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Berlin, Ocean Pines News Worcester County Bayside Gazette Logo Berlin, Ocean Pines News Worcester County Bayside Gazette

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Variety of events planned for July 4 holiday

(June 29, 2017) From a hot dog-eating contest to patriotic concerts and fireworks, Ocean City and surrounding towns have many Independence Day celebrations taking place this weekend and on July 4.
Here are a few activities taking place this weekend:
Ocean City:
• Musical review:

A musical revue presented by the Ocean Pines Players will take place at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church on 103rd Street at 5 p.m. this Saturday.
The holiday salute costs $10 for adults to attend and is free for children.
Adults and children will perform classic and modern patriotic songs in addition to dramatic readings. Special appreciation will be given to veterans and services members.
Attendees are encouraged to sing along to “50 Nifty United States,” “You’re a Grand Old Flag,” “The Yankee Doodle Boy,” “This is My Country,” “Shenandoah,” “What a Wonderful World,” “Strike Up the Band” and “God Bless America.”
There will be a powerful poem, inspiring historic words, a “wacky history” of the United States through the eyes of high school students and a song about living on Delmarva.
Kids will receive “Happy Birthday USA” goodie bags and complimentary cookies and drinks will be served during intermission.
There is limited seating. Call 410-600-0462 for more information or to make a renovation.
Funding for this event is provided in part by the Worcester County Arts Council, Maryland State Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.
• Uptown Concert and Fireworks:
At Northside Park on 125th Street, Mike Hines and The Look will put on a free concert, Tuesday at 8 p.m. followed by fireworks at 9:30 p.m. The National Anthem will lead the patriotic show.
The fireworks display can be seen anywhere in the park and organizers advise spectators to arrive early.
Attendees are encouraged to bring beach chairs and blankets. Call 1-800-626-2326, 410-250-0125 or visit www.ococean.com for more information.
• Downtown Concert and Fireworks:
A free concert on the beach at Caroline Street in downtown Ocean City featuring Triple Rail Turn begins on Tuesday at 8 p.m. with a fireworks display following at 9:30 p.m.
Visitors are encouraged to bring beach chairs or blankets to claim a spot on the sand for the patriotic display.
Call 1-800-626-2326, 410-250-0125 or visit www.ococean.com for more information.
• Hot Dog-Eating Contest:
Check out the 10th annual Independence Day “Top Dog” hot dog-eating contest at Fish Tales Bar & Grill on 22nd Street, bayside, Tuesday at 1 p.m.
“Emcee [DJ] BK puts on a show himself and it’s quite entertaining to watch people stuff as many hot dogs as they can in their mouths when it’s 80-plus degrees outside,” said Jaymie Erbe, Fish Tales manager and contest coordinator.
Anyone 18 and older who is interested in competing in the July 4 contest should stop by the 22nd Street bayside bar and restaurant any time prior to that day to quickly consume five deli-style hot dogs and buns in order to qualify for the main event.
A Fish Tales representative will time each participant, and the 20 people with the fastest times will advance to the finals, scheduled to take place Tuesday, July 4, at 1 p.m. The cost to take part in the qualifier is $5, which will go toward the prize money pot.
On July 4, a stage will be assembled in the restaurant’s parking lot for the 10-minute event, which is modeled after Nathan’s famous Fourth of July international contest. Bleachers, a satellite bar and hot dog vendor will be set up for spectators.
“It is a good time and draws a lot of spectators,” Erbe said. “A lot of families will watch the contest, hang out and get a bite to eat. We also upgraded the playground last summer.”
The “Top Dog” will take home $1,500. Cash prizes will also be awarded for second and third place. DJ BK is slated to emcee the competition again this year. Fish Tales, Coors Light and Dietz & Watson are sponsoring the event. Dietz & Watson will also supply the hot dogs.
Call 410-289-0990 for more information or to participate in the hot-dog eating contest, if spots are still open.

Ocean City parking information:

The inlet parking lot will charge a $50 flat fee for all day parking on Tuesday, which is good for one entry and allows visitors to arrive at 5:30 a.m. and stay until midnight without being charged an hourly rate.
There will also be late entry fees starting at noon and cost $30 (parking between noon and 3 p.m.) or $20 for the day when entering after 3 p.m. for one entry. When the lot fills, visitors can use neighboring parking lots including Worcester Street, Somerset Street, Dorchester Street, North Division Street, Fourth Street and the West Ocean City Park & Ride.
Ticketed parking operations will return at midnight on July 5.
Taking the Ocean City bus costs $3 for the entire day and the West Ocean City Park and Ride on Route 50 offers free parking with a $3 ride-all-day shuttle service to downtown.
Ocean Pines:
• Freedom 5K:

Ocean Pines kicks off its Independence Day celebration on Tuesday with the fourth annual Freedom 5K run and walk.
Families are encouraged to participate in the timed race, which starts at 8 a.m. and heads around the Veterans Memorial Park, across Ocean Parkway and through the Ocean Pines Community where runners will pass the South Gate Pond to the finish line near the Veterans Memorial.
Attendees are encouraged to wear red, white and blue to support the military. The event benefits Athletes Serving Athletes, a nonprofit organization empowering athletes living with disabilities to train and compete in more than 60 running and triathlon events each year.
At the finish line, flags from each of the military branches will be on display in Veterans Memorial Park, and the first 250 registered runners are guaranteed event T-shirts. Trophies will be awarded to the top three finishers.
Registration begins at 7 a.m. and costs $25 in advance or $35 the day of the event.
Register online at OceanPines.org or call the Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks Department at 410-641-7052.

