Ocean City Sees Record Numbers Of Visitors Over July 4 Weekend

The Independence Day weekend was incredibly lively in Ocean City, to say the least. The beaches and Boardwalk were bustling with visitors shopping, dining, and attending a variety of events, including parades, concerts, and a spectacular fireworks display.

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Michele Gillian, the executive director of the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce, expressed enthusiasm for the positive impact of the Fourth of July weekend on the local business community. She noted that a record-breaking number of guests enjoyed the beach, Boardwalk, and bay, while also exploring their favorite attractions and dining establishments. According to Gillian's estimate, over 150,000 visitors flocked to Ocean City during the five-day period from Friday through the Fourth of July.

Gillian also highlighted the array of activities and entertainment options that make Ocean City an exceptional family-friendly resort. She remarked on the neighborhood parades, free concerts by the Ocean City Pops, and the remarkable fireworks display, emphasizing how they exemplified the town's wonderful atmosphere. She concluded by expressing pride in being part of such a great hometown.

As a longstanding tradition, both the north end and south end neighborhoods hosted parades featuring creatively decorated bicycles and floats that celebrated the holiday. Beachgoers particularly enjoyed lounging at the water's edge, where a gentle breeze provided some relief from the sticky 80-degree air temperatures. The water temperature remained around 68 degrees and even reached the 70s on Saturday and Sunday, making it pleasant for everyone to enjoy.

Emergency personnel, including the police, fire department, and lifeguards, were constantly busy attending to calls. The lifeguards were especially occupied with multiple rescues due to rough water conditions. Mayor Jay Gillian expressed his pride in the dedicated city team, applauding their efforts in ensuring the safety of both residents and tourists.

Wes Kazmarck, president of the Boardwalk Merchants Association, reported that the Boardwalk remained bustling even on July 5. He acknowledged that the merchants experienced a successful weekend leading up to the Fourth of July as well as the holiday itself. Kazmarck described the holiday as a "good Fourth," noting that although the non-weekend date arrangement for Independence Day created a different dynamic, the Boardwalk merchants, totaling approximately 140, had performed well overall. He specifically mentioned strong sales leading up to the evening of the Fourth and remarked on the ongoing presence of visitors on the Boardwalk. When considering the entire five-day period, he concluded that it had been a highly successful week for local businesses.