Patuxent River Celebration Free Family Fun For All Ages
Patuxent River Appreciation Days (PRAD) is celebrating 35 years on October 6 and 7 at the Calvert Marine Museum. Since 1978, one of the longest running festivals in Southern Maryland promises two days of free family fun for all ages from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
The juried arts and craft fair with over thirty artists and local food vendors will be located in the museum’s parking lot both days. The music stage will host live performances including Pond Scum, Joey Tippett and the California Ramblers, Deanna Dove, Southern Maryland Jazz Band and other local musicians. Make toy model boats, enjoy free harbor cruises aboard the Wm. B. Tennison, Nathan of Dorchester, Dee of St. Mary’s and rowing in canoes in the boat basin throughout the weekend. Admission is free to the Calvert Marine Museum. Across the street is free parking and pony rides for a nominal fee.
The “Green Village” features scores of non-profit groups that celebrate the river in a wide variety of ways. See exhibits, demonstrations, displays, and educational activities about “green” products, recycling, oyster restoration, native plants, wildlife, restoration efforts, live animals, and more.
Back by popular demand is Bounty of the Patuxent on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. in the Corbin Nature Pavilion. Local wineries will offer wine tasting, locally grown produce from the farmers’ market, and other tasty treats will be available to sample and buy.
The annual PRAD Parade with a one-mile route along Solomons Island Road begins on Sunday, October 7 at 2:00 p.m. Non-profit organizations are welcome to join the parade with cash prizes offered for “Best Float” entries. To enter your float or organization, contact Randy Geck at rgeck@xecu.net.
For more information about PRAD, including a complete schedule of events, visit http://www.pradinc.org, or call 410-326-2042 ext. 41.
