(July 1, 2021) Independence Day fireworks displays and other festivities take place from Friday through Sunday throughout Worcester County, as large-scale public gatherings are again permitted with statewide pandemic restrictions now lifted.
Snow Hill
The weekend of patriotic revelry kicks off Friday in Snow Hill with fireworks at Sturgis Park.
The Independence Day Celebration, which is being sponsored by the Snow Hill Area Chamber of Commerce, will coincide with Downtown Snow Hill’s First Friday event.
The area from Green Street to Sturgis Park will abound with vendors and family-friendly activities starting at 5 p.m.
The law firm Coates, Coates, and Coates P.A are sponsoring fireworks, which are slated to blast off after sunset.
Berlin
The Town of Berlin will mark Independence Day on Saturday with fireworks at Heron Park beginning at dusk.
In addition to viewing the pyrotechnic display from Heron Park, located at 10009 Old Ocean City Blvd., other ideal vantage spots are located nearby.
Police Chief Arnold Downing said once Heron Park is at full capacity, Old Ocean City Boulevard would be shut down to vehicular traffic.
Downing said spectators could also head to Buckingham Elementary School, due south of the park, or other adjacent locations to enjoy an eyeful of bright lights.
Ocean Pines
On Sunday, Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks Department is sponsoring Fourth of July fireworks at dark with an abundance of other activities planned at Veterans Memorial Park on Route 589 and Cathell Road from 5-8:45 p.m.
Festivities this year include an array of fun for children — carnival games, dry slides and inflatable bounce houses — along with live music, and food and drink.
Access to children’s bounce houses and slides require purchase of a wristband for $7, with general admission to the event free to the public.
Fireworks, which will begin at 9:15 p.m. and run for roughly a half hour, will be launched just north of the South Gate Pond by Cathell Road.
Watching fireworks along Ocean Parkway, from Cathell Road to Manklin Creek Road, will be prohibited, with a fenced-off viewing zone located from Manklin Creek Road to the Veterans Memorial.
Additionally, there will be a no-entry “safe zone” marked by orange fencing from the South Gate Pond to the Ocean Pines Fire Department on Ocean Parkway.
Spectators are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets, with parking available at the adjacent Ocean Pines Library and Taylor Bank. Limited handicapped parking will be available in a small area directly south of the Sports Core Pool.
No parking will be permitted along Ocean Parkway.
Ocean Parkway between Manklin Creek Road and Offshore Lane will be shut down for roughly 20 minutes before fireworks start and remain closed until deemed safe by the Fire Marshal.
In the event of rain, the celebrations will take place on July 5.
For more information, call Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks at 410-641-7052, or visit oceanpines.org.
Earlier on Sunday in Ocean Pines, the 10th annual Freedom 5K patriotic road race will take place at Veterans Memorial Park starting at 8 a.m.
Runners, who are encouraged to don U.S.A.-inspired active attire, will transverse a multitude of scenic spots in the Pines.
First through third-place male and female finishers for nine age categories, from 10 and under to 70 and over, will be given awards. Also the best-dressed runner will be selected for honors.
Runners can pre-register through July 2 for $25, with day of sign up starting at 7:45 a.m. for $35.
To sign for the up for the Freedom 5K visit raceentry.com/races/ocean-pines-association-freedom-5k/2021/register.
For more information call Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks Department at 410-641-7052 or visit oceanpines.org
Ocean City
July 4 Firework displays are slated for both uptown and downtown in the resort beginning at 9:30 p.m.
The downtown display will launch from the beach at North Division Street.
Festivities will begin at 8 p.m. with DJ Kutt providing music from the Caroline Street Stage.
Looking uptown, fireworks will launch from Northside Park beginning at 9:30 p.m. from the pier area. Both displays will run 18 minutes.
Prior to the light display, DJ BK will pump up the volume from the Soccer Field Stage starting at 8 p.m.
Unlike previous years’ July 4 celebrations, concessions will not be provided.
For more information, call 800-626-2326 or 410-250-0125.
Preceding the nighttime fun on Sunday, Fish Tales Bar and Grill is holding its annual Hot Dog Eating Contest starting at noon in the south parking lot at 22nd Street bayside.
The competitive-eating event is restricted to employees of Ocean City establishments, with a $1,000 cash prize at stake.
Contestants will consist of the first 20 qualified individuals to pre-register.
Registration cost $10 and can be completed by stopping by the Bahia Marina Tackle Shop or Fish Tales Small Bar.
All participants must be at least 18 years old and have to provide local ID or a pay stub from a resort business.
For more information, visit ocfishtales.com or visit their Facebook page.
Pocomoke
Prior to the weekend of activities around Worcester County, on Thursday at 7 p.m. the City of Pocomoke commences its Concerts in the Park Summer Series with a live set by native sons Mercy for the Mockingbird in Cypress Park.
Mercy for the Mockingbird are slated to deliver an array of rock and alternative covers during an hour and a half stage show.
Pocomoke’s Concerts in the Park each Thursday through the end of August.
Music lovers in attendance are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs, or even picnic baskets, to savor the tunes while taking in picturesque view of the Pocomoke River.
For more information visit downtownpocomoke.com or call 410-957-1333 x111.