• Celebration:

The fun in Ocean Pines continues at 10 a.m. with the Fourth of July celebration at Veterans Memorial Park on Cathell Road.
The All-American celebration will include a deejay, water slides, carnival games, a dunking booth and concessions. Festivities take place until 2 p.m.
Wristbands for unlimited rides on the water bounce cost $6 and tickets will be sold for additional rides and games.

• Fireworks:

Ocean Pines festivities come to a close with a free fireworks display at Showell Park across from Showell Elementary School on Racetrack Road, Tuesday night.
Visitors are encouraged to watch the display from Showell Elementary School, the Community Church of Ocean Pines, Most Blessed Sacrament School or the Pavilions for a good view. Free parking will also be available in these locations.
Fireworks will begin shortly after dark. The event is open to the public and the Community Church at Ocean Pines will be selling refreshments.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket.
The event will take place on Wednesday, July 5 if there is inclement weather.
For more information, call the Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks Department at 410-641-7052 or visit OceanPines.org. 
Berlin:
•Family fun:

Burley Oak Brewing Company on Old Ocean City Boulevard will host a family event during the Town of Berlin fireworks display on Monday, July 3, from 6-11 p.m. Fireworks will begin at dusk.
The outdoor festival will have live music, $5 Burley Oak ales, food available for purchase and family games.
A $10 cover includes one beer ticket, and everyone under 21 is free.
Attendees are encouraged to bring beach chairs for fireworks viewing in the parking lot.
The Independence Day fireworks are slated to begin around 9:15 p.m. at Berlin Falls, a multi-use outdoor park across the street from the brewery. For more information call Burley Oak at 443-513-4647.
(June 29, 2017) From a hot dog-eating contest to patriotic concerts and fireworks, Ocean City and surrounding towns have many Independence Day celebrations taking place this weekend and on July 4.
Here are a few activities taking place this weekend:
Ocean City:
• Musical review:

A musical revue presented by the Ocean Pines Players will take place at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church on 103rd Street at 5 p.m. this Saturday.
The holiday salute costs $10 for adults to attend and is free for children.
Adults and children will perform classic and modern patriotic songs in addition to dramatic readings. Special appreciation will be given to veterans and services members.
Attendees are encouraged to sing along to “50 Nifty United States,” “You’re a Grand Old Flag,” “The Yankee Doodle Boy,” “This is My Country,” “Shenandoah,” “What a Wonderful World,” “Strike Up the Band” and “God Bless America.”
There will be a powerful poem, inspiring historic words, a “wacky history” of the United States through the eyes of high school students and a song about living on Delmarva.
Kids will receive “Happy Birthday USA” goodie bags and complimentary cookies and drinks will be served during intermission.
There is limited seating. Call 410-600-0462 for more information or to make a renovation.
Funding for this event is provided in part by the Worcester County Arts Council, Maryland State Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.
• Uptown Concert and Fireworks:
At Northside Park on 125th Street, Mike Hines and The Look will put on a free concert, Tuesday at 8 p.m. followed by fireworks at 9:30 p.m. The National Anthem will lead the patriotic show.
The fireworks display can be seen anywhere in the park and organizers advise spectators to arrive early.
Attendees are encouraged to bring beach chairs and blankets. Call 1-800-626-2326, 410-250-0125 or visit www.ococean.com for more information.
• Downtown Concert and Fireworks:
A free concert on the beach at Caroline Street in downtown Ocean City featuring Triple Rail Turn begins on Tuesday at 8 p.m. with a fireworks display following at 9:30 p.m.
Visitors are encouraged to bring beach chairs or blankets to claim a spot on the sand for the patriotic display.
Call 1-800-626-2326, 410-250-0125 or visit www.ococean.com for more information.
• Hot Dog-Eating Contest:
Check out the 10th annual Independence Day “Top Dog” hot dog-eating contest at Fish Tales Bar & Grill on 22nd Street, bayside, Tuesday at 1 p.m.
“Emcee [DJ] BK puts on a show himself and it’s quite entertaining to watch people stuff as many hot dogs as they can in their mouths when it’s 80-plus degrees outside,” said Jaymie Erbe, Fish Tales manager and contest coordinator.
Anyone 18 and older who is interested in competing in the July 4 contest should stop by the 22nd Street bayside bar and restaurant any time prior to that day to quickly consume five deli-style hot dogs and buns in order to qualify for the main event.
A Fish Tales representative will time each participant, and the 20 people with the fastest times will advance to the finals, scheduled to take place Tuesday, July 4, at 1 p.m. The cost to take part in the qualifier is $5, which will go toward the prize money pot.
On July 4, a stage will be assembled in the restaurant’s parking lot for the 10-minute event, which is modeled after Nathan’s famous Fourth of July international contest. Bleachers, a satellite bar and hot dog vendor will be set up for spectators.
“It is a good time and draws a lot of spectators,” Erbe said. “A lot of families will watch the contest, hang out and get a bite to eat. We also upgraded the playground last summer.”
The “Top Dog” will take home $1,500. Cash prizes will also be awarded for second and third place. DJ BK is slated to emcee the competition again this year. Fish Tales, Coors Light and Dietz & Watson are sponsoring the event. Dietz & Watson will also supply the hot dogs.
Call 410-289-0990 for more information or to participate in the hot-dog eating contest, if spots are still open.
Ocean City parking information:
The inlet parking lot will charge a $50 flat fee for all day parking on Tuesday, which is good for one entry and allows visitors to arrive at 5:30 a.m. and stay until midnight without being charged an hourly rate.
There will also be late entry fees starting at noon and cost $30 (parking between noon and 3 p.m.) or $20 for the day when entering after 3 p.m. for one entry. When the lot fills, visitors can use neighboring parking lots including Worcester Street, Somerset Street, Dorchester Street, North Division Street, Fourth Street and the West Ocean City Park & Ride.
Ticketed parking operations will return at midnight on July 5.
Taking the Ocean City bus costs $3 for the entire day and the West Ocean City Park and Ride on Route 50 offers free parking with a $3 ride-all-day shuttle service to downtown.
Ocean Pines:
• Freedom 5K:

