It will cost you more to park at the inlet parking lot in Ocean City on the Fourth of July, but the $50 flat fee will cover all day.
Ocean City officials said the change will allow visitors to come as early as 5:30 a.m. and stay as late as midnight without paying an hourly rate. The usual cost to park in summer is $3 per hour.
If the lot doesn't fill up, latecomers will be allowed in starting at 3 p.m. for a $30 fee.
Both rates allow only one entry.
As holiday regulars know, parking will be at a premium in town over the long weekend. Officials encourage visitors to use the bus, which charges $3 for an all-day ride, or take the shuttle from the West Ocean City Park & Ride.
Boaters will also be affected by the fireworks and festivities. In the evening, the Route 50 bridge will remain closed to boat traffic from 9:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
For more information, go to oceancitymd.gov.
