Labor Day, the first Monday in September, when we recognize the working men and women of our country. For some it marks the end of boating season; for others the return to school. It’s widely recognized as the unofficial end of summer, yet the weather around the Bay is usually full-on summer. Not surprisingly, the long weekend is packed with all kinds of festivals and boating fun, proving once again it really is better on the Bay. Here’s a sampling of the many cool events happening.
National Hard Crab Derby
Quintessential Bay fun. For nearly 70 years, they’ve been racing crabs in Crisfield, MD. Beyond the main event, which features competitive crustaceans on a specially made track, attendees may enjoy crab picking, skiff races, boat docking contests, a parade, arm wrestling contests, games and rides at the carnival, great seafood, fireworks, arts and crafts, live entertainment, and much more. Thursday through Sunday.
CBMM Charity Boat Auction
More than 100 boats will be up for bid at this annual event which begins at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 3, along Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s waterfront campus in St. Michaels. Many types of boats will be available, sail and power, large and small. A flea market-style sale of used boating gear runs from 9 to 11 a.m. There you’ll find all kinds of good stuff, such as ground tackle, electrical equipment, hardware, rope or chain, ladders, fishing tackle, motors, and more.
Deal Island Skipjack Race and Festival
Powerboaters, this one is for you too! Weekend events include a fishing contest, car show, skiff races, docking contests, swim races, a parade, and more. Watch the sailboat races, and reflect on our watermen’s heritage. It’s the main fundraiser of the year for the Deal Island-Chance Lions Club, and 90 percent of the money raised will be used in the local communities.
Labor Day Fun Run
The Chesapeake Bay Powerboat Association is hosting a fun run, meeting at Hart Miller Island 10 a.m. Sunday, September 4. According to the CBPA: they will be meeting at Hartmiller Island inside floating right out front of the Ranger station- Bath rooms. They will wait no longer then 10:30 before leaving to Lee's landing dock bar. Arrive at Lee's at 11:30 and order off the full menu, hang out for two hours or more then leave to a raft up on the Susquehanna flats for a few hours of fun then head back towards home.
Capitol Concert
Help kick off the Kennedy Center’s season Sunday, September 4 at 8 p.m., on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Enjoy 90 minutes of free music featuring patriotic classics performed by the National Symphony Orchestra. A free rehearsal starts at 3:30 p.m. Pair it with a boating experience on the Potomac and spend the whole weekend in the nation’s capital.
boatingindc.com;
kennedy-center.org