ANNAPOLIS (June 2, 2010) – Dozens of seafood festivals will be held throughout Maryland this summer and continue through November. Festivals range in size and diversity from St. Mary’s County Oyster Festival in Leonardtown to the 34th Annual Tawes Crab and Clam bake in Crisfield. Festivals can be found from Annapolis to Ocean City, from Havre De Grace to Solomon’s Island and many places in between. Included in the list is a directory of fee fishing farms so anglers can catch their own fish and have their own festivals.
“Seafood festivals give residents and visitors the chance to sample a variety of Maryland’s fine seafood products and regional delicacies,” said Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance. “The list highlights events that benefit a variety of organizations and are sure to delight families with delicious food and activities featuring the history and culture of life on the Chesapeake Bay.”
Some festivals specialize in certain seafood such as crabs, oysters or fish, while others have a taste of it all. Festivals include entertainment and educational activities for the entire family.
For the cooking enthusiast, certain festivals are host to cooking contests. The National Hard Crab Derby and Fair plays host to the Annual Crab Cooking Contest, the Maryland Seafood Festival boasts the Crab Soup Challenge and the St. Mary’s County Oyster Festival is the home of the National Oyster Cook-off.
The 2010 Maryland Seafood Festival List is available online at www.marylandseafood.org or by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope to 2010 Seafood Festival List, Maryland Department of Agriculture, Seafood Marketing Program, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, Maryland 21401. Please call festival contacts directly for information on individual events.