Ocean Pines kicks off its Independence Day celebration on Tuesday with the fourth annual Freedom 5K run and walk.
Families are encouraged to participate in the timed race, which starts at 8 a.m. and heads around the Veterans Memorial Park, across Ocean Parkway and through the Ocean Pines Community where runners will pass the South Gate Pond to the finish line near the Veterans Memorial.
Attendees are encouraged to wear red, white and blue to support the military. The event benefits Athletes Serving Athletes, a nonprofit organization empowering athletes living with disabilities to train and compete in more than 60 running and triathlon events each year.
At the finish line, flags from each of the military branches will be on display in Veterans Memorial Park, and the first 250 registered runners are guaranteed event T-shirts. Trophies will be awarded to the top three finishers.
Registration begins at 7 a.m. and costs $25 in advance or $35 the day of the event.
Register online at OceanPines.org or call the Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks Department at 410-641-7052.
• Celebration:
The fun in Ocean Pines continues at 10 a.m. with the Fourth of July celebration at Veterans Memorial Park on Cathell Road.
The All-American celebration will include a deejay, water slides, carnival games, a dunking booth and concessions. Festivities take place until 2 p.m.
Wristbands for unlimited rides on the water bounce cost $6 and tickets will be sold for additional rides and games.
• Fireworks:
Ocean Pines festivities come to a close with a free fireworks display at Showell Park across from Showell Elementary School on Racetrack Road, Tuesday night.
Visitors are encouraged to watch the display from Showell Elementary School, the Community Church of Ocean Pines, Most Blessed Sacrament School or the Pavilions for a good view. Free parking will also be available in these locations.
Fireworks will begin shortly after dark. The event is open to the public and the Community Church at Ocean Pines will be selling refreshments.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket.
The event will take place on Wednesday, July 5 if there is inclement weather.
For more information, call the Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks Department at 410-641-7052 or visit OceanPines.org. 
Berlin:
•Family fun:

Burley Oak Brewing Company on Old Ocean City Boulevard will host a family event during the Town of Berlin fireworks display on Monday, July 3, from 6-11 p.m. Fireworks will begin at dusk.
The outdoor festival will have live music, $5 Burley Oak ales, food available for purchase and family games.
A $10 cover includes one beer ticket, and everyone under 21 is free.
Attendees are encouraged to bring beach chairs for fireworks viewing in the parking lot.
The Independence Day fireworks are slated to begin around 9:15 p.m. at Berlin Falls, a multi-use outdoor park across the street from the brewery. For more information call Burley Oak at 443-513-4647.
Snow Hill
• Fireworks:

Fourth of July festivities take place Saturday, July 1, in Snow Hill with a fireworks display over the Pocomoke River in Sturgis Memorial Park.
The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. with ice cream, drinks and food available before the fireworks start around 9:15 p.m. There will be bounce houses and face painting for kids.
Guests should bring a lawn chair or blanket to Sturgis Park. Parking will be available at public lots on Green and Washington streets.
For more information, call 410-632-0809.

Fourth of July festivities take place Saturday, July 1, in Snow Hill with a fireworks display over the Pocomoke River in Sturgis Memorial Park.
The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. with ice cream, drinks and food available before the fireworks start around 9:15 p.m. There will be bounce houses and face painting for kids.
Guests should bring a lawn chair or blanket to Sturgis Park. Parking will be available at public lots on Green and Washington streets.
For more information, call 410-632-0809.