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Council considers hosting Maryland State Firemen’s Association parade; logistics and business impacts under review
Summary
The Maryland State Firemen's Association has asked Berlin to host its parade, likely on a Juneteenth weekend. Council asked for details about volunteer deputization, route closures, business impacts and estimated scale; staff requested the association present in January.
Mayor relayed a request from David Fitzgerald, president of the Maryland State Firemen's Association, to consider hosting the association's parade in Berlin. The association is exploring moving the event from Ocean City to a weekend (likely Juneteenth) to boost participation; Fitzgerald and the chamber would help with logistics and volunteer support.
Council asked for detail on staffing and closures. The mayor noted the association typically provides volunteers who can be deputized by the sheriff’s office for traffic and event support. Council members raised concerns about possible business impacts from closing Main Street and requested specifics about how volunteers would support staffing so town staff would not be unduly burdened.
Route and queuing options were discussed: the association might queue apparatus at the Worcester County athletic fields and then travel up Main Street to Route 50, with a final gathering at a casino venue. One council member referenced an estimate of "several 100" fire-company apparatus, which prompted discussion about whether full or partial road closures would be needed and whether the town would need to coordinate with county authorities for use of fields.
Council asked Fitzgerald and association representatives to present at the council’s first January meeting with more detailed plans on volunteer staffing, route, business engagement, and county coordination.
