As perhaps the most integral, rallied-behind aspect of Annapolis, the United States Naval Academy turning 237 is a big deal. It’s not about the number either; USNA unifies us. We cheer on Navy football, baseball, and other sports it proudly hosts. We wear Navy apparel shopping downtown. We tour the campus and are thankful for the public events Navy provides. Those are just current ways we can appreciate the Navy; it’s been more than a landmark for over two hundred years, bringing in tons of visitors, new plebs, and important speakers. This Wednesday marks the 237th birthday of our beloved USNA, but there are events and specials to be enjoyed subsequent days. No matter your busy schedule, allocate time for Annapolis’s heart and soul, Navy.
Naturally, Wednesday sees the biggest events. There are speeches, worship services, and arguably most excitingly, marching and live bands! The Maryland Inn on Main Street hosts an invitation only breakfast that morning to kick off the celebration. Not invited? The parade in the afternoon is open to all, and is free! Join the rest of the city at Warden Field at 4 p.m. for a string of celebratory events. Guest speakers include none other than Mayor Joshua Cohen and Governor Martin O’Malley. The Vice Chief of Naval Operations, Administrator Mark Ferguson will be there representing his employer and the reason for celebration. The speeches verbalize the love for USNA, but the marching bands afterward excite the crowd. The USNA Drum and Bugle Corps, Naval Academy band, and USNA Pipe and Drum Corps will all enthusiastically perform. If you get there early, watch the midshipmen march uniformly and proudly from Bancroft Hall to the parade location.
To get to the parade, go through Gate 1 at King George Street or Gate 3 at Maryland Avenue. You must provide a valid photo ID to get through to the parade. Other important things to note: this event is free, bring a camera, and sport your Navy wear!
Later on Wednesday, there is a worship service at the USNA Chapel, located in the center of the Yard. This is a non-denominational service that is welcome to all. Adm. Greenert, a four-star officer at USNA will also speak at the service. This event is free. To get to the chapel, enter through Gate 3. The service begins at 6:30 p.m.
Friday, St. Anne’s Church downtown welcomes the Naval Academy Band for an evening of harmonious music. The music begins at 7 p.m. and is completely free of charge.
From Thursday on, there are incredible specials offered downtown. Streets like Maryland Avenue, Main Street, and West Street show their Navy pride with discounts on haircuts, discounts on merchandise, free gifts, “Navy Blue Note Martinis,” sailor drinks, blueberry pancakes and more! Annapolis Collection Gallery offers blue cake and gold ice cream Friday and Saturday evenings for free. Treat yourself to themed dessert from 8 to 9 p.m. Peruse downtown for specials or, find more out here: http://www.annapoliscollection.com/.
Parking may be tricky, especially on Wednesday due to the powerboat shows at City Dock. If possible, carpool. Park at Gott’s Garage, Park Place, Knighton Garage, or Hillman Garage. Hillman Garage fills up quickly, so get there early and take into account the time it takes to park, walk, and find seats for the parade. You could also solicit the help of the Circulator or eCruisers. Find more information about those free shuttle services here: http://www.ecruisersllc.com/; http://www.annapolis.gov/Government/Departments/Transportation/Circulator.aspx. Support your city and its colors! Go Navy!
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