Museum Sock Burning Canceled

By Kathy Knotts 

The Annapolis Maritime Museum’s beloved annual welcome-to-spring sock-burning ritual will have to wait another year. Despite the organization’s hope that they could resume the beloved tradition, the annual Oyster Roast & Sock Burning typically scheduled around the spring equinox will not go on as planned. 

The museum announced last week that after closely monitoring the pandemic guidelines of both the county and the state, it feels it had to cancel the event. “We are deeply disappointed to cancel this long-standing, quirky tradition, and rite of spring, for a second year in a row,” stated Alice Estrada, President/CEO. 

As the current restrictions stand in Anne Arundel County, this event that typically accommodates roughly 500+ guests would now be limited to just 100 guests. While these restrictions may fluctuate, the community’s health and safety are paramount, the museum stated in its release. 

This quintessential Annapolis custom includes a roaring bonfire upon which guests burn their old winter socks, followed by live music, oyster-shucking competitions, nautical exhibits, and feasting on oysters. 

The museum says it has several programs on the horizon including a grand re-opening of new exhibits in April 2021 and remains hopeful about hosting summer concerts beginning in June 2021.