Two events canceled in Ocean City is not much of a loss
The Ocean City Shark Tournament recently announced the end of an era. Over the years, dwindling participation and uncooperative weather has caused organizers to retire the event that attracted spectators and fishermen to the Eastern Shore for 34 years.
Ocean City Council Member, Wayne Hartman told 47 ABC that the people from the fishing community make great tourists because many of them come to this event to have fun and that they typically have disposable incomes. He also stated, “You don’t want to see an event like that go away, but everything runs its course.”
Another Summer event that has run its course in Ocean City is The Dew Tour. This extreme sporting event that consists of biking, skateboarding, and roller blading announced it would not be returning for what would have been its fifth year. In 2014 alone, The Dew Tour reeled in about a hundred thousand fans.
Ocean City Council Member, Wayne Hartman does not see this as a huge loss to the community. He stated, “As far as losing two events, Ocean City is constantly working. Especially our Recreation and Parks department. We’re always trying to replace and bring in different things.”
He also brings to light to the fact that even though the Dew Tour is gone, it’s publicity to the Eastern Shore, is not. He also said it put Ocean City on the map for those in the sports world, and tournament organizers have been in touch more than usual.
There are even talks of bringing a Minor League Hockey team to the town. But aside from special events, local businesses are confident the town itself, is special enough.
47 ABC spoke with different business owners to see if they think Ocean City will sink or swim with the absence of these two events.
G.M. Don Bowden of Hotel Monte Carlo located in Downtown Ocean City, said that “Ocean City will still do pretty good because it’s such a huge family, friendly destination.” He was also sad to see The Shark Tournament, that has been going on for so long, to be calling it quits. Bowden also stated that there’s still several other fishing tournaments that will still bring in a lot of people to the town.
47 ABC took it to the boardwalk as well. Jackie Ball, the owner of Conner’s Beach Cafe said shes been a resident for 25 years in Ocean City. Jackie stated “Sure that there are some[businesses] that might see a slight difference but I don’t think it’s going to be anything that we can’t compensate for.” The summer is a very busy time of the year, especially on the boardwalk with foot traffic and Jackie does not feel threatened by not having these events. She stated “It is a busy weekend for us anyhow so were hopeful that we really wont see a significant difference in the amount of business that we do.”
Bar Manager, Mike Manescue of Crab Cake Factory said that “These are two isolated incidents.. Any of the major events that happen down here.. They won’t be leaving Ocean City.” The major event that he and many other locals are looking forward to is the White Marlin Open that will go down the first week of August. Mike also mentioned that Crab Cake Factory Bayside will be having an event called “Arts and Crabs” on April 12 for Breast Cancer Research. For more information click HERE.
