OCEAN CITY — The coastal area is getting ready for one of the hottest hot rod shows on the East Coast, the 26th Annual Cruisin’ Ocean City, as it returns May 19-22.
The nationally recognized event attracts more than 3,500 customs, hot rods, street machines, classics and more from over 20 states plus Canada. The 26th Annual Cruisin’ will have more than 10,000 event participants taking part in various car shows at the Convention Center on 40th Street, the downtown Inlet parking lot and various citywide locations.
Scheduled to appear at this year’s Cruisin’, from the hit television show “Vegas Rat Rods,” custom car builder Steve Darnell will be at the event Friday and Saturday, May 20-21. As the mastermind behind all the builds at Welder Up, Darnell will be on site to talk about all of his wild creations, Friday inside the OC Convention Center and Saturday at the beachside Inlet. Also joining in on the fun will be television and movie star Alexandra Paul, best known for her role as “Lt. Stephanie Holden” on “Baywatch” and loved by car enthusiasts for her role as Leigh in the horror masterpiece “Christine. She will be at the event Friday, May 20 at the Inlet parking lot and Saturday, May 21 at the OC Convention Center.
Plus make sure to check out the 1958 Plymouth Fury “Christine Show Car,” which will be on display inside the Convention Center Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, May 19-21. This beauty just graced the cover of Mopar Magazine and is sure to be a show stopper. Additional entertainment includes live music, games, celebrity star DJs, Cruisin Gold Deejay and more.
On Thursday night, May 19, attendees should be sure to check out The Doo Wop Project, back by popular demand, live in concert at the Ocean City Performing Arts Center (located inside the convention center. This show features stars from the Hit Broadway shows “Jersey Boys” and “Motown the Musical.” Hear some of your favorite songs by Smokey Robinson, The Temptations, Four Seasons, Michael Jackson, Jason Mraz and more. This will be an evening of legendary songs you won’t want to miss. The doors open at 7 p.m. and show time is 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 and $35 and can be purchased by calling or visiting the Ocean City Box Office 1-800-OC-OCEAN or Ticketmaster 1-800-551-SEAT. For more information on the concert visit www.oceancityconcerts.com.
Another great featured activity held as part of Cruisin’ is the Express Auctioneer’s Collector Car Auction inside the convention center Thursday, May 19 and Friday, May 20, featuring hot rods, muscle cars, exotic cars and more. The preview will begin at 9 a.m. and the live auction begins at 10 a.m. both days. This is a great opportunity to sell your ride or pick up a new one just in time for the summer. For more information on the auctions, or if you are interested in being a seller or a buyer, visit www.occollectorcars.com or call 410-365-2759.
Some of the country’s top national names will be showcasing their products in the manufacturers midway at the Inlet parking lot including Advance Auto Parts, Axalta Coating System, Baer Brakes, Chevrolet Performance Division, Eckler Industries, Flaming River, Flowmaster, GEICO, Goodmark, Grundy, Holley Performance, K&N Filters, March Performance, Meguiar’s Car Care, Miller Electric Welding, OPTIMA Batteries, QA1 Precision, Radley Chevrolet, Ridetech Suspension, Ron Francis Wiring, Slide-Lok, Speed Unlimited, State Farm, Summit Racing, Tremec Transmissions, USA Lifts, Wissel & Walsh Insurance and more.
At the convention center, there willbe House of Kolor, Mishimoto, Treasure Motorcar Services and many other vendors selling automotive merchandise along with arts, crafts, jewelry, T-shirts plus other specialty items both inside and outside. New this year check out the Cruisin’ Swap Meet taking place inside the OC Convention Center Friday and Saturday 9am-5pm. Find that part you’ve been searching for.
Additional Cruisin Ocean City highlights are the special Boardwalk Parades that will take place Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings. Staging beings at 27th Street on the Boardwalk and the parades begin at 8 a.m. from North Division Street going south to the Inlet.
On Sunday, the Grand Finale Awards will take place at the Beachside Inlet. Before Cruisin’ comes to an end there will be more than 500 trophies, plaques and awards presented plus over 3,000 giveaways.
There is so much to see and do at this year’s event so make sure to mark your calendars for May 19-22 and cruise on down to Ocean City Maryland for the 26th Annual Cruisin’ Ocean City. Tickets are $10 a day for Thursday and Sunday and $15 a day for Friday and Saturday, good at both locations. Children under 14 are free with an adult. Show hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday with the Grand Finale Awards starting at 2 p.m.
For additional information visit www.cruisinoceancity.com or call 410-798-6304.