January 2015

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41st Annual East Coast Commercial Fishermen's and Aquaculture Trade Expo

The only Commercial Fishing Expo in the Mid-Atlantic Region.  Seminars, fishermen gear, equipment and more.

Hours:
Friday, Jan 17 - 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday, Jan 18 - 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday, Jan 19 - 10 - 3 p.m.

Admission: $15

For more information, please visit www.marylandwatermen.com.

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For more information, visit www.ocshows.com.

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Grand Opening Celebration of the Performing Arts Center featuring the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra

Guest performance by the OC Stars

Good things come to those who wait and after more than a year of construction, the second phase of the improvement project for the Roland E. Powell Convention Center is complete. The Mayor and Ocean City Council will be joined by members of the Maryland Stadium Authority to celebrate the finished project with the official opening of the new Performing Arts Center.

The grand opening will celebrate the accomplishment of the brand new 1,200 seat, two tiered auditorium. The celebration will include a ribbon cutting ceremony and performances by the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Julien Benichou and featuring Israel Lozano. Also taking the stage are Ocean City Elementary School’s OC Stars.

“This event marks a monumental moment in our community’s history,” said Mayor Rick Meehan. “The Performing Arts Center is a focal point for entertainment in Ocean City. It represents a lot of hard work, a strong partnership between Ocean City and the State of Maryland, big dreams and a very bright future for our community. It is a beautiful venue and I am confident that citizens will walk away with a very different experience, a more personal experience, than they will at many other venues in our surrounding area.”

Ticket prices for the grand opening celebration range from $25-$45 and are currently on sale through TicketMaster at www.ticketmaster.com or the convention center box office. In addition to the performance, tickets include complimentary hors d’oeuvres. A cash bar will be available and black tie is optional. 

Time: 6:30  pm - 10 pm (Doors open at 6:15 p.m.)

Ticket prices:
$25 - $45

For more information, call 410-289-2800.

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Blood Bank of Delmarva’s (BBD) OC Cares Blood Drive will return on Wednesday, January 21, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Ocean City Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway in Ocean City.

“Blood donations can slow during the winter months, which makes the OC Cares Blood Drive so crucial to the members of the surrounding community,” said Michael Waite, BBD Director of Marketing & Community Relations.

This year marks the 17th time that Ocean City and BBD have teamed up to host the blood drive. Since its inception, BBD has collected blood from 7,576 donors at this event, and BBD expects – and needs - at least 500 donors to sign up this year.

“With this one blood drive, residents of Ocean City and its surrounding areas can help supply the blood needs of the hospitals on the shore during a critical time of year,” said Suzanne Murray, BBD Account Executive.

In years past, the drive was held on two days; this year’s drive has been condensed to one day with extended hours to better meet donors’ schedules. Everyone who signs up to donate blood receives a chance to win a flat screen TV, as well as other prizes. The blood drive will be housed in the Dockside Hall, which offers donors a beautiful view of the bay.

“It’s great to see the whole community come together to help support the blood drive,” Murray added.

In fact, the town of Ocean City generously supports its many employees who wish to come donate blood during the drive, and members of the Ocean Pines Kiwanis Club have also volunteered their time and assistance to work that day. Many local businesses will be providing free refreshments for donors to enjoy in the canteen after donating blood, including pizza from Dough Roller, donuts from Wawa, chocolates and candy from Candy Kitchen and Wockenfuss, brownies from Applebee’s, and coffee and hot tea from Centerplace Catering. The Worcester County Girl Scouts have also donated 15 cases of cookies to be enjoyed!

Because the need for blood remains constant to ensure an adequate supply for patients during the winter, donors of all blood types are urged to make an appointment. Every blood donation can save up to three lives in the community. Walk-in donors are also welcome.

To schedule an appointment, visit www.DelmarvaBlood.org or call 888 8-BLOOD-8.