On Sunday, May 22, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum hosts the sponsor-supported Community Block Party that is open to the public and offered free of charge. The event celebrates the Chesapeake’s spirit of community and features several performance stages, free boat rides, live music, regional foods and libations, Chesapeake-related family activities, and more.
The Block Party’s presenting sponsors include CBMM’s Friends Board, Choptank Community Health Services, Phyllis and Marc Castelli and the Carla Massoni Gallery, the Miles River Yacht Club Foundation’s Sink or Swim Program (SOS), and media sponsors What’s Up Magazine and 96.7 WCEI, which will be broadcasting live throughout the event. Among numerous other event sponsors, in-kind sponsors include Eastern Shore Tents & Events, Bay Hundred Covenant Churches, Rommel’s Ace Hardware, and PeachBlossom Events.
The day’s events kick off at 9:00 a.m. with the Bay Hundred Covenant Churches’ tent service, which the public is invited to attend. Free on-the-water activities will be offered, including scenic river cruises on the 1920 buyboat WinnieEstelle, along with sailing and paddling opportunities on several of CBMM’s small craft boats.
Three performance stages highlight the arts, with live music from area bands beginning at 10:00 a.m., along with an under-18 performance stage, and an “unplugged” youth sound stage. Artist workshops using varying mediums will be presented by Ouvert Gallery, with St. Michaels Art League’s plein-air artists capturing the day in paint and providing demonstrations. Family activities include an inflatable playground, Zumba classes, a putting green, face-painting, and more.
The event brings plenty to eat to CBMM’s grounds, including Smith Island Cake, fresh Rockfish, crab balls, and lobster rolls will be available for purchase, including healthy choice options and a selection of sweets and coffee, offered on the Steamboat deck and hosted by San Domingo Fair Trade Coffee & Goods, and Sinful Desserts. The waterfront Oystering on the Chesapeake deck will offer seating with waterfront views and kid-friendly drinks, along with cold beer, and wine.
While at the museum, guests can take in several special exhibitions, including the Hollyday photo exhibition featuring iconic Eastern Shore images in the Van Lennep Auditorium, and the special Chesapeake Ammo, Camo and Calls exhibition in the Waterfowling Building. Boatyard demonstrations will take place throughout the event, with guests seeing progress on the build of a 25’ Hooper Island draketail, which completes this summer.
Entry to the Block Party, its boat rides and CBMM activities is free for all museum guests, with event hours from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Food and beverages will be additional.
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