On Friday, Oct.4, and Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum will host one of the nation’s largest gatherings of small boat enthusiasts and unique watercraft at Mid-Atlantic Small Craft Festival XXXVI.
During the festival, CBMM guests can marvel at the craftsmanship and innovation used in traditional and contemporary small craft while enjoying CBMM’s waterfront campus and indoor and outdoor exhibitions. Hundreds of amateur and professional boatbuilders and enthusiasts come from all over the region to display their one-of-a-kind kayaks, canoes, and other traditional small craft.
Sailing skiffs, rowing shells, kayaks, canoes, paddle boats, prams, and one-of-a-kind boats will be on display and in the water throughout this family-oriented event. Small craft owners hailing from all over the country will also be available to share their knowledge and boating experiences with guests. Scenic river cruises aboard 1920 buyboat Winnie Estelle, live music, and food and beverages will be available to round out the weekend festival.
On Saturday, CBMM Shipyard staff and Chesapeake Wooden Boat Builders School instructors will be on hand to offer boatbuilding workshops and maritime demonstrations. Also beginning at 1pm on Saturday will be a lively Miles River race of small craft, which can be viewed from CBMM’s waterfront and docks.
Festival-goers will be able to vote for their favorite boat, with the People’s Choice award and others announced among participants on Saturday evening.On Sunday, festival-goers are invited to bring nautical items to swap or sell at a traditional swap meet before heading home.
For safety reasons, dogs are not permitted on museum grounds during CBMM festivals, with the exception of certified service dogs.
The Mid-Atlantic Small Craft Festival is free for CBMM members and children 5 and under, otherwise admission is good for two consecutive days and is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, and $6 for children ages 6 to 17, with all CBMM exhibitions open throughout the event. Hours are 10am–5pm both days. For more information, visit cbmm.org/mascf.
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