HAPPY maryland B-DAY
family fun
H
appy birthday to the Old Line State! March 25 officially marks Maryland’s birthday, the day settlers disembarked from the sailing ships the Ark and the Dove in 1634. No one knew what lacrosse or steamed crabs were yet. But one thing is for sure, those early colonists knew they had found a special place to call home. Maryland Day 2020 will be commemorated in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County with a weekendlong celebration from March 20 to 22. Over the weekend there will be more than forty cultural, historical and environmental locations hosting events in the Four Rivers Heritage Area (Annapolis, Eastport, Edgewater, Deale and Galesville). All events are free or just $1, making this the perfect opportunity to explore our capital and surrounding area. The city is sponsoring free shuttle transportation on March 21 on two routes through town, between City Dock, Calvert St., West St., and the historic sites. The full schedule is available at marylandday.org.
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chesapeakefamily.com
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M ARCH 2020
Most of the sites bring on extra staff for tours, demonstrations and other special events that are unique to Maryland Day weekend. “This is an opportunity to experience a wide range of historical and cultural sites that fit in every family’s budget,” says Erik Evans, marketing director for Maryland Day. “The participating sites want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to come out and experience the heritage and culture of their community.” In addition to the Annapolis area events, you can also head to St. Mary’s County, where the settlers first arrived at St. Clements Island. Each year the island’s historical center hosts a ceremony with a tour of the island and museum. At nearby Historic St. Mary’s City, you can have free access to all museum sites, as well as attend a Maryland Day ceremony. Here are some of the events to commemorate Maryland’s 386th anniversary, and have some fun while you’re at it.
