Expect Altered Downtown Traffic Patterns During 121st Annual Fireman’s Convention

The Maryland State Firemen’s Association is currently celebrating their 121st Annual Fireman’s Convention. Once again, the convention will include a parade down Baltimore Avenue on Wednesday, June 19 at 1:00 p.m.

Downtown traffic patterns will be affected as follows: Beginning at 11:00 a.m. on the day of the parade, all northbound traffic on Baltimore Avenue will be diverted to Philadelphia Avenue at 9th Street. No traffic will be allowed on Baltimore Avenue from 12th Street to 31st Street.

Baltimore Avenue should experience congestion between 11:00 a.m. until shortly after 5:00 p.m. Citizens should consider using alternate routes into Ocean City during 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 parade participants, spectators, pedestrians, bicycles, mopeds and scooters.