Watermen's Appreciation Day Sunday August 14th

The Talbot Watermen’s Association is bringing the 7th Annual Watermen’s Appreciation Day to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, Md. and the Miles River on Sunday, August 14, 2016. The event is a joint fundraiser for both organizations.

The “watermen’s rodeo” boat docking contest returns to Navy Point, near the 1879 Hooper Strait Lighthouse. Bleacher seating will be provided for spectators to the contest.

Steamed crabs, beer, and other foods and beverages will be available for purchase. The event is hosted by TWA in cooperation with CBMM, with proceeds benefiting both organizations. The pricing for steamed crabs will be set by July 24, and will be announced at that time on CBMM’s website.

Watermen’s Day also offers the public the rare opportunity to see and board a collection of historic buyboats from around the mid-Atlantic region along CBMM’s docks and waterways, as CBMM hosts the 12th Annual Chesapeake Bay Buyboat Association’s reunion.

These unique craft were used to haul seafood and cargo along the Chesapeake Bay’s waterways before many of the peninsulas were connected by bridges. As the seafood harvest declined and highways became the mode of travel the large graceful buyboats faded from local waters. Today, no more than 30 of the oyster buyboats remain on the Bay. Buyboats at CBMM during Watermen’s Day include F.D Crockett, Nellie Crockett, Thomas J., Prop Wash, East Hampton, 55th Virginia, Iva W., Old Point, and Winnie Estelle.

Beginning at 11 a.m., watch the spirited boat docking contest along Navy Point. Children’s on-the-water activities include a Pot Pie skiff rowing competition, with prizes awarded.

Starting at noon, the classic rock, country, and blues sounds of Bird Dog and the Road Kings will have people tapping their toes and dancing along the museum’s waterfront as the region’s favorite band plays live from the historic Tolchester Beach Bandstand. Also beginning at noon, the day’s catch of steamed crabs—served by watermen—will be available for purchase, in addition to beer, water, soda, hot dogs, hamburgers, ice cream, and more.

Children and families can enjoy games and activities throughout the day, including competing in an anchor toss, line baiting, or a rowboat racing contest. Scenic river cruises aboard the museum’s 1920 buyboat, Winnie Estelle, will take festival-goers out on the Miles River throughout the day.

Bids can be placed on a number of silent auction items, including work by noted Chesapeake artist Marc Castelli. Silent auction bids can be made up until 4:30 p.m., with proceeds supporting the Talbot Watermen’s Association.

Throughout the day, festival-goers can get an up-close view of the museum’s floating fleet of historic Chesapeake vessels, along with a selection of working watermen’s boats. Festival admission also includes entrance to CBMM’s permanent and temporary exhibitions, including the temporary Waterfowling exhibition, Chesapeake Camo, Ammo, & Calls, and full access to the 1879 Hooper Strait Lighthouse.

Josh Harris and Casey McManus from television's Deadliest Catch - F/V Cornelia Marie will be joining the talbot watermen and Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in the Town of St. Michaels, Maryland for Watermen's Appreciation Day & Buyboat Reunion is August 14 in St. Michaels, MD. Get your tickets now at http://bit.ly/WAD2016 . Crab pricing soon to be announced. Stay tuned. 

“Watermen’s Day is an annual favorite among locals and guests alike,” said CBMM President Kristen Greenaway. “You can meet many of the watermen who work to bring seafood to tables across the region, while having a great time celebrating the Chesapeake in such an incredibly authentic way.”

Admission to the 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. event will be collected at the gate the day of the event and includes the boat docking contest, celebrity appearances, and the Bird Dog and the Road Kings performance at $18 for adults, and $8 for children 6-17, with all children under six years of age admitted free. Museum members along with licensed watermen and their families get discounted admission at $10 per adult, and $6 per children ages 6-17. Boat rides, steamed crabs, beer, and additional food and beverages will be available for purchase.

All event parking will be available at St. Michaels High School, with free shuttle service to the museum running throughout the day.

For safety reasons, non-service dogs need to be kept home during CBMM festivals, including Watermen’s Appreciation Day. Leashed dogs are only permitted on the museum’s campus during regular operating hours.

For more information, visit www.cbmm.org or call 410-745-2916.

 Pricing includes the boat docking contest, guest appearances live music with Bird Dog & the Road Kings, children’s activities, and much more. Food and drink are extra cost. This event is a joint fundraiser for the Talbot Watermen’s Association and the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.

FESTIVAL ENTRY PRICING

$18 Adult
$10 CBMM Member Adult & Licensed Watermen Adult*
$8 Children 6-17
$6 CBMM Member Child & Licensed Watermen Child*
FREE Children 5 & Under

*Must show license

Tickets for the event and crabs will be available at the gate, the day of the event. CBMM Member and watermen discounted tickets can be purchased in advance at CBMM’s Welcome Center and Museum Store. Watermen and their immediate family members must show proper identification for discount.

STEAMED CRAB PRICING WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN EARLY AUGUST 

*Absolutely NO CARRY-ON Alcohol is permitted for this event. All alcohol must be purchased on premise with a valid ID.