Ocean City Pride is a small but big-hearted event, anchored by the boardwalk parade—now set to be an annual event the last weekend in June—and The Buzzed Word’s Pride Prom, now in its 3rd year. It is put together by Meinhardt, Whitlock, and a local group of supporters who, like her, love this town and want to see it encompass everyone in its celebrations.

Pride was launched in 2023 by Mickie Meinhardt of The Buzzed Word, Ocean City’s bookstore, natural wine store, bar, and community space. An OC native, bisexual woman, and business owner, Meinhardt has deep love for her community but became aware, after moving home after 12 years away, how lacking it was in opportunities for LGBTQIA+ people. From the beginning, The Buzzed Word centered queer folx and was a safe space, and it felt natural to Meinhardt to push for a local PRIDE event. In 2022, Meinhardt teamed up with local organizer and drag queen Dakota Whitlock, aka Miss Mann, to host a Pride Prom at TBW—to overwhelming success. In 2023, she spearheaded creating and gaining city approval for a Pride Parade on the boardwalk, the first in the town’s history. So many community members turned out to support, volunteer, and celebrate with such love and joy that everyone involved knew this was an event to make permanent.

Ocean City Pride works with various local and statewide partner organizations for support, including Salisbury PFLAG; Planned Parenthood of Maryland; and St. Paul’s By The Sea; as well as many local business and individual volunteers and sponsors. To become one, see our sponsorship page. To contribute to our efforts to grow Pride, please consider making a donation—every little bit helps.