“It’s memories made in Ocean City:” Endless Summer Cruisin celebrates 25th anniversary
OCEAN CITY, Md.- “Great weather, great food, great people, and lots and lots of classic cars to see,” Visitor Laura Smith said.
Ocean City was a hotspot for car lovers of all ages as the annual Endless Summer Cruisin event rolled back to the resort town.
Vendors lined up to showcase many of their products and services, but the over 3,000 registered automobiles of all makes and models stole the show as owners hoped to leave with a trophy.
“We’re looking at pre-pandemic levels of participation. There’s always concern with fuel pricing and it certainly doesn’t look like its been an issue with us,” Event Producer Bob Rothermel said.
The event is a continuation of the OC Cruisin event held earlier in the summer. This year’s fall celebration was a special one as it marked the 25th anniversary. “What it means is that the town has embraced it. The cruisers and the participants have embraced it,” Rothermel said.
“People want to go out and entertain themselves. People want to go out and enjoy their investment they made in their automobile.”
One of the big eye-grabbers of the day was a 1915 Ford Model T.
The owner tells 47ABC car collecting has been a hobby for him for over 60 years, which is why he calls himself a car enthusiast. “Ever since I was like 14 years old and I’m almost 82 now. I want to do this for another 20 years,” Owner Steve Lamphier said.
“I get a lot of questions. A lot of people stop because it’s unusual because you won’t see another car like this.”
Organizers say the wheels rolling in for the event also turn into a big profit for the resort town. “In not only the hotels but the condominiums, the restaurants, and the retailers across all sectors. It brings people to town,” Rothermel said.
“It’s memories made in ocean city. That’s what its all about.”
Organizers say the secret behind making it to the milestone of 25 years has been the support of the community and the town of Ocean City.
Plans are already underway to bring the event back bigger and better next year.
