los Muertos at Hemisfair
• Warrens Cranberry Festival
• Ocean City Fall Block Party
• Bayfield Apple Festival
• The Great Cortland Pumpkinfest
• Georgia Apple Festival
• National Apple Harvest Festival
• Shenandoah Autumnfest

To follow live voting action, look for USA Today on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. For more information about events in Ocean City, visit the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce website at oceancityvacation.com or check out the Chamber on Facebook.