By Chuck Vranas – Images by the Author
Nothing builds excitement better than the promise of sun, surf, and classic trucks. When given the opportunity to pack a bag, top off the tank, and hit the open road to the promised land it was the perfect way to kick off the arrival of spring on the East Coast. If you dig driving your truck, especially after arriving to your destination, the ultimate festivities-packed weekend was in store for you at the 33rd Annual Cruisin’ Ocean City. Located in the quaint seaside town of Ocean City, Maryland, it was definitely the place to be with well-over 3,000 registered truck and car owners ready to cruise the 10-mile strip and check out just what makes this event so bitchin.
After picking up your credentials at the convention center, it’s time to experience miles of manicured beaches adjacent to a nostalgic boardwalk that extends for miles. Packed with everything you remember as a youngster, the amazing flashback includes plenty of classic amusement park rides, arcades, and the scent of some of the finest beach-style eats waiting to be discovered. Once settled, the Inlet acts as the epicenter for the weekend’s festivities.
Accommodating up to 1,500 vehicles, it directly borders the beach and deep ocean with capacity of over 1,500 vehicles, which fills up fast, but thanks to a fun-filled schedule of other happenings, it turns over regularly. There’s always plenty to see during this wicked horsepower festival as it showcases many of the region’s hottest classic trucks, muscle cars, hot rods, laced with endless details all shimmering under the sun.
One of the coolest experiences is the opportunity to cruise your vintage truck down the historic
boardwalk during one of the scheduled early morning parades while hundreds of fans cheer you on from the sidelines. Known for being a true driving event, this is one show where you won’t find a stream of lawn chairs anchored next to rides, especially with a bevy of other scheduled mini-events located across town at the convention center, Northside Pit & Pub, Jay’s Café, Grand Prix, Seacrets, Green Turtle, Gold Coast Mall, and Papi’s Tacos, to name but a few.
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The Cruisin’ team always strives to raise the bar when it comes to bringing in incredible entertainment and celebrities, headlined this year by everyone’s favorite automotive enthusiast and comedian, Jay Leno, performing live on stage. There was also a Happy Days 50th Anniversary Reunion with Anson Williams and Donny Most as well as custom car builder Chuck Miller showcasing the well-known “Red Baron” and “Bugs Buggy” for visitors to enjoy.
With most events calling it quits by end of the day, at Cruisin’ it’s time to grab a bite and roll back onto the strip while massive crowds line the sidewalks to check it all out well into the night. Numerous trophy award ceremonies and scheduled entertainment throughout the weekend generates even more excitement. This is one show that always reaches capacity well in advance so plan ahead for next year! You can check it all out at specialeventpro.com.
