OC Council Approves Longer Contract For Free Special Events Aimed At Providing ‘Goodnight Kiss’ For Visitors

OCEAN CITY — The summer-long fireworks displays, laser shows, concerts and other free special events will continue this year and beyond after Ocean City officials voted to extend the contract for the promoter of the activities.

The Mayor and Council last week voted to extend the Tourism Advisory Board (TAB) annual $300,000 contract to produce the free, value-added special events such as the popular fireworks displays, laser shows, concerts on the beach and at other various venues, Sundaes in the Park and many others through 2017. TEAM Production’s Bob Rothermel, who, along with Jack Hennen, produces many of the value-added special events that have become so popular during the summer and throughout the shoulder seasons, was seeking an extension through 2018, but after considerable debate, the council voted to formally approve the contract extension through 2017 with at least tacit support for an extension through 2018 and beyond.

Rothermel explained the $300,000 investment in TAB has been typically extended in one-year increments, which has somewhat curtailed TEAM Productions’ efforts to secure long-term commitments from private sector sponsors and to take advantage of the cost savings associated with longer-term private contracts. He said TEAM’s successful track record warranted an extension beyond just one year and would help the public-private partnership to explore new special events.

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