By Lisa A. Lewis
Annapolis is well known for its symbols and traditions: boating, the Chesapeake Bay, oysters, blue crabs, the United States Naval Academy, maritime history, world-class boat shows, sock burning cele ations, the Navy vs. Army football game. The list goes on and on.
But perhaps one of the most unique, time-honored traditions is the Maritime Republic of Eastport (MRE) Tug of War. A fun event—with an interesting back story—the Tug of War XVII takes place on Saturday at the crack o’ noon at Second Street in Eastport and at City Dock in Annapolis. So are you up to the challenge?
This over-the-water endurance event is definitely a sight to see. Teams of no more than 33 tuggers on each side pull on a specially made rope that is extended over the Annapolis Harbor. The teams are situated on opposite sides of Spa Creek (aka The Gulf of Eastport): on the Eastport side, on Second Street (next to the Chart House Restaurant) and on the Annapolis side, at Susan Campbell Park at City Dock.
Interested in participating in the tug? No problem. Simply join a team on the day of the event. Registration starts at 10 a.m., and the fee is $25.
After the tug of war is finished and the winning team is officially declared, a festive party takes place, featuring music, dancing, and great food and beverages on both sides. To add to the fun, there is a chili cook-off on the Eastport side.
Proceeds from sponsorships, the sale of food and beverages, and tugger fees benefit local charities.
So whether you want to test your strength and participate in the tug or just watch the action, come join the fun. It’s truly an event like no other, and you’ll have a great time. And, most important, it’s all for a good cause. What could be better?
Want to learn more about the MRE and the history of the tug of war? Visit the MRE’s website at www.themre.org.
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*Did You Know?
Tug of war has a very long history. In fact, artwork in a 4,000-year-old tomb in Sakkara, Egypt, depicts teams of three young men pitted against each other in the sport.
Source: The Official Site of the United States Tug of War Association (USATOWA)
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If you enjoy elegant, black-tie events, plan to attend the 8th Annual CASAblanca: An Evening of Glitz, Glamour & Giving gala, presented by Anne Arundel County Court Appointed Special Advocates, Inc. (AACCASA), on Saturday from 7-11 p.m. at Loews Annapolis Hotel.
Since 1997, AACCASA has advocated for abused and neglected children who are involved in juvenile court proceedings through no fault of their own. The non-profit achieves this mission through the dedicated work of volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocates. AACCASA hopes this year’s fundraising event raises $80,000 to provide more CASA volunteers to be voices for abused and neglected children in the foster care system. To learn more, visit www.aacasa.org.
The luxurious gala features a cocktail hour with an open bar and butler-passed hors d’oeuvres, a plated dinner and dessert, a live and silent auction, raffle drawings, and dancing to music by First Class.
The event also honors the following groups and individuals for their commitment and dedication to CASA throughout the years:
- Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County receives the Community Leadership Award.
- First National Bank receives the Corporate Commitment Award.
- Jean White of Annapolis receives the CASA Caring Heart Award.
Tickets are $150 per person ($40 of each ticket is a tax-deductible contribution) and can be purchased online until Saturday at noon. If you have questions, please call Rebecca Tingle, executive director of AACCASA, on her cell phone at 585-943-2325.
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*Proud to Be a Sponsor
What’s Up? Media is honored to be among the major sponsors of this event and support this worthy cause.
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If you’re in the mood for a beer festival, you’re definitely in luck. And if you love Belgian beer, you just hit the jackpot. Head to downtown Cam idge on Saturday from 1-6 p.m. for the Belgian Beer Festival. This event, which is hosted by The High Spot and Stoked, features Belgian-style beers from at least nine eweries, live music, Belgian-inspired food from The High Spot and Stoked, and much more. Admission is $20.
Don’t miss this fun event, which allows you to sample as many Belgian beers as you wish. You may even find a new favorite. And stay after the festival for Second Saturday, when downtown Cam idge shops and galleries stay open late and host special receptions and events.
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*Fun Facts about Belgian Beer
- For a small country, Belgium has a wide variety of beers. In fact, there are approximately 178 eweries in the country that make more than 600 types of beer.
- Many beer ewers call Belgium “beer paradise.”
- If you're used to drinking American or British beers, you may find the flavor of Belgian beers to be too strong.
Source: Belgian-Beer.net
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Check out some other exciting events taking place this weekend:
Annapolis/Anne Arundel County:
- Pressing Strings – November 6, 10 p.m. at Rams Head Tavern, Annapolis.
- A Few Good Men – November 7, 8 p.m. at The Colonial Players, Inc., Annapolis.
- Hearth Cooking & Family Program “Colonial Espionage” – November 8, 10 a.m. at Historic London Town and Gardens, Edgewater.
- Oyster Roast & BBQ – November 8, noon at South Annapolis Yacht Center, Annapolis.
- Jazz on Sunday: Tyler Bartram – November 9, 3 p.m. at Chesapeake Arts Center, Brooklyn Park.
Eastern Shore:
- Moscow Studio: Russian Prints from the Permanent Collection – November 7, 10 a.m. at Academy Art Museum, Easton.
- Easton Farmers' Market – November 8, 8 a.m. at Harrison Street Public Parking Lot, Easton.
- Fall Leaf Watercolor Workshop – November 8, 10 a.m. at Adkins Arboretum, Ridgely.
- Beekeeping: Candle Making – November 8, 1 p.m. at Adkins Arboretum, Ridgely.
- Brasserie Brightwell “Live on the Patio” – November 8, 10 p.m. at Brasserie Brightwell, Easton.
Regional:
- Fiddler on the Roof – November 7, 8 p.m. at Arena Stage, Washington, D.C.
- The Ready Set & Metro Station – November 7, 8 p.m. at Baltimore Soundstage, Baltimore.
- Baltimore Ravens vs. Tennessee Titans – November 9, 1 p.m. at M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore.
To view more events taking place this weekend, please owse our online calendar. And be sure to follow What’s Up? on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
