Join us for Hard Crab Derby Week starting Aug 31st, 2013

By Mindie Burgoyne

Every Labor Day weekend, people from all over the Mid-Atlantic region visit Maryland's southernmost town to see some 400 blue crabs compete in one of the most celebrated crustacean events in America, the National Hard Crab Derby. Sixty-four years ago, watermen brought their feistiest live crabs to race in the street in front of the post office.  Today crabs are brought to Crisfield from all over the Chesapeake Bay region and are raced on a slick, flat track in view of hundreds of spectators at Somers Cove Marina.

Photo Credit: Mindie Burgoyne

Fifty live crabs at a time are launched from the wooden "crab cake track" onto a wet flat surface pitched at an angle.  The first crabs off the surface are the winners of that heat.  Heat winners continue to compete. The highlight of the race is The Governor's Cup Race, named for Crisfield's native son, Governor J. Millard Tawes, who served as Maryland's Governor from 1959 to 1967.

Photo Credits: Patty Hancock

41st Boat Docking Contest

"Boat races of many sorts have been part of the National Hard Crab Derby since the 1950's.  One of the most popular, the annual Boat Docking Contest.  For many years, Dwight Marshall was the undisputed king of the boat-docking contest.  From the event's inception in 1971 to his final victory in 1987, he won a dozen times, more than any other contestant before or since. In the early 21st century, derby officials decided to capitalize on its (the Boat Docking Contest) ablility to draw a crowd, for the first time charging sprectators an admission to view the contest." -Jason Rhodes, "Images of America: National Hard Crab Derby"

Crisfield City Dock, $15

* 10:30 AM Gates Open * 1:00 PM Contest Begins

* For a complete calendar of events click here.

The City of Crisfield, with a population of about 2,700, is synonymous with the blue crab. Self proclaimed as the "Crab Capital of the World," the city has the crab symbol emblazoned on its water towers, street signs, newspaper, town website and even on the Crisfield Police patch (along with a fish and oyster). For more than 300 years, Crisfield has been a waterman's town and the blue crab a symbol of prosperity.  Even today, the city's dependence on the Bay's bounty is evident in the waterfront seafood processing plants, seafood distributors, seafood restaurants and work boats that leave Crisfield harbor six days a week.

Photo Credit: Mindie Burgoyne

The weekend-long celebration that brings in an estimated 8,000 visitors, has some preliminary events on Thursday evening with the crowning of Miss Crustacean at the Crisfield High School.  Thursday is also "wristband night," which allows free entry for the amusement rides.  Friday begins with a Crab Cooking Contest, and the festival grounds at Somers Cove Marina open at 6 p. m. with games, rides, food, craft vendors and live entertainment.  Besides the National Hard Crab Derby Races on Saturday, events include the street parade at 11 a.m., Crab Picking Contest, amusements, rides and an evening concert.  Sunday's main event is the Boat Docking Contest ($15 admission), also known as the Watermen's NASCAR event, where skilled captains ply their docking skills to compete for purses worth $30,000.  The weekend festivities conclude Sunday evening with live entertainment and a stellar fireworks show at 9 p.m

Photo Credit: Mindie Burgoyne

Other activities around town include the J. Millard Tawes Historical Museum, a general history museum of the area including maritime artifacts, and collections that relate to the history of the City of Crisfield and the life of Maryland watermen.  There are many restaurants in the town, most featuring seafood.  Charter fishing boat trips are available, as are excursions to Smith and Tangier Islands.  More visitor information can be found at the Crisfield Chamber of Commerce website.  http://www.crisfieldchamber.com

Mindie Burgoyne is an author, travel writer and tour guide living on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.  Her blog The Travel Hag shares information on outdoor travel for women.  She is the author of Haunted Eastern Shore; Ghostly Tales from East of the Chesapeake.

Join us for Labor Day Weekend Aug. 31st - Sept. 2nd, 2012 
for some old fashioned family fun. For a complete calendar of events click here.