OCEAN CITY, Md. - As boats filled the Ocean City marinas for the start of the 53rd White Marlin Open, businesses across Ocean City prepared for one of the busiest weeks of the year.
For many locals, the internationally recognized fishing tournament represents more than just competition on the water; it's a major economic driver that brings thousands of visitors to the resort town.
Restaurants, shops and vendors spend months preparing for the influx of visitors, with many relying on tournament week to boost business during the summer season.
One of the tournament's biggest attractions on land is Marlin Fest, held at the Ocean City Inlet. The festival features local vendors selling everything from handcrafted jewelry to White Marlin Open merchandise while allowing businesses to connect with visitors from across the country.
General Manager of De Lazy Lizard Kane Prozzillo says this is a weekend that the restaurant looks forward to all year given the influx of visitors.
"These weekends are huge," says Prozzillo. "They definitely bring a lot of attraction to Ocean City."
Prozzillo tells CoastTV that bad weather in years prior stunted business, and is hoping for better luck this year.
"It's really important for the employees, the locals, the vendors around here and everything," Prozzillo says. "Not just the businesses, it just makes everyone boom for the week."
Marlin Fest vendors like Gavin Hain of Old Town Wind Bells say the opportunity to showcase products at the inlet is one he and his family are extremely grateful for.
"This is always really good to us," says Hain, who is participating in Marlin Fest for the fourth consecutive year. "It helps expand our reach."
Hain says he has seen the event draw customers from far beyond the Maryland coast.
"We get people from all over," Hain says. "A lot from Florida, even Texas down around the Panhandle.
Some guys are even from the islands and are specifically here for the tournament."
While anglers head offshore in pursuit of prize money and record-breaking catches, local businesses benefit from the crowds gathering throughout Ocean City, creating an economic ripple effect that extends well beyond the marina.
Marlin Fest runs daily through Aug. 8 at the Ocean City Inlet from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
