By Jack Chavez, Staff Writer

Reggae Play Day is back after a two-year hiatus with reggae music plus beer, wine and food on May 14 on Main Street.

Ocean98’s Reggae Play Day returns to Main Street Berlin on Saturday from 1-4 p.m. (FILE PHOTO)

The annual event, sponsored every year by Ocean 98, hasn’t been scheduled since 2019 due to covid-19.

“We’re an arts and entertainment district and we’re always looking to increase and add to (our offerings),” said Berlin Economic and Community Development Director Ivy Wells. “It’s cool because it gives people a chance to go outside and enjoy live music all day in Berlin. The Berlin Chamber of Commerce will be there, there’ll be beer and wine. Sterling Tavern will have a variety of food. Boxcar on Main will offer Jamaican fish stew. Everyone can come out and enjoy. “

The main act this year is national touring artist Joe Sambo.

“He’s really looking forward to playing here and it gives Berlin a chance to have an actual act featured in downtown,” Wells said.

The event is free to attend, parking is free and it is friendly to leashed pets. Attendees can bring their own chairs, but no outside coolers are allowed. 

Reggae Play Day is used to be the May Day Play Day event that Ocean 98 produced, Wells said. The shift from May Day to Reggae simply occurred by a desire for reggae music.

May Day Play Day featured several local bands playing live music but when the music changed to reggae the crowd response doubled.

The event is from 1 to 4 p.m. 

For more information on the radio station’s contest, visit https://ocean98.com or https://berlinmainstreet.com/reggae-play-day/.