DECEMBER 11, 2025
FREE
BERLIN • NORTH WORCESTER COUNTY• OCEAN PINES
Fire assn. pursues Berlin for its parade Traditional part of annual state convention sees loss of participation in resort
TARA FISCHER/BAYSIDE GAZETTE
BERLIN PARADE Santa Claus has been moved back from the last entry to front of the Berlin Christmas Parade in recent years to allow the children to get a look and waive from the jolly one. Thousands turned out last Thursday night for the annual parade. Top, Trimper’s float is pictured. See story on page 3.
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Dec. 11, 2025) The Maryland State Firefighters’ Association wants to relocate its annual June parade from Ocean City to Berlin; and intends to make a formal presentation to the mayor and Town Council in January. Mayor Zack Tyndall advised the council that the association’s request was brought to the mayor’s attention by Berlin Fire Company President David Fitzgerald, who said the association had seen declining participation in its annual Ocean City procession. He attributed that to the parade’s summertime Wednesday timeslot and the traffic that generates along the route. After surveying members, the association found many would attend more readily if the parade were held on a weekend. However, as the event is scheduled for June, Ocean City’s prime tourist season, a Saturday parade on June 20 would pose logistical challenges that are not easily manageable for the resort destination. “Taking that feedback, the [Maryland State Firefighters’ Association] See STATE Page 5
SAME GREAT OWNER, SAME AMAZING STAFF Serving the Community for over a Decade
GARDNER PT of Ocean Pines 11204 Racetrack Rd, Suite 101 • Ocean Pines, MD, 21811 410-208-1525
GARDNER PT of West Ocean City 12472 Sea Oaks Ln, Unit 1 • Berlin, MD 21811 410-747-3522