120th Annual Firemen’s Convention Parade To Alter Downtown Traffic Patterns

The Maryland State Firemen’s Association comes to town June 17-20 to celebrate their 120th Annual Fireman’s Convention. Once again, the convention will include a parade downBaltimore Avenue. This year’s parade will begin at1 p.m. on Wednesday, June 20.

Downtown traffic patterns will be affected as follows: Beginning at 11 a.m.on the day of the parade, all northbound traffic on Baltimore Avenuewill be diverted to Philadelphia Avenueat 9th Street. The parade, which will utilize the northbound lanes of Baltimore Avenue from 15th Street to 31st Street, will prohibit all traffic on Baltimore Avenue north of 15th Street.

Residents and visitors are likely to see traffic delays onBaltimore Avenueas early as10 a.m.and should expect congestion until after5 p.m. Citizens should consider using alternate routes intoOceanCityduring these times in order to avoid traffic delays.

Heavy pedestrian traffic is also expected along the parade route. Parade spectators are encouraged to watch the parade on the sidewalk, avoiding the median at all times. Pedestrians are reminded to use marked crosswalks while crossing the street. In addition, pedestrians should not take unnecessary risks crossing busy streets against traffic lights and are encouraged to watch for traffic the entire time you are in the crosswalk. Motorists should also be extremely vigilant while driving, keeping constantly aware of race participants, spectators, pedestrians, bicycles, mopeds and scooters.