Ocean City, MD (March 10, 2025): The Town of Ocean City is gearing up for an exciting St. Patrick’s Day celebration featuring the much-anticipated annual parade and festival. As residents and visitors enjoy the festivities, the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD), in partnership with allied agencies, will participate in the Maryland Border to Border St. Patrick’s Day Impaired Driving Crackdown to ensure safety on our roadways.
Increased DUI Enforcement in Ocean City
Each year, the OCPD receives grant funding for enhanced impaired driving enforcement. From March 13 through March 17, officers will conduct 24 hours of specialized patrols targeting alcohol- and drug-impaired drivers. This enforcement effort coincides with the St. Patrick’s Day Parade weekend and the holiday itself.
In 2024, OCPD officers made five DUI arrests during the same period. This year, residents and visitors can expect an increased police presence, with officers dedicated to keeping our roads safe.
If you plan to celebrate, plan for a safe ride home. The Ocean City Beach Bus offers a $4 Ride-All-Day pass, allowing unlimited rides from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Buses run approximately every 30 minutes, making traveling safely between downtown, midtown, and uptown locations easy. Taxis and rideshare services are also readily available for those seeking direct transportation.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival
The Ocean City St. Patrick’s Day Parade kicks off at noon on Saturday, March 15. It will start at 57th Street on Coastal Highway and proceed south to the 45th Street Shopping Center, where the viewing bleachers and judges’ stand will be located.
Following the parade, the 45th Street Shopping Center transforms into a lively Irish festival from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Attendees can enjoy live music from the Pat O’Brennan Trio, Irish dancers and performances, apparel, souvenirs, and various food and beer selections.
Spectators are encouraged to arrive before 10:30 a.m. to avoid traffic delays. Alternate traffic patterns will be in effect from 63rd Street to 41st Street to accommodate parade participants. There is no rain date for the parade or festival.
For parade information, visit www.delmarvairish.org or contact Buck Mann at 410-289-6156.
See Something? Say Something.
The Ocean City Police Department remains committed to public safety and urges residents and visitors to report suspicious activity. We encourage you to call our Tip Line at 410-520-5136, email us at [email protected], or contact the Police Department at 410-723-6610.
Celebrate responsibly, enjoy the festivities, and help keep Ocean City safe this St. Patrick’s Day!
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