OCEAN CITY, Md. — As Ocean City prepares for its annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and festival, the Ocean City Police Department is stepping up impaired driving enforcement. From March 13 through March 17, officers will conduct 24-hour patrols as part of the Maryland Border to Border St. Patrick’s Day Impaired Driving Crackdown. Officers will be vigilant for alcohol- and drug-impaired drivers throughout the holiday weekend. In 2024, the department made five DUI arrests during this time, and this year, the agency is increasing its presence to ensure the safety of both locals and visitors. Ocean City officials are encouraging those celebrating to plan ahead for a safe ride home. The Ocean City Beach Bus offers a $4 Ride-All-Day pass, operating from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. with buses arriving approximately every 30 minutes. Taxis and rideshare services are also available. The Ocean City St. Patrick’s Day Parade will begin at noon on Saturday, March 15, starting at 57th Street on Coastal Highway and traveling south to the 45th Street Shopping Center. The parade will conclude at the shopping center, where the viewing bleachers and judges’ stand will be located. Following the parade, the 45th Street Shopping Center will host an Irish festival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring live performances from the Pat O’Brennan Trio, Irish dancers, and various food, beer, and merchandise vendors. Officials advise attendees to arrive before 10:30 a.m. to avoid traffic congestion. Temporary traffic patterns will be in effect from 63rd Street to 41st Street to accommodate the event. There is no rain date for the parade or festival.
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