While the weather outside lately certainly has not been representative of anything related to spring, the sun's rays will cross north of the Equator tomorrow, regardless of the temperature outside and welcome spring to Bay Country. While many local yacht clubs and other organizations will host the quintessential burning of the socks tomorrow to usher in the season, you can also set your sights toward the weekend when the Annapolis Maritime will host its Third Annual Annapolis Oyster Roast and Sock Burning. Here's the scoop (or you can purchase tickets here):
Celebrate the coming of spring at this family-friendly feast of the Chesapeake’s most cherished bivalve. The third annual Annapolis Oyster Roast & Sock Burning, a fundraiser for the Annapolis Maritime Museum, will take place at the Museum from Noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 23. Last year over 500 oyster enthusiasts from the Annapolis area attended the event, and even more are expected to attend this year. Enjoy the festivities, including the burning of the socks – a tradition that celebrates the spring equinox – live music, and the chance to show your shucking prowess in an oyster shucking competition. For the young and young at heart, there will be fun activities and exhibits highlighting the area’s unique maritime heritage and the importance of the oyster to the health of the Chesapeake Bay. Of course, there will be plenty of oysters – raw, steamed and roasted. For a modest additional fee, BBQ, hot dogs, hamburgers, beer, wine and soft drinks will be available for purchase. Guests who purchase one of the limited People’s Choice - Best Oyster Dish packages will be wowed by samples of the best oyster dish from eight premier Annapolis area restaurants. “We, the people” will vote for the best oyster dish by competitors: Rockfish, Chart House Restaurant, Azure Restaurant, Carrol’s Creek, Creative Cuisine, Deep Creek Restaurant and Marina, Pirate’s Cove, and Wild Orchid. The People’s Choice Package includes a commemorative event T-shirt and an Oyster Roast ticket, providing access to oysters and event activities. Tickets General admission: $25 per adult, $5 for kids 13 – 18, and free for kids 12 and under. People’s Choice Best Oyster Dish tasting competition: $50. Only 200 will be sold.