By Tara Fischer

Staff Writer

Ocean Pines is preparing for fall staples, football season and Halloween, with new outdoor televisions at the Clubhouse Bar and Grille to feature NFL and college matchups and a spooky haunted trail planned for next month.

At the community’s Clubhouse Bar and Grille, an eatery at the neighborhood golf course, two 55-inch LG TVs have found their way to the outdoor patio. The screens, set up by operator Touch of Italy last weekend, will enhance the customer experience, particularly during football season, says the Ocean Pines Association’s website.

The Clubhouse will be open for all NFL games, and, weather permitting, the contests will be displayed on the new outdoor televisions. Gametime will also yield updated drink and food specials, to be communicated upon arrival at the establishment.

The NFL is not the only league to inspire autumn deals. Per the OPA’s website, the Clubhouse will host a ‘Tailgate on the Patio’ every Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. The fresh event will feature college football on the outdoor TVs, cornhole, TOI founder Bob Ciprietti’s signature grilled sausage and peppers and drink specials.

The new football-focused events are an addition to Ocean Pines’ food and beverage amenities, part of Touch of Italy’s commitment to enhancing the establishments.  This past summer, the Ocean Pines Yacht Club collaborated with Seacret’s Coastal Cruises to offer boozy boat rides through the bay from the Pines restaurant to Ocean City’s iconic bar.

The waterway party experience kicked off in early August and extended through Labor Day. TOI hopes that the Seacrets cruise will hit the ground running early next summer.

Restaurant group Touch of Italy has operated the Ocean Pines Association’s food and beverage locations since this past spring, which include the Clubhouse Bar and Grille, the Yacht Club and the Beach Club in Ocean City. In January, TOI and OPA signed a five-year contract, authorizing TOI to oversee the establishments upon the expiration of the previous vendor, Matt Ortt Companies’ agreement with the homeowners association.

Now that summer is ending and fall is just around the corner, the restaurant team is transitioning into autumn, along with football-inspired specials and events. The site’s latest news and updates can be found on Facebook at The Clubhouse Bar and Grille’s official page.

In line with the season change, OPA is also gearing up for its fifth annual Haunted Trail. The event is scheduled for Oct. 17-18 and again on Oct. 24-25 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the boat ramp trail at White Horse Park.

The Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks Department is seeking volunteers for the frightening project. Those interested in helping out as a haunted house actor or in another capacity are invited to attend an interest meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 16, at 6 p.m. at the OPA Community Center, in the East Room. Ages 16 and up are welcome. Actors under 18 must have a parent or guardian present.

More information about the association’s fall calendar can be found on the community’s official website and social media channels.