The Ravens visited Ocean City over the weekend for the team's inaugural Beach Bash, and fans relished the opportunity to interact with players, coaches and cheerleaders.
Running back Anthony Allen, defensive lineman Arthur Jones, linebacker Chavis Williams and cornerback Chykie Brown all participated in the festivities.
"This is unbelievable to have all these Ravens fans out here showing us support," Ravens running back Anthony Allen said. "It's a beautiful thing."
Defensive Coordinator Dean Pees and defensive assistant Matt Weiss also attended.
The players got into town Friday night, and they opened the weekend by singing a little karaoke for the Ravens Roosts, one of the team's fans clubs.
They sang Journey's "Don't Stop Believing" and The Temptations "Ain't Too Proud To Beg," showing that they have more skills as football players than singers. Even though their renditions were slightly tone-challenged, the players were still able to pump up the crowd and have them singing along.
On Saturday, the players, coaches and cheerleaders all participated in the annual Ravens Roost Parade. The Ravens Roosts, which were formally the Colts Corrals, are a fan club that has been visiting Ocean City for 48 years to celebrate Baltimore football.
This is the first year that the Ravens organization brought an official presence to the weekend, holding the Beach Bash in conjunction to the weekends planned by the Roosts and another fan group, the Ravens Nest.
"It's electrically charged here, no question about it," said Ravens Nest Chapter President Don Kunkoski. "I think it's great to reach out like this. It does our group well, it does Ocean City well and it's a wonderful atmosphere.
"This weekend is the highlight of our whole year. We come down here to celebrate the Ravens, celebrate friendships and just have a good time."
After the parade, the players and coaches hit the beach to meet fans, take pictures and sign autographs outside the team's official headquarters, the Clarion Hotel. They also watched a flag football tournament on the beach and even took over the BaltimoreRavens.com video camera to do some fan interviews of their own.
The weekend concluded with a bonfire on the beach, capping off a successful three-day stretch of events.
"This shows how much our fans support us," Allen said. "Ravens Nation goes strong, I wouldn't want to be part of any other organization than this one."
