Destination: Chesapeake Country ~ August 29 - Sept. 4, 2002, Issue #35
Maryland Renaissance Festival
Turn back the clock at the Maryland Renaissance Festival. King Henry VIII convenes his royal court, joined by a playful retinue of magicians, jugglers, minstrels, musicians, wenches and mounted knights come armed to joust. It’s market day in merrie olde England, and a gross of craftspeople have set up to hawk their wares, including stoneware, glassblowing, jewelry, pottery, weaving, woodworking and more.
You won’t go hungry, as the king’s kitchens are serving up hearty fare, including turkey legs. Nor, with two taverns, will you go thirsty. No beheadings are scheduled, but you can play human chess and more. Dress accordingly, if you like, but carry no weapons.
On Sept. 2, you don’t have to be as old as Henry VIII to dally the day away for free; 62 is old enough. Weekends plus Labor Day 10:30am-7pm @ Revel Grove, Crownsville. $16 w/discounts: 800/296-7304.
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Destination: Chesapeake Country ~ August 22-28, 2002, Issue #34
2002 Maryland State Fair • August 23-September 2
Maryland’s 121st State Fair is a blend of old and new, with events ranging from cow-milking lessons to high school robotics displays & competitions. The fun continues for 11 days, featuring thousands of home arts and agricultural exhibits, daily livestock and horse shows, midway rides and games and Thoroughbred horse racing.
Fair highlights include a Labor Day livestock birthing center, hot-air balloon races, barn tours and expanded exhibits by the departments of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Contests include wife-carrying, auctioneer bid-calling and animal costuming. New this year are a 
Hollywood stunt show, the Budweiser Clydesdales, the Taste of Maryland food village and free concerts by Avalon, Steve Holy and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts.
Help 4-H feed the hungry by bringing non-perishable food items for donation.
Fairgrounds open 10am-10pm daily; livestock/horse shows 9am; midway noon-10pm M-F, 10am-10pm SaSu; Thoroughbred racing post time 1pm @ Timonium Fairgrounds, Baltimore County. Admission $5; kids under 12 free: 410/252-0200.
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Destination: Chesapeake Country ~ August 15-21, 2002, Issue #33
Caroline County’s Well-Preserved County Seat
Millions of cars pass through landlocked Caroline County every year on the way to the Delaware shore. The few who pull off Rt. 404 into the county seat of Denton are treated to a town where comforts of the past are preserved like pickles in a jar. Andy Griffith would feel right at home on Denton’s sleepy streets.
They say all good things must come to an end, and that may soon be the case for Denton and Caroline County. The two have teamed to draw tourist dollars into the local economy. If they enjoy any measure of success, those sleepy streets will be crowded with boisterous families and aggressive antique-hunters.
Get to know Denton and Caroline County now, as they are, before all that happens. August 16 & 17 offer the perfect opportunity, as Denton hosts the county’s 14th annual Summerfest, an arts and entertainment festival featuring food and fun for the whole family.
See stunning exhibits at the Museum of Rural Life and a sneak preview of the town’s reconstructed steamboat wharf. Enjoy a cruise down the pristine Choptank River aboard the Cambridge Lady. Visit Maryland’s newest — and possibly finest — public golf course, then return to town for a spectacular fireworks display. Spend the night in a Victorian bed and breakfast, or pitch a tent in spacious Martinak State Park.
The town of Denton is 45 minutes from Annapolis, on Rt. 404 off Rt. 50: 410/479-2050 • www.tourcaroline.com.
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Destination: Chesapeake Country ~ August 8-14, 2002, Issue #32
The Cradle of Invasion
On August 9, 10 and 11, historic Marines once again storm Solomons’ shores at Calvert Marine Museum’s fifth annual Cradle of Invasion, a three-day retrospective on how World War II changed the tiny watermen’s village into a bustling homefront hub w/the since-demolished Amphibