Ocean City, MD – Ocean City officials received surprising news when they learned the two Independence Day firework shows scheduled for July 4th would not go on as planned. The firework company contracted to provide fireworks for both holiday celebrations told officials that labor shortages resulted in having inadequate staff to host the events as expected.
Town of Ocean City employees immediately began contacting additional vendors in hopes of finding a new supplier for both uptown and downtown celebrations. “You know what they say when things don’t go as planned,” commented City Manager Terry McGean. “You make a new plan, which is exactly what we’ve done.”
The outcome of Ocean City’s new plan comes with fresh dates and several unique event lineups, including a FREE concert by American Idol Star Jay Copeland. At Northside Park, residents and visitors have two opportunities to celebrate, with events taking place on July 3rd and July 5th. On July 3rd, an intimate Independence Day celebration is planned at Northside Park during Sundae’s in the Park, featuring a 7 p.m. concert by Mike Hines & the Look, followed by a condensed firework show at 9 p.m. On Tuesday, July 5th, at 8 p.m. American Idol Star and Salisbury native Jay Copeland will take the stage at Northside Park to celebrate our nation’s independence.
Downtown on July 5th, Ocean City will feature music beginning at 8 p.m. and fireworks beginning at 9:30 p.m. The show’s rare features will be a departure from Ocean City’s traditional display, and will include new fireworks elements by Celebration Fireworks Company. Due to the height of the new fireworks display, visitors should view the show from the beach between the fishing pier and 3rd Street.
“We faced a bit of a twist this year, but our staff was determined to put on Independence Day celebrations our residents and visitors could enjoy,” continued McGean. “Although we would have loved to host our traditional celebrations on July 4th, I think the spirit of Independence Day will have the same great impact no matter what day we celebrate. This year we have three great ways to celebrate, including a free concert by Maryland’s very own American Idol, Jay Copeland.”
For updated information about both events, please visit www.ococean.com/events.
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Ocean City’s Independence Day Celebrations:
July 3rd: Sundae’s in the Park Independence Day Celebration
Celebrate Independence Day at Northside Park during Ocean City’s Sundae’s in the Park Concert series. Sundae’s in the Park will feature a 7 p.m. concert by “Mike Hines & the Look” and an intimate firework show at 9 p.m.
July 5th: American Idol Star Jay Copeland Performs at Northside Park
Enjoy a FREE concert by American Idol Star and Salisbury native Jay Copeland on July 5th. Delmarva’s very own Idol will rock the house with crowd favorites to celebrate the holiday with his fun and upbeat energy.
(Note: There will be no fireworks featured during or after the July 5th concert at Northside Park).
July 5th: Downtown on the Beach & Boardwalk
Music at the Caroline Street Stage will kick off at 8 p.m. with the unique Firework Show beginning at 9 :30 p.m. The show’s rare features will be a departure from a traditional display, and will include new fireworks features by Celebration Fireworks Company. Unlike traditional firework displays, this year’s show will include a few surprises. To capture the show as the spectacle it should be, you will need to enjoy the celebratory display from the beach between the amusement pier and 3rd Street.
Additional July 4th celebrations are taking place across Maryland’s Coast, from Berlin to Ocean Pines. For more information, call 800-626-2326 or 410-250-0125.