OCEAN CITY — Ocean City
has spent millions marketing itself as a go-to family destination for years,
and this week, it announced a new partnership with the biggest name in family
related destinations and products: Disney.
Tourism Director Debbie
Turk told the Mayor and Council this week that she had pursued a partnership
deal with Radio Disney that will bring a seven-date free concert tour entitled
the “Sizzlin Summer of Stars” on the beach near North Division Street this
summer.
“Disney is the best
branded family name that you can be associated with, and we had approximately
$116,000 in grant money that had to be used in a venture different from our own
campaign and this is the perfect fit,” Turk said.
This Saturday at 3 p.m.,
the first of seven concerts spread out throughout the summer will take place
just steps from the Boardwalk at North Division street, featuring Disney
singer/songwriter Anna Margaret and recent Radio Disney “Next Big Thing” winner
Jasmine Sagginario.
Radio Disney is based
out of Philadelphia (640 AM) and features songs from some of Disney’s newest
stars, according to Turk.
“This goes right along
with all the free and fun family events that we are trying to offer our
visitors and our residents,” said Turk. “We think that it will draw in people
just for these events alone, and studies have shown that there is a huge trust
factor with their audience just based on the places that are linked with the
Disney name.”
Turk said that the
town’s advertising agency, MGH, is developing website information and graphics
that will be featured on the town’s website, which should create excitement
about the events.
On Aug. 15, there will
be a meet and greet with “Hannah Montana”
actor Jason Earles and a prop from the set of the hit Disney show, which is
coming to an end for good at the end of the season, will be given away through
online registration on the town’s website.
“This is just the type
of thing that we’ve been looking for,” said Mayor Rick Meehan. “It qualifies
for the type of thing we need to use to grant money for, and it gives us more
added value and more free outdoor family fun for our guests. Plus, you can’t get a more established name
for the town of Ocean City to be associated with than Disney.
Turk also noted that the
final concert of the season, which will take place on Aug. 22, features a band
called All Star Weekend, which Disney has been calling the next Jonas Brothers.
“If you have kids and
you know who these kids are, it’s going to be a big thrill for them this
summer, and it’s totally free,” said Turk.