4th of July weekend wraps up, and Ocean City officials look forward to White Marlin Open
OCEAN CITY, Md. – Ocean City was packed with visitors and locals over the Fourth of July weekend. The holiday did not pass without controversy, but officials called it a success overall.
According to Ocean City police, a group of individuals launched fireworks into a crowd on the boardwalk, causing confusion and sending people running for safety from what they believed were gunshots.
Morgan Kerr, visiting from Pennsylvania, said watching the incident unfold was shocking.
“They threw some into the trash can, and they started exploding out in the crowd. It was a little traumatic watching the families pick up their kids and run away for safety,” she said.
Police confirmed to WMDT that no firearm-related injuries occurred during the incident.
Town officials are now turning their attention to the next major event: the White Marlin Open, just weeks away.
Local resident Donna Rider said she always looks forward to the fishing tournament.
“I’ve lived down here for years. The people are really nice, the boardwalk, the police, everything is on top of it. You can’t beat it. It’s really a nice occasion to come out here, even if you can’t fish,” she said.
Organizer Madelyne Motsko said she is planning for a big turnout.
“We’re expecting 400 boats to participate, and about $10 million in prize money will be awarded,” she said. “The 52nd annual White Marlin Open will be held Aug. 4 through 8 this year. Our weigh-in area is at Harbour Island in Ocean City.”
There will be weigh-ins each day.
