What's Up Magazines

Around The City | July/August 2008

By Mary P. Felter

Happy Fourth of July, everyone. It’s been 332 years since the Revolutionary War of 1776, and heaven knows we have been celebrating the 300th anniversary of the granting of the Annapolis Charter all year with more to come. Look around, we have much to be thankful for on this birthday.

I know we are all looking forward to the fireworks display over the harbor as well as family gatherings and recreational outings. Perhaps you would like to start your day with Historic Annapolis Foundation at the home of William Paca, one of Maryland’s four signers of the Declaration of Independence.

In the morning at 9:30 a.m. a naturalization ceremony will be held at Paca House and Gardens for new U.S. citizens. The public Independence Day Festival follows from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with live musical entertainment, tours of the Paca House, and a Revolutionary War encampment. Your children can participate in patriotic crafts, and you can sign your name to a “Declaration of Independence” with a quill pen. Practice a John Hancock flourish! No reservations are required and admission is free.

This may be your opportunity to meet the new president of HAF. John W. Guild was named to the position and as CEO in April. Previously he was executive director of the Staten Island Historical Society where he worked on the Historic Richmond Town village’s restoration, history museum, archive and three historic properties. He officially began his new duties in Annapolis on May 19, according to Barry R. Jackson, chairman of the HAF board of trustees.
Another activity you need to plan for this summer is the 63rd Annapolis Rotary Crab Feast, with tickets already on sale, said chairman Lisa Knoll.

“It’s a joy! It’s a strategic nightmare,” Lisa said with a laugh, “with all those (3,000) people. Running the crab feast is a real business.”

The club stopped holding an auction about three years ago, because the space it used was too valuable a piece of real estate. The club now erects a tent in that area for special reserved seating instead, and personal wait staff will be available. Tables of 10 are sold $1,100 and tables of 12 are $1,320. Regular seating tickets are $55 in advance and $65 at the gate. Children ages 6 to 12 are $25 in advance and $35 at the gate. The big event will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Aug. 1 at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. You can visit the club's website for information and tickets or call Lisa at 410-626-9888. Proceeds benefit charitable organizations.

Cynthia McBride and her cohort Judy Brick at McBride Gallery sent me information about two events. One is the “Red, White and Blue,” a special exhibition in local galleries from July 1 to 31, celebrating the Annapolis 300. You should plan to attend the open houses and gallery receptions from 5 to 9 p.m. July 12. The sponsor is the Annapolis Gallery Association.
The AGA also is sponsoring the 18th annual Art Walk from 5 to 8 p.m. Aug. 21. The delightful event will feature 20 downtown galleries hosting new exhibits and showcasing artists who will demonstrate their skills at various media. You’ll find musicians about the town and light refreshments in the galleries. They will have yellow balloons posted as well as maps and event listings. Stroll our streets and enjoy the visual arts.

And by the way, did you know that Annapolis is a Top 25 Arts Destination in the country? So says American Style magazine. But we all knew how many wonderful cultural activities we have!

In case you didn’t know, we now have a University of Virginia Club of Annapolis, which meets at 6:30 p.m. the last Thursday of every month at 49 West. Fellow Cavaliers are invited to attend the gatherings. Check with membership chairman Laurie Bond at Laurie_bond1@yahoo.com. President is Claire Louder with Ned Dozier as vice president, Susan Broaddus as treasurer, and Tom Spiegel as social chairman. The club’s e-mail is annapoliswahoos@yahoo.com.

Some good news: Peter Bay, former Annapolis Symphony music director who now leads the Austin (Texas) Symphony, and his wife Sarajane welcomed their son Colin into their lives in April. “I’m a happy older first-time dad and holding up!” Peter said.

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Please send your good news and verifiable gossip to Mary P. Felter at mfelter@WhatsUpMag.com; call (410) 267-9390, Ext. 128; or send mail to me at What’s Up? Publishing Group, 929 West St., Suite 208A, Annapolis, MD 21401. Call me about possible photo opportunities as well.

mary p. felter jul 08 aug 08