Boat Maryland Week begins Friday, marking the start of boating season on the Bay. You’ve never heard of Boat Maryland Week, you say?
That’s because it’s the “first annual event.” Boat Maryland Week is a ten-day celebration “highlighting the beginning of Maryland’s boating season and the state’s deeply-rooted ties to maritime history,” according to organizers.
The first-time celebration stretches from April 26 to May 5, and encompasses the Spring Sailboat Show at Annapolis City Dock, a National Offshore One Design (NOOD) Regatta, and the Annapolis Junior Keelboat Regatta.
The festivities officially begin Friday, April 26, the first day of the Spring Sailboat Show, with the Boat Maryland kickoff party at City Dock. The party is at Latitude 38 on Dock Street, from 6 to 10 p.m., where the Eastport Oyster Boys will perform live. Boat lovers can party for free with Annapolis’ Mayor Gavin Buckley, Marine Trades Association of Maryland, The Severn River Association, and Art in Public Places. A cash bar is available.
On Thursday, May 2, Annapolis Green will hold an expert panel on plastic pollution in the Chesapeake Bay, followed by its monthly Green Drinks Annapolis gathering at Pusser’s Caribbean Grille.
And on the last day of Boat Maryland Week, the First Sunday Arts Festival highlights maritime art in Annapolis’ arts district on West Street.
In addition to all of the events, Boat Maryland Week includes special exhibits, like one on navigation that showcases original 2-D and 3-D work. A number of art galleries and maritime museums will take part, showing visitors the state’s important history on the water.
Click here to find out about all of the Boat Maryland Week events and participants.
-Meg Walburn Viviano
