H2Oi back in OC despite plans to move

OCEAN CITY, Md. – The official H2Oi may be in Atlantic City this year, but that didn’t stop hundreds if not thousands of motorists from making their way into Ocean City to show off their rides.

“It’s just tradition, it’s where everybody comes. It’s the home place where everything started so we got to keep coming back,” says one event goer.

Another car enthusiast says, “H2Oi has always been here and I guess they wanted the official show over there but nobody wanted to go over there. Just keep it here where it originated.”

The event started nearly a decade ago in Worcester County and each year town officials say it’s been a headache for them to try and keep in order.

“It’s an event that’s not sanctioned. We’ve done everything that we think we have been able to that’s within our power to try and mitigate some of the behavior that takes place, but it’s no secret that this weekend is a challenge for us,” explains OC Spokesperson Jessica Waters.

This year after getting approval in the state house, Ocean City, stepped up law enforcement using special events zones that allowed them to lower the speed limits in some areas and increase fines.

Waters says, “We had hoped that the special enforcement zone and the relocation of the official event would deter some people from coming but that’s not what we’re seeing.”

Because of the influx of cars for the event Ocean City is again putting their police and other agencies out in full force ticketing anyone they catch breaking the laws. It’s a nuisance to some visitors, but not enough to drive them away.

“It’s stressful at times when there’s 12 cops and just you are driving down the street so it’s alright, although I can live with it,” says one participant.

Another adding, “They’re going crazy. I know there were a bunch of cops out last night just standing around just making sure everything’s good, but hey it’s part of the culture, right?”