October a month of fun

Many folks who live in these parts consider October their favorite month of the year, as the Ocean City beaches empty out, the water remains warm enough for a brisk swim, the morning sands are cool between your toes, the restaurants are still bustling but unrushed, and the weekends are packed with enough events to satisfy everyone in the family.
The month kicks off with one of its biggest events, Harbor Day at the Docks, Saturday, Oct. 1. Already in its fourth year, this special undertaking celebrates the history and heritage (and scrumptious tastes, as well) of the harbor’s maritime past and present. Harbor Day is celebrated between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. along the Sunset Avenue docks of West Ocean City. Featured will be seafood cooking demonstrations, music, artisans and events for the kids.
The annual Chesapeake Celtic Festival will be held the first weekend of October at its traditional venue in Snow Hill. The festival is a celebration of all things Celtic and features music and dancing, storytelling and Celtic art and artistry, and even sheep herding.
Elmo and his friends will visit Salisbury at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 4, to make some music with the little ones at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center. Performances also will be staged at 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., Wednesday, Oct 5.
The following weekend, Oct. 6-9, thousands will turn out for the 14th annual Endless Summer Cruisin’ extravaganza, as some 2,000 classic cars, hotrods, custom rides and trick trucks cruise the Ocean Highway to the Inlet parking lot, where they will be on display to the delight of young and old.
Then the popular Oktoberfest and art and craft fair take place Oct. 14-15, featuring German entertainment, food and drink, and handmade artistry. In its 30th year, Oktoberfest takes place at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center, starting at 11 a.m. both Friday and Saturday. October 14 also is the date of the Second Friday Art Stroll in Berlin, where artists host receptions, and the galleries and stores stay open until 8 p.m.
History buffs will enjoy Firefest at the City Center in Downtown Salisbury, Oct. 17-21, when the Nabb Research Center displays images of the 1886 fire that decimated some 200 buildings in the most destructive blaze in city history.
The city will celebrate the Third Friday in Downtown Salisbury Oct. 21 with a special night of art, music and dining, featuring exhibits by John Orth, Rick Maloof and Dana Simson and a filmfest of short vintage films by the Salisbury Film Society. Performances at the City Center will feature the music of Josh Pryor and Alex & Shiloh.

The Indian summer days of October run by too quickly for most, but those game enough to give our favorite month a run for its money can celebrate the last weekend of the month Oct. 29 by participating in the popular Seaside 10/5K run. This 10-mile or five-kilometer race begins at 9 a.m. and includes a run along the Ocean City Boardwalk, a great way to close out a great month in Worcester County.
By then, it will be time to move your ‘summer’ indoors, which is made possible by your friends at the Francis Scott Key Resort. The resort’s Caribbean Key indoor pool – “where it’s always 84 degrees and sunny” – is the ideal spot to plunge year-round, and an overnight stay makes for a romantic getaway any time of year.
Those who live around here know how to make the most of every month, and October is an especially nice time to be by the beach and the bay.

For more information:
Harbor Day at the Docks:
Visit http://ocharborday.com
Chesapeake Celtic Festival:
Call 410-651-0757, or visit www.celticfest.net
Elmo Makes Music:
Call 410-548-4900, or visit: www.wicomicociviccenter.org
Endless Summer Cruisin’:
Visit www.specialeventpro.com/endless.php
Berlin Art Stroll:
Visit www.berlinmdarts.org
Oktoberfest:
Visit www.oceanpromotions.info/oktoberfest.php
Firefest:
Call 410-543-6312,
or visit http://nabbhistory.salisbury.edu
Third Friday in Downtown Salisbury:
Call 410-430-3112, or visit http://salisburyarts.com
Francis Scott Key Resort,
Rt. 50, Ocean City; 410-213-0088, www.fskfamily.com

Enjoy Breakfast at Goolee's Grill Saturday & Sunday year-round!

Ocean City locals and visitors…

…alike can enjoy the resortís autumnal version of its popular Restaurant Weeks from Sunday, Oct. 2 through Sunday, Oct. 16, a time to enjoy a leisurely meal at an alluring price.
Popular restaurants throughout Ocean City participate in offering specially priced two- and three-course meals, as well as other promotions, sponsored by the Ocean City Hotel, Motel and Restaurant Association. The popularity of June Restaurant Weeks promotions quickly caught on in Ocean City, and the October event is expected to be particularly popular with locals.
“Due to the event’s success and the request from past diners, we decided to organize the event twice a year,” said Susan Jones, executive director of the OCHMRA. The event serves to heighten awareness of Ocean City as a dining destination and to make folks familiar with restaurants they might not have patronized before. Reservations are recommended.
Some 22 restaurants participated in this June’s Restaurant Week, offering diners deals on prix fixe lunches and dinners for $20 and $30. For participating restaurants and additional information, call OCHMRA at 800-626-2326, or visit www.ocvisitor.com.

Written By: Joseph Scott