Ocean City Air Show grounded for second straight day

OCEAN CITY, Md. - After hours of hopeful waiting both on the ground and in the sky, organizers of the Ocean City Air Show delivered the news no one wanted to hear, persistent low clouds and fog forced the cancellation of Sunday’s aerial performances.

“We have been wishing that the clouds would rise,” organizers announced over the loudspeakers. “But unfortunately, it is that time of the day when we officially have to announce the closing of the air show in Ocean City.”

For visitors like Diane Grooms, who drove in from Washington, D.C., the news was a letdown. “A little disappointing,” Grooms said. “But it's still nice to be in Ocean City.”

Despite the fog grounding the iconic Blue Angels and other aircraft, many spectators stayed to enjoy the atmosphere. Crowds gathered to play cornhole, dance, browse merchandise tents, and interact with flight crew members, who signed autographs and posed for photos.

“You can still have fun, even in this bad weather,” Grooms added.

Although the main event didn’t take flight, one local did get a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Ocean City firefighter Tom Saunders had the rare opportunity to fly with the Blue Angels earlier in the week.

“Extremely humbled and extremely blessed to be able to be selected,” Saunders said. “It's truly an honor and a blessing to have these men and women fly for us.”

Ahead of the show, Blue Angels Commanding Officer and Flight Leader Adam Bryan shared his personal connection to the area. “As a young college student, I remember coming out here to Ocean City,” Bryan said. “My wife's family is from the Maryland area, so we have some ties back here.”

Although skies didn’t clear in time for the high-flying spectacle, beachgoers said the spirit of the show still soared, and many are already making plans to return next year, hoping for sunnier skies.