Ocean City braces for 'Pop-up Rally' car event with stepped up enforcement, higher fines
Ocean City is bracing for a storm of sorts and, no, it's not Hurricane Lee. Instead, the family-friendly resort destination is gearing up for the possibility of a former "Pop-up Rally" car event speeding into town this fall.
Historically, the “Pop-up Rally” car event, also known to many as H2Oi, occurs near the end of September.
In anticipation of the possibility of the event coming back to Ocean City, all roads within the town of Ocean City will be designated a Special Event Zone beginning Tuesday, Sept. 19, through Sunday, Sept. 24, said the Ocean City Police Department in a news release.
While the event appears to have moved on from calling Ocean City its home, the Ocean City Police Department and town of Ocean City want to ensure its residents and visitors that the resort town remains vigilant and proactive to ensure it is a safe and welcoming destination, the release said.
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The history of the "Pop-up Rally"
In years past, the H2O International car show, often referred to as H2Oi, brought nothing but trouble to the town of Ocean City. The unsanctioned car show led to an unruly mix of pedestrians and heavily modified vehicles clogging the streets, with burnouts, doughnuts and other dangerous roadway tricks on display.
The “Pop-up Rally” is a car show driven by social media rather than an organized event with a designated promoter. Therefore, the event can occur whenever and wherever it is promoted on social media. As a result, the OCPD will continue to monitor social media along with having a presence on the resort's roadways.
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In 2018, the H2Oi car show officially left Worcester County to set up shop at a New Jersey hotel. Its promoter condemned Ocean City officials, the media and others, writing in a letter that they unfairly tied the event to a flood of unruly visitors in the town, Delmarva Now previously reported.
Since then, the resort town has experienced quiet Septembers, with tourism stemming from other sanctioned fall events such as Endless Summer Cruisin', Ocean City BikeFest and Sunfest. Nevertheless, the OCPD and town officials will continue to remain on alert for any sudden or future disturbances.
Stepped up enforcement, higher fines come with Special Event Zone
Ocean City's designated Special Event Zone will reduce established speed limits in the zone and increase fines for violations. The maximum speed limit in Ocean City will be reduced to 30 mph.
Additionally, legislation signed in 2020 allows for increased penalties for specific motor vehicle violations. Similar to a Construction Zone, violators will face increased fines or, in some cases, arrest, the release stated.
Also, according to the release, during this time frame, residents and visitors should expect to see a significant police presence within the resort town. Officers will strictly enforce all traffic laws. If the "Pop-up Rally" car event does occur, residents and visitors can expect some traffic congestion, and alternate traffic patterns are anticipated throughout the weekend.
Spectators are urged to keep the sidewalks clear for pedestrian traffic and should not incite the spinning of wheels or “burnouts” by motorists. Officers will enforce all laws for spectators who incite drivers and enforce the violations with the driver.
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Further, with high pedestrian traffic expected, pedestrians are urged to Walk Smart! and always use crosswalks when crossing roadways. Wait for the signal to change, and be sure drivers see you while crossing, the release said.
The Ocean City Walk Smart, Drive Smart, Bike Smart campaign, launched in 2013 in response to an increase in pedestrian injuries, is working hard to educate and save lives, Delmarva Now previously reported. A major part of the campaign involves educational signage, typically in the form of public service announcements, plane banners, boardwalks trams and digital boat boards.
Additional information on the Ocean City Special Event Zones can be found online.
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Olivia Minzola covers communities on the Lower Shore. Contact her with tips and story ideas at ominzola@delmarvanow.com.
This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Ocean City readies for 'Pop-Up Rally' car event formerly known as H2Oi
