OCEAN CITY, Md. (WMAR) — After 46 years of taking place in September, Ocean City officials have decided to move the 2020 Sunfest festival to October 1st through 4th.
Traditionally the Sunfest is held the third weekend after Labor Day, but due to 2020 being a leap year the event would have fallen on the same weekend as an unsanctioned car racing event, that has caused problems for the town in the past.
“Our biggest responsibility is the safety of our residents and visitors. Based on public safety and staffing needs, we believe this change is beneficial to all residents and visitors of Ocean City,” said Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan.
The City Council voiced concerns about combining the events, which both draw thousands of people to Ocean City each year.
Substantial traffic, public safety, and event staffing were just some of the concerns raised.
Last year the unsanctioned motor event caused such a disturbance, that Meehan vowed to take action to prevent the group from ever returning to Ocean City.
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