June 21 marks the beginning of astronomical summer. The summer solstice is the longest day of the year in terms of sunlight hours and what better way to celebrate the long summer days than with a party on the banks of the Chester River on Maryland’s Eastern Shore? Mark your calendars for a special solstice soirée on June 24 when ShoreRivers presents its much-anticipated annual Solstice Celebration at Wilmer Park in Chestertown.
Formed in 2017 when the Chester River Association, Midshore Riverkeeper Conservancy, and Sassafras River Association merged, ShoreRivers is a nonprofit organization committed to reducing pollution and using restoration and education to breathe new life into the waterways of the Chesapeake Bay.
Beginning at 6 p.m. their annual solstice party promises an unforgettable evening filled with live music and dancing, creations from the classically trained Chef Jordan Lloyd, and a live auction.
As the sun falls, guests will be treated to an open bar featuring local craft beverages from Ten Eyck Brewing Company and Crow Vineyards, complete with a signature cocktail, setting the stage for a night of celebration. Guests will dine on a buffet dinner and a unique selection of local dishes crafted by the renowned Chef Jordan Lloyd. Lloyd is a Maryland native raised on the Bay’s waterways. The James Beard chef cofounded Hambleton House with his wife, Alice, in Easton. The catering and events company is dedicated to promoting healthy and sustainable dining.
The highlight of the Solstice Celebration is a live auction. Bid on items such as a secret adventure for six guests on the Chester River with Captain Andrew McCown or a sailing lunch for four on the Catalina 42 Tashtego. Unique vacations and artwork will also be up for auction.
“The solstice indicates the start to summer when so many people flock to the river,” says Isabel Hardesty, executive director of ShoreRivers. “It’s important to gather our supporters together to enjoy what our waterways bring to our communities.” All proceeds from the event will directly contribute to ShoreRivers’ mission of preserving and restoring our cherished waterways.
This year, ShoreRivers will present the 2023 Award for Environmental Stewardship to the Robert F. Schumann Foundation in recognition of their generous donations.
Ticket purchase link: shorerivers.org/events
