OCEAN CITY – What started as a dreary morning in Ocean City turned for the better when the sun came out to welcome the annual Business Persons Plunge.
This year marked the 21st anniversary of a silly Memorial Day weekend tradition to herald in a bountiful tourism season after city officials turn a large wooden key to officially “unlock” the ocean.
The plunge was founded by real estate agent John Walton, who participates every year wearing his iconic suit and rusted briefcase, items that have become synonymous with the plunge. This year, a crowd gathered in excitement at Moorlyn Terrace beach where Martin Z. and Molly Mollusk waited to welcome cheerful onlookers. Dozens of business persons from across the island came dressed in a wide array of outfits, from formal suits and ties to zany costumes. There was a large turnout with many new participants including Matt Leifer of Delaware County, Pa., who expressed excitement not only for himself but for his family.
“I wanted my two little boys to see this. It’s the official start of the summer and it just seems like a blast,” Leifer said.
Among the standout costumes was Pat Logue of Berkshire Hathaway, who transformed into Poseidon with a luxurious white wig and trident. Now in his third year of the plunge, Logue shared his enthusiasm for the event.
“It’s just a great way to celebrate Memorial Day weekend. The seasonal visitors return and get to see everyone all dressed up,” Logue said. “It’s just a really fun way to welcome them back and kick off the summer.”
Anthony Guerriero, owner of the popular fashion store chain Ta-Dah!, is a longtime regular at the plunge. Wearing a dapper suit and patriotic red tie, Guerriero said he eagerly anticipated the start of Memorial Day weekend.
“I’ve been doing it for almost 20 years; it’s just a great way for us to show off the businesses and showcase what Ocean City has to offer,” Guerriero said. “Every year more people come out, it gets bigger and bigger. I just really enjoy it.”
The lunchtime event began with a beautiful rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” sung by Ocean City native Natalie Ragazzo before she turned it over to Mayor Jay Gillian. Gillian spoke about the opening of the season before Ocean City Beach Patrol alumni Fred Miller brought forth the ceremonial wooden key the officials used to “unlock” the ocean and welcome in the summer season.
Shortly after, with a large crowd watching from the railings by the Music Pier loggia and on the beach, Doug Jewell blew the ceremonial conch shell. The resort resident and owner of Air Circus, dressed from head to toe in pirate garb, signaled the start of the plunge. Drums began beating and music filled the air as the throng of people marched into the cool ocean water.
While some waded far out into the water, others quickly returned to shore after getting splashed by the rolling waves, but most were smiling and laughing despite being soaked.
. It didn’t take long for the excited crowd to come rushing back onto the beach, laughing, shouting and thoroughly soaked in the salty waters. Ragazzo remarked on the waters and welcoming nature of the whole scene.
“It was pretty chilly and refreshing but it just feels good to be out here, I’m just happy we lucked out with a hot day today,” Ragazzo said. It had rained earlier in the morning and was cloudy and threatening until about 45 minutes before the start, then the sun came up as if on cue.
“It feels so good to be back in Ocean City, there’s no place like it,” Ragazzo said. “Days like today really help bring people together and there’s something special about that. It’s what makes it feel like home.”
Swashbuckler Jewell shared his pleasure to be a part of such a fun and vibrant tradition.
“I love events like this, having the whole town come out, families and kids together on the beach. It’s the best,” he said.
Ocean City royalty was also present, including Miss Ocean City Lola DeMarco, Junior Miss Ocean City Sarah Avellino and Little Miss Ocean City Stella Fleming. They joined the crowd in the ocean.
Demarco remarked on the surprisingly “refreshing” temperatures and the overall lively atmosphere.
The day was deemed a success as people crowded the beaches and owners returned to their shops, preparing for the Memorial Day weekend rush.
– By EDDIE D’AMICO/For the Sentinel
