Former senator Bernie Fowler before his annual wade-in of the St. Mary’s River.
St. Mary’s City, MD — It’s billed as “A Celebration of the St. Mary’s River.” And indeed the 11th annual St. Mary’s RiverFest was just that. The event was held Saturday, Sept. 26 in Historic St. Mary’s City on the grounds next to the reconstructed statehouse and down at the waterfront. And even though raindrops periodically fell off everyone’s head they failed to dampen the enthusiasm of the attendees for the river.
An annual highlight of RiverFest is former senator Bernie Fowler’s Wade-In. This year Fowler was recovering for surgery so he was ordered by his doctors not to get his knee wet. Thus he wasn’t able to wade out as far as he normally does until he can’t see his sneakers anymore. But the rest of the waders went out to take his place.
Before the wade-in Fowler noted that he has been doing such events for many years starting with his Patuxent River Wade-In to call attention to the river near his home town of Broomes Island. But Fowler observed that the St. Mary’s effort was different. ”This river has shown the most progress because of the leadership and persistence,” he said of the groups such as St. Mary’s River Watershed Association. Association President Joe Anderson stood by Fowler’s side during his remarks.
“It warms my heart to know there are people out there who really care when it comes to the river’s future,” Fowler said. He noted that when the time arrives for a person to cross the River Jordan, the question will be asked: “What have I done to make this a better place?”
Fowler unabashedly concluded his remarks by asking everyone “To love God, love one another and let’s get America back together.”
Other events at the waterfront included tours of the reconstructed Dove, the smaller of the two ships that carried the original settlers to Maryland’s shores in 1634, kayak trips, beach seining and displays of the results (including a seahorse), oyster tonging and knot tying.
Up by the statehouse there were sturgeon demonstrations, face-painting, balloon animals, birds of prey demonstrations, pumpkin-painting, backyard conservation demonstrations and sustainable living oyster restoration.
The St. Marries Citty Militia performed throughout the day. Music and dance performances were by Dan Kennefick, Daughters of Veda Mid-Eastern Dance Troupe, Indian Summer, Lynn Hollyfield, and David and Joseph Norris.
St., Mary’s RiverFest is produced by the St. Mary’s River Watershed Association and Historic St. Mary’s City in cooperation with a number of sponsors who make it possible for it to happen every year.
Please enjoy the attached Photo Gallery of RiverFest 2015.
Contact Dick Myers at dick.myers@thebaynet.com
