The day was sunny and warm, and throngs packed the 18 acre campus of St. Michaels Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum (CBMM) on Sunday, August 11th for the Third Annual Watermen’s Appreciation Day.
Serving up 2400 ears of corn, 214 bushels of crabs, 10 kegs of beer and more than 2000 burgers and hot dogs, the event brought attention to our local watermen, their culture and shared community.
The boat docking contest is always a big hit, and this year, even a 10 year old participated and had a strong showing. Boats came from all over the Chesapeake Bay to execute in front of hundreds the docking they do twice a day alone, in boat harbors up and down the Bay. The crowds cheered and black smoke blew as watermen tried to beat their colleagues at moving, docking and tying up boats at a dock made specially for the occasion. Visitors peered over balconies, lined the docks and filled the harbor watching the affair.
The food lines were long, and visitors perused a large silent auction, watched nets being made by hand, visited sales and education booths and learned about the local watermen’s culture.
Bird Dog and the Road Kings rocked the crowd, and special guests Edgar Hansen and Nick Mavar of the Discovery Channel’s Deadliest Catch joined Liz Choate and Jessica Cavalier of the History Channel’s Swamp People in signing autographs and posing with museum guests for photos. They even autographed a dog’s backside.
Event organizer Lisa Gowe of the Talbot Watermen’s Association said that the event is designed to give the public a peek into the life of local watermen communities. Bunky Chance, President of the Association said “this is what we do. These watermen are decent, hardworking people, and all anyone ever hears is about the bad stuff. This day is about showing everyone who we really are.”
Local watermen donated crabs and their time, cooking and serving up the crabs all afternoon long.
And in the typical style of a tight community who takes care of its own, a photograph of Matt Garrett, a local watermen who died in an auto accident in June was auctioned off with a goal of supporting Garrett’s young daughter’s education. Numerous locals bid on the item, in increments of $1000. Joe Spurry of Bay Hundred Seafood won the auction, giving $12,000 to the education fund and the framed photo to Garrett’s family.
Now that’s a sign of how this community really works together.
With the growing success of this event, you might as well plan on blocking off your schedule for next year. You can count on it being a big day and a fun time for the entire family.
..
John Beever says
Had a great time. Crabs were awesome. Corn was delicious. Entertainment was great.
Hopefully there will be more tables next year, and more soda and water stations.
This was my first visit to museum, and I look forward to coming back when I can spend more time to enjoy exhibits.
pamela todd pitt says
Please do come back. Meet the staff at CBMM and tour all the buildings. Bring your children and grandchildren because there is something for all ages to enjoy.
Shirley Berson says
This event is simply wonderful! Thank you to all who gave so much of their time and efforts to make it so awesome! A million thanks! You are all great!!
We felt so lucky to be able to go to this and enjoy!! Shirley and Paul
pamela todd pitt says
Dennis and I had a wonderful time. It was our third year and the crowd just keeps growing.
We will always support our Watermen!
p j lynch says
The hospitality of the watermen, their families, and the celebrity guests couldn’t be topped. An outstanding event! Thanks to all involved.