Monday, May 7 – Springfest Cut Short By High Winds

OCEAN CITY – High winds, gusting up to 50 mph in some areas, forced Ocean City officials yesterday to cancel Springfest early.

Springfest, Ocean City’s official launch to the peak season, began on Thursday with live entertainment, arts and crafts and an abundance of food and drinks all under the big tents.

The event was to run through yesterday afternoon with activities planned throughout the day. However, a passing front brought high winds and overcast skies to the resort for much of the day.

Ocean City Public Relations Director Donna Abbott released a statement Sunday announcing the town’s decision to close Springfest, which has often been disrupted in the past by weather conditions, leading many to nickname it “Stormfest.”

“Ocean City’s Springfest has been closed today due to high winds. The festival, which opened Thursday, was scheduled to wrap up its 17th annual celebration today at the Inlet lot,” the release read. “The National Weather Service has placed Ocean City under a high wind warning from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. today, causing Springfest to close.”

The upcoming special event event schedule for Ocean City includes this weekend’s White Marlin Festival and Crab Soup Cookoff, Cruisin’ on May 17-20 and the Memorial Day holiday weekend to close out May.