OCEAN CITY, Md. - The Delmarva Irish American Club is set to host the annual St. Patrick’s Parade and Festival in Ocean City on Saturday, March 16. This event, which began in 1980, has grown to be Maryland's largest St. Patrick’s parade, and is a tradition that marks the beginning of the business season in Ocean City.
The parade will feature pipe and drum bands, high school marching bands and floats starting at noon. The parade will take place along on Route 1 from 57th Street and heading south to the 45th Street shopping center. Alongside the parade, a festival will be held at the 45th Street shopping center, offering live music, Irish dancing and various vendors from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with free admission.
"Started coming down probably 12 years ago. And fell in love with it since then and just continued on the tradition," Chris McComsey shared, highlighting the event's significance to him and his family.
Amy Thompson, the Executive Director for the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the parade's role in signaling the end of winter and the start of the business season. "Ocean City is open for business. As I walked the boardwalk yesterday, I'm looking at all the signage as these businesses are getting ready to welcome visitors. So it's a really exciting time," she stated.
Local restaurant owner Ray Daugherty also acknowledged the parade's positive impact on business, particularly after the long winter months. "It's going to be a big boost. A lot of people coming in and it's really what the town needs," Daugherty remarked.
With favorable weather forecasted, attendees prepare for a day of enjoyment, tailgating, and community gathering.