Leave it to Eastport to create an unconventional and community-minded fundraiser! The 4th Annual Oyster Roast and Sock Burning, held on Saturday, March 22, brings together all ages and raises funds for the Annapolis Maritime Museum–a truly integral piece of Annapolis. Keep reading to learn more about this whacky yet fun fundraiser.
What is it?
As you found out above, this event functions as a fundraiser. However, the Oyster Roast and Sock Burning is also a celebration of the tasty produce of the Chesapeake Bay. Purchasing a ticket contributes to the museum fund and, if you purchase a certain ticket, you can sample oyster dishes from eight local restaurants and vote for your favorite. Raw, steamed, and roasted oysters will show up the event. Some of the raw ones will also be used in an oyster shucking competition.
The sock burning part is also a celebration, as strange as that might seem. The Annapolis Maritime Museum has been burning socks to announce the coming of spring and boating season for years. Bring yours and join the fun.
Where and when is it?
The beautiful waterfront campus of the Annapolis Maritime Museum hosts this event. The festivities last from noon to 4 p.m.–plenty of time to taste, shuck, burn, and socialize! Arriving early might be smart as just last year, more than 750 people participated and those numbers are expected again.
What else is provided?
As usual with these great community events, live music, food, and varied forms of entertainment are offered. Annapolis favorites, The Eastport Oyster Boys, will perform upbeat, easygoing tunes.
A 1902 Skipjack will be awaiting explorative guests for boat rides outside the museum. Participants can learn about dredging and oyster harvesting. The sail departs at 12:15 and again at 2 p.m. The sailing tour costs (see more in the ticket price section below).
Oysters aren’t the only seafood that shine at the event, though! This year welcomes a new food addition–Maryland Crab soup. Additional food, wine, beer, and drinks will be available on site.
How much is it?
There are two ticket categories: the general admission and the “People’s Choice.” The general admission ticket costs $25 and does not include sampling oyster dishes and voting in the competition. The “People’s Choice” ticket does include sampling and voting. This ticket costs $50.
Sailing on the Skipjack costs $20. Tickets for the sail and the event must be purchased ahead of time. Don’t delay in purchasing tickets–space is limited! Tickets can be purchased on www.Amaritime.org.
For more information about this Annapolis tradition, visit the site above or call 410-295-0104 ext. 4.
Happy burning, shucking, and sampling to you and yours.
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