OCEAN CITY, Md.- The Maryland State Firemen’s Association continues its 76th annual convention Wednesday at the Ocean City Convention Center, drawing fire companies, locals and families from across the state.
Outside the center, fire trucks line the entrance, turning heads and becoming a big draw for kids, who can received toy fire hydrants as souvenirs earlier. According to organizers, even more trucks, alongside educational displays, vendors, and demonstrations will fill the venue inside.
Organizers say the opening ceremony features several performances, including the Fire Brigade Pipes and Drums, whose music echoed through the venue.
Kimberly Webb, who plays bagpipes with the group, said the crowd energy keeps them going. “It’s fun to see people get involved and hoot and holler and enjoy their time and, you know, the feedback always, like, amps us up,” Webb said.
To prepare for the parade, Ocean City officials say Baltimore Avenue will close to northbound traffic from 14th to 30th Street. Parade staging begins in the Inlet lot at 11 a.m. Parking restrictions in some downtown areas will begin at 8:30 a.m.