By Josh Davis, Associate Editor

(Dec. 21, 2017) Sponsorships are available for the next year’s celebration of Ocean Pines’ 50th anniversary, and include the opportunity for sponsors to be patrons of several marque events.

Plans for the yearlong semicentennial celebration include an anniversary sign dedication on Jan. 6, anniversary license plate event on March 24, parade and community day on June 2, golf tournament on June 30, 5k run on July 4, beach bash on July 22, time capsule opening and cocktail reception on Aug. 11, racquet sports tournament on Aug. 18 and winter gala on Nov. 10.

During a 50th anniversary committee meeting on Monday, committee member Tim McMullen said he was especially excited to show off the newly renovated Manklin Meadows Racquet Sports Complex. Several new platform tennis courts were recently added to the complex, which already featured a number of tennis and pickleball courts.

McMullen is also the chairman of the recreation and parks advisory committee.

“We now have the best outdoor facility on the Eastern Shore,” he said. “This is a great chance for us, not only to celebrate the 50th anniversary, but to let people know what we have here as far as this facility. It’s fantastic.”

For sponsors, individual event and overall backings are available, ranging from platinum levels at $5,000, to “Friends of Ocean Pines” starting at $50.

Gold level sponsorships are $3,000, silver are $1,500 and patron/bronze are $500.

Larger, corporate sponsors will receive benefits including prominent listing on 50th anniversary save-the-date rack cards, entry into the 50th anniversary parade and plaques and banners to be displayed during events, among other perks.

For more details, visit www.oceanpines.org/administration/sponsor-2018-anniversary or contact Director of Marketing and Public Relations Denise Sawyer at 410-641-7717 ext. 3006 or email dsawyer@oceanpines.org.