MARYLAND

Despite H2Oi cancellation, car enthusiasts head to Ocean City

Liz Holland
The Daily Times
An officer of the Ocean City Police Department stops a vehicle participating in the H2O event  near 16th Street and Philadelphia Avenue in Ocean City.

Car enthusiasts are flocking to Ocean City this week in spite of the cancellation of H2Oi, a popular but notorious event.

Organizers of the show, which showcases heavily modified Audis and Volkswagens, announced two weeks ago that this year's event will be postponed until 2018 because of changes in venue.

"After working extraordinarily hard to provide you with the same quality event that you have come to expect, I am saddened to announce that this year's H2Oi will be postponed until next year," the statement reads. 

BACKGROUND: Ocean City H2Oi event postponed until 2018

But Ocean City police said in a news release they are prepared for a large number of car owners to arrive in the resort town, nonetheless. The event started Monday, Sept. 25, and runs through this Sunday, Oct. 1.

“Due to the increased number of visitors, citizens can expect to see an increased police presence during this event,” said Police Chief Ross Buzzuro. “We want all visitors to enjoy our resort town, but do so in a safe manner and with respect to our laws and local ordinances.” 

Police plan to continue a proactive enforcement strategy with no tolerance for unsafe moving violations and disruptive behavior.

More:Does Ocean City need more tourists? 

Allied agencies will be in Ocean City to assist, including the Maryland State Police, Maryland Transportation Authority, and Worcester County, Wicomico County and Queen Anne’s County sheriff’s offices, according to town police.

H2Oi, which stands for water-cooled import vehicles, is not an officially sanctioned event in the resort.

During 2015's H2Oi event, police responded to 773 service calls compared to 1,096 in 2014. Additionally, arrests totaled 38, well below the 53 estimated Thursday to Sunday average. 

Previous events were based out of Camp Whaley Campground in Whaleyville.

One of the more notorious incidents occurred in 2014. During one large fight around 45th Street, two Pennsylvania men were arrested for assaulting a police horse. 

Town officials have said the majority of the incidents reported are along the lines of traffic violations and disorderly conduct, more than serious crime.

Twitter: @LizHolland5