Sunfest Attendance Jumps By 30,000

OCEAN CITY -- The 38th Annual Sunfest weekend festivities drew a crowd of roughly 185,000 people to the Inlet Lot and beach Thursday-Sunday, Sept. 20-23.

Rated by Sunshine Artist, “America’s Premier Show and Festival Magazine,” the second best tradition art and craft show in the nation, Sunfest featured over 180 crafters, along with live music, hayrides on the beach and a wide and delicious offering of food. With sunny skies and warm temperatures, this year’s event attracted nearly 30,000 more visitors than last year.

“We are so thrilled with Sunfest,” said Thomas Shuster, Director of the Town of Ocean City’s Recreation and Parks Department. “We had outstanding vendors, great entertainment, fabulous weather and the largest attendance since 2008.”

Also celebrating this weekend’s success were a series of raffle drawings, and the winners were announced at the conclusion of Sunfest 2012.

American Legion Sinepuxent Post 166 and American Legion Auxiliary Unit 166, grand prize $20,012 was awarded to Debbie Rosetti.

Ladies Auxilary and VFW Post 8296, all-expense paid vacation for one week in Marathon, Fla. was won by Martha Olsavsky.

St. Luke’s Church, grand prize $20,000 was won by Larry Longlott; $2,500, Carol Hawkins; $500, John Roth.

Worcester County Humane Society, cat basket, Robin Brown; dog basket, Pam McGarth; and quilt, Christine Drew.

Believe in Tomorrow National Children’s Foundation, grand prize, $2,000 Exxon gas card, Barb Harter; second prize groceries for a month, S. Wilson.