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Last year, I went as part of a photography workshop. We'd headed down to the waterfront just in time to shoot some night shots of the illuminated ships. The photo above is one of them. Really beautiful stuff.
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This time around, I went for a more personal approach.
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One of my long-time best friends is currently dating a guy who works on the Lady Maryland. Naturally, I had to meet him to give my approval. (I do). His arrival in town happened to coincide with Chester River Runoff's performance at the Fish Whistle. Total win-win situation.
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Chester River Runoff's performances are always a great time. Full of foot stomping, arm linking, and singing along. The only difference this time were the influx of sailors. A few of them were even in "tall-ship period" attire, complete with tiny pipes and top hats. Only in Chestertown.
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Downrigging Weekend events, though, don't only take place in the evening. This year, Chestertown had a pretty impressive lineup.
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In addition to the aforementioned illuminated ships, storefront scarecrows, and longtime favorite fireworks, the event ought speakers, workshops and family-friendly activities to to the downtown area.
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On Thursday, for example, Ryan Lizza, Washington Correspondent for the New Yorker, made his way to the Garfield Centre for the Arts at the Prince Theatre to give a lecture entitled "The Politics of Climate Change," followed the next day by Dava Sobel, who discussed her book Longitude—The True Story of the Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time.
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And, on Sunday, Chestertown's children were welcome aboard the visiting Tall Ships to do some pre-Halloween trick-or-treating. And, they could ing along adults for an Open-House.
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Saturday's weather, though, put a slight damper on the festivities. Tons of events had to be canceled. But, I can't say any of us blame poor planning, here. Who'da thunk that we'd have sleet and snow during late October?
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Yuck on all accounts.
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But, even with the nasty precipitation, I'd say that Downrigging was a success. I had fun, at least. And, if you didn't make it this year, mark your calendars for 2012. It's generally planned for the last weekend in October.
