OCEAN CITY, Md. — Mark your calendar and adjust your travel plans the annual Maryland State Firefighter’s Parade is going to be a lot of fun but it's also going to disrupt traffic in Ocean City this week.
The parade is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, June 18. It begins at 1:30 p.m. If you are driving through the area be prepared for road closures, parking restrictions, and increased pedestrian traffic in downtown Ocean City throughout the day.
In order to deal with the influx of people and all the participants in the parade the Ocean City Public Works Department will implement a modified traffic pattern starting around 11 a.m.
Parade staging will take place in the Inlet Parking Lot and because of that parking will be restricted from Row “D” southward to make space for fire trucks and participants.
Once the parade begins those same fire trucks and participants will leave the Inlet Parking Lot and head north on Baltimore Avenue, starting at 14th Street and ending at 30th Street. Northbound lanes of Baltimore Avenue will be closed to general traffic during the parade and open only to people who are actually in or helping with the parade. Vehicles traveling northbound will be rerouted west on 15th Street.
Parking restrictions will be in effect beginning at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday in the following areas:
- Baltimore Avenue between 12th Street and 31st Street
- 15th Street between Baltimore Avenue and Philadelphia Avenue
- 12th Street between Baltimore Avenue and Philadelphia Avenue
Traffic delays are expected along and near the parade route. Those not attending the event are advised to use alternate northbound routes, such as Philadelphia Avenue beginning at 9th Street or St. Louis Avenue, to avoid congestion.
Pedestrian traffic is also expected to be heavy, especially along the parade route.
The Ocean City Police Department encourages all attendees and motorists to plan ahead, remain patient, and prioritize safety.