Ocean City looking ahead to boost in business during OC Air Show

OCEAN CITY, Md. – The Ocean City Air Show now has a concrete date – and organizers say they’re excited to hold the event from August 15th to August 16th. Businesses near the stretch of boardwalk where the air show happens tell me that this is one of their biggest weekends of the year. “There’s just tons of people. It’s our best weekend,” said Malia’s Cafe owner Malia Ricks.

Ricks says that the customers start flowing in right around when practices for the air show start. “They start to practice and we’re inside, and we hear this ‘boom!’ We all run out to see,” said Ricks.

Ricks says the event is one of her favorites of the year – as the air show flies right over her business. “There’s some people that come every year and they try to get these tables right here because they can sit and they can see it,” said Ricks.

The Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce says the air show typically brings a big boost of the local economy. “It does help our local economy because you have some avid air buffs that love to go to as many airshows as they can. So they will plan their vacations around the airshow,” said interim executive director Nancy Schwendeman.

Schwendeman says not only will the air show boost business – it will uplift visitors and residents alike. She says while everyone is excited – safety remains a top priority. “We want everyone to come and enjoy, but we also do ask that they please follow the safety protocols that are in place. Wear masks and do social distancing, and everyone can stay safe,” said Schwendeman.

Ricks says that she’s busy preparing her staff for the big weekend. “It’s a lot more intense training because it’s so many people. It’s mostly carry out or outside seating, and usually it’s in the beginning of the year. So we have to do a little bit more training anyways,” said Ricks.

Ocean City Air Show organizers say that they’ll be working with town officials to implement a “Stay Safe and Separated” initiative. They say this will help ensure the safety of spectators at the event. The initiative will include the following steps – per the Ocean City Air Show’s website:

• Increased size of the Drop Zone Beach, Flight Line Club and VIP Skybox venues
• Reduced number of tickets available to each venue to ensure guests can stay separate from other groups
• Tickets must be purchased online or by phone, they will not be sold on-site at the event.
• Mitigate lines at venue entrances by adding additional entrances and allowing early entry
• Providing for 6 feet of separation between groups for any guests waiting to check in
• Contactless ticket scanning and individually packaged wristbands guests can put on themselves
• Frequent sanitization of all surfaces and restrooms
• Increased presence of hand-washing and sanitizing stations in all premium viewing areas
• Hand sanitizer available for purchase in the Drop Zone Beach and provided in all other areas
• Retail concessions for food, beverage and merchandise will be credit-preferred payment

Tickets are on sale now on the Ocean City Air Show’s website.