OCEAN CITY — Among other special events on its regular consent agenda, the Mayor and Council last week approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Delmarva Irish American Club that will continue to produce the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade for the next three years and beyond.
Earlier this year, the Delmarva Irish American Club (DIAC) requested approval for a three-year extension for the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and an associated MOU to define both the club’s and the town’s responsibilities and roles in producing the popular annual event, which has become the second largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the state. Last Thursday, the Mayor and Council approved the MOU with a couple of minor tweaks, essentially endorsing the parade for the next three years with a rolling option for renewal.
The MOU summarizes the details, in-kind services and responsibilities of the town and the DIAC. It lists elements historically provided by the town, sets a ceiling on the financial contribution from Ocean City and defines the cancellation terms, among other things. The MOU sets the ceiling for the fiscal contribution from the town at $35,000, which should not be a problem. This year, for example, the town’s contribution is expected to come in at just over $31,000.
One clause that was removed from the MOU by the Council called for the DIAC to release its financial data from the annual parade. The clause would have required the club to provide a full disclosure of income from the event and donations made with parade revenue to the town’s auditor no later than 45 days after the parade each year.
However, the council waived that clause, pointing out just how much the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade means to the resort each March as it climbs out of the winter doldrums.
“It’s the second largest in the state and the best,” said Mayor Rick Meehan, who is also a DIAC member. “It’s the biggest weekend of the year between New Year’s and Memorial Day and it has definitely become a catalyst for our economy in Ocean City. All of the revenue goes directly to charity and the 85-100 volunteers on parade day are all from the Delmarva Irish American Club.”
With that said, the council voted 5-0 to approve the MOU and renew the application for the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade for the next three year with a rolling option for the fourth year.
The MOU and application renewal for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade was just one of several special events approved by the Mayor and Council last week. Town officials also approved the 3v3 Live OC Beach Soccer Tournament set for July 11-12 this year. In addition, the Council approved a renewal for the Ocean Games, Swim Ocean City and East Coast SUPcup for July 18.