OCEAN CITY — For the 20th year in a row May 26, local business owners and the community solemnly marched into the ocean dressed in their everyday work wear while trying to contain their overwhelming excitement for the upcoming summer season.
That excitement surfaced as soon as the marchers hit the waves or, more accurately, the waves hit them.
Many business owners have been taking part in this event since it first began.
“It’s tradition, it’s history. It’s a small town event. I’ve been doing it ever since it first started. I went to Goodwill and picked up a suit and I have worn it every time. I have never even washed it. I just hang it up and it’s fine for next year,” said Hank Glaser, owner of Shrivers Salt Water Taffy.
“We really just love being a part of all the community events that happen in town and this is actually one of my favorite ones. Because all the business owners in town come and celebrate the start of the season,” said Kaitlyn Quirk, owner of Bowfish Kids.
While waiting in anticipation, crowds surrounded the podium on the Ninth Street beach and people flooded the Music Pier to try to get a good view.
“Good afternoon, everybody,” Michael Allegretto, aide to Mayor Jay Gillian, yelled in a cheerful voice. He introduced Natalie Ragazzo, a former pageant queen, to sing the national anthem.
“I want to thank everyone for coming to Ocean City. There is nothing better. You talk about family traditions. This is what it’s all about. We wrote the book on it,” Gillian said. “Stay safe and careful out there, look for a guard and just look out for each other. That’s what Ocean City does — we look out for each other and take care of each other. I want to welcome everyone to Ocean City. We are going to have a spectacular year.”
Councilman Bobby Barr did the honors of putting the oversized wooden ceremonial key in place while the crown heads, council members and mascots Martin and Molly Mollusk all gathered around to help turn it to unlock the ocean.
“I think it’s a great tradition. I mean, just riding my bike up here I see so many people that want to come up and kick off the season and it’s the unofficial start and we just look forward to it every year,” City Councilman Terry Crowley said.
“This tradition is amazing. Ocean City is America’s Greatest Family Resort but we also have a lot of great businesses, and this event just symbolizes the start of the season. The businesses get excited and the community gets excited so it’s just a great event,” Councilman Tom Rotondi added.
Once the ocean was officially “unlocked,” it was time for the business owners to march into the ocean in their business attire.
“I just love to swim on a cold day. We are going to celebrate the beginning of an awesome season in Ocean City,” said Michael Kearney of Keller Williams Vacation Rentals.
Realtor John Walton led the group while holding his iconic briefcase in his right hand and a big American flag in the other.
After marching for some time, the group picked up speed and dove into the waves.
Miss Ocean City Grace Oves and Little Miss Ocean City Lyla Clark completely submerged themselves in the water after pushing Junior Miss Ocean City Antonella DiAntonio in a surf chair to shallow water. (She is nursing an injury.)
“I feel great. The water was actually really nice. I can’t complain; I went fully under and I’m not cold right now. This is actually my first time at this event since I’m always in school, so it was great to experience it this year,” Oves said.
“My favorite part was just running in the ocean with everybody and it was so cool to see everyone’s amazing outfits. And it’s a really nice day so the water was very refreshing and fun,” Clark said.
The event concluded and the business owners hurried back to work to prepare for the busy upcoming Memorial Day weekend.
By CAMRYN SCHULTHEIS/For the Sentinel
