Linda Yurche of the Communications Advisory Committee presented the OP Season Kick-off Event plans to the Board of Directors.

By Cindy Hoffman, Staff Writer

(Oct. 5, 2023) Plans are in full swing for a big open house to kick off the 2024 summer season in Ocean Pines.

Gary Miller, the chair of the OP Day working group and Linda Yurche of the Communications Advisory Committee presented the plans to the Ocean Pines Association Board Of Directors at the Saturday board meeting. The working group is made up of representatives from the various Ocean Pines advisory committees and those who were involved in the 50th anniversary celebrations.

Miller said the purpose of the event is to showcase and promote Ocean Pines amenities by producing a lively festival open to full and part-time residents, guests and potential future homeowners.

“We want to reinforce that Ocean Pines is a great place to live,” Miller said. The idea for the event came from the desire to expand memberships in the amenities.

Yurche, a resident who moved to the community during covid, said many residents don’t know about the myriad of amenities and clubs that are available in the community.

“There is something for everyone in Ocean Pines. As a relatively new resident, I had no idea,” Yurche said.

Event organizers plan to include restaurant sampling booths, cook-offs, entertainment, Zumba classes, food and drink trucks and booths for people to learn about the amenities, OPA departments, clubs and other activities.They also hope to have music from some of the local groups and Ocean Pines vocal and performance groups. The committee recommended hosting the event at White Horse Park on a Saturday in May before the summer season begins.

“This is a way to build our community,” Yurche said.

Yurche and Miller expect the cost to be about $15,000 to put on the event. They hope to get support through the association budget and from sponsors. They received support from the board to continue their planning efforts and expect to come before the board with a full plan and a finalized budget in the near future.