Sunfest kicks off Ocean City’s ‘Second Season’

Gin Blossoms & Spin Doctors, Wynonna and the Big Noise and Tony Orlando in event line-up

OCEAN CITY, MD –: Sunfest sets up for its 41st year as Ocean City’s flagship event, September 24-27, 2015. An annual tradition for many event-goers Sunfest offers something for everyone with four days of live music, food, arts, crafts and just plain fun by the beach and Ocean City’s historic boardwalk. Admission to Sunfest is free.

Recognized as one of the top arts and crafts festivals in the United States and rated as the leading event three years in row, Sunfest boasts over 250 vendors including over 180 artists. Add to that live music, artist demonstrations, gourmet food and wine offerings, hayrides on the beach and a food tent famous for mouthwatering meal offerings, this is a four-day festival you don’t want to miss. Opening day on Thursday, September 24 begins with a parade down the Boardwalk at 9:45 a.m. starting at the 12th St. Beach Plaza Hotel and arriving at the festival grounds with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10:15 a.m. Event hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Live entertainment plays throughout the event. All entertainment is free with the exception of evening headline shows. Headliners start on Thursday night with an evening of classic hits with Tony Orlando. Country music fans will stomp their feet with Wynonna and the Big Noise. And Saturday brings the 90’s to the beach, when Gin Blossoms and the Spin Doctors take the stage back to back. Tickets for all three shows are on sale at the Ocean City Convention Center Box Office on 40th St. Box office hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Tickets will also be available on site during Sunfest, or at www.ticketmaster.com, 800-551-7328.

Parking is restricted at the festival grounds so it is advised visitors take advantage of the Town’s park and ride services. The West Ocean City Park and Ride on Route 50, just west of the bridge, provides a convenient location for attendees with free parking and shuttle service to and from the South Transit Center on S. Division Street, just one block from Sunfest. Shuttle service is $3 to ride all day.

Special Event express shuttle service is also available at the Convention Center on 40th St., where you can park for free in the south lot and ride the express shuttle directly to Sunfest. Fare is $3 to ride all day, as is the normal Coastal Highway bus fare service. Additional park and ride locations are also located at the Public Safety Building on 65th Street, the municipal lot at 100th St. and Northside Park at 125th St. (walk to bus stop on Coastal Highway).

The $3 ride all day pass is valid for use on Coastal Highway, Park n Ride and Express Shuttle buses from 6am to 6am. Exact fare is required. The Boardwalk tram also will be in service during the event with fare of $3 one way. For additional information regarding bus fares for Senior Citizens, Disabled Persons, Medicare Card Holders and children please call Ocean City Transportation at 410-723-1606 or visit the Public Works Transportation webpage at www.oceancitymd.gov.