By Tara Fischer

Staff Writer

The Maryland State Firefighters’ Association (MSFA) is relocating its annual parade from Ocean City to downtown Berlin this summer, citing a consistent decline in participation over the past few years.

With Councilmember Shaneka Nichols and Vice President Dean Burrell absent, the Berlin Council unanimously approved a special event request this week to allow the MSFA to bring its yearly parade to Berlin on Saturday, June 20, marking the first time the statewide event will be held in the town.

The request was presented during Monday night’s council meeting by MSFA Convention and Conference Chair Robbie Blackiston, who said the association has been exploring new venues amid a decrease in firefighters and agencies statewide choosing to participate in the procession in recent years.

Traditionally held on a Wednesday in Ocean City, the parade has seen reduced turnout as it has become harder for firefighters to take time off during the workweek.

Blackiston said that last year, the parade had 114 participants and lasted 50 minutes. In the past, the event has typically extended about four hours.

After noting the decline, the association initially sought to reschedule the parade from the midweek timeslot to a weekend, while maintaining the Ocean City location. However, logistical issues arose as June is Ocean City’s peak tourist season. As such, a Saturday parade would create challenges not easily manageable for the resort destination.

Alternative venues were scouted, and Berlin was selected as the ideal spot. Upon the municipality’s approval this week, the association’s goal is now to be realized this summer.

“This is something new for Berlin,” Mayor Zack Tyndall said. “We certainly know how to throw a party and a parade and look forward to…welcoming the Maryland Firefighters’ Association to Berlin for the parade.”

The parade is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, and will take place rain or shine. Blackiston said he expects this year’s procession to feature between 150 and 160 fire companies and public safety units from across Maryland. Blackiston added that this will be the first year the association encourages participants to preregister, but anyone who shows up unannounced will be welcome to participate.

Berlin officials hope the parade will bring additional business to downtown shops and restaurants. The MSFA is on the same page.

Blackiston said the association conducted a walkthrough of Main Street businesses in December and distributed informational flyers, and noted that no concerns had been raised to date. He said the group is working behind the scenes with the Berlin Chamber of Commerce to encourage spectators and participants to arrive early and patronize local establishments.

Part of this effort is exploring a morning Touch-A-Truck event. This would likely begin around 10 a.m. and allow kids to further interact with the fire apparatuses. Association members noted that the idea is for families to arrive in downtown Berlin early, attend the Touch-A-Truck, and then do some shopping or grab lunch before the parade’s 2 p.m. start time.

A shuttle may also be available to transport participants arriving early from the staging areas to downtown, where they can grab a bite to eat or browse the stores.

A letter from the MSFA to Berlin on the matter includes a summary of events. Per the document, the procession would consist of fire apparatus, fire prevention floats, association officers, local elected officials, and possibly a few marching bands.

Staging has been approved at Worcester Preparatory School, and the association has discussed with Worcester County Parks and Recreation the possibility of using their in-town athletic fields. Stephen Decatur Park could also be used as a setup location if additional space is needed. MSFA maintained that trucks and floats would remain in the parking lot to avoid disrupting the park interior or its grass.

As it stands, the parade route will travel northbound on Main Street in the lane of travel until it approaches Jefferson Street, at which point the procession will move to the centerline. The units will continue northbound to Powellton Avenue, then return to the lane of travel.

Even with increased participation, council members estimated the Berlin parade would likely last no more than two hours.

Both the Town of Berlin and the MSFA are excited about the downtown summer event. According to the association, MSFA is the only state firefighters’ association on the East Coast that still hosts a parade. Its members hope to keep the tradition alive.

Berlin officials also noted that the procession aligns with the town’s mission.

“This is a great way to celebrate our first responders,” Councilmember Jay Knerr said.