The 51st White Marlin Open keeps business booming
The 51st annual White Marlin Open kicked off earlier today, and it’s bringing a boost to the local economy.
Photograph vendor Pamela Montague had a tent at the event, and she said, The White Marlin Open is special. “I love this event, I think is an awesome event, there is nothing like the vibe for the white marlin open.”
Worcester County has a huge week ahead for the county, agriculture week is this week as well, and with The White Marlin Open starting, Director of Tourism Melanie Pursel said this event will bring a huge boost to the entire county. “We’re looking at 20 – 30 million dollars of economic impact for one event, so important for Ocean City, and to our economy here in Worcester and the state of Maryland.” Said Pursel.
Mad Soaps Detailing & Yacht Armor
Live music, food, and vendors were all at the Marlin Fest watch party, to see the boats get set up, another vendor at the event, was the owner of Mad Soaps Detailing Christian Buchleitner said the White Marlin Open is something they came up with for yearly. “I mean this is the number one stop, this is yacht Armour and Mad Soap’s biggest targets, you have boats that are gaffing on the side of the boat, for big marlin or big tuna, so as far as marine protection this is where we need to be.” Said Buchleitner.
Trolling Mate Offshore
Other vendors, like Lance Lehew who is a business partner with Trolling Mate Offshore, tell us the event gives them the exposure they need to energize their businesses. “It’s huge for us, most people that are here have a fishing orientation, it’s the biggest tournament in the country, we’ve been here the last two years, so we make sure we come out to the White Marlin Open.”
Fun All Week Long
With people coming from all across the country, Pursel said it’s not only Ocean City that reaps the rewards of tourism but other nearby towns as well. “We see a lot of activity in our towns especially, berlin snow hill and Pocomoke we have great shopping, great restaurants, great museums, things to do for the kids, and we definitely see that trickle down throughout the county during white marlin open week.” Said Pursel.
Organizers, say they are staying prepared for rough weather, but will keep everyone updated every day. The White Marlin Open will continue events and competitions daily until August 9th.
For more information you can visit their website whitemarlinopen.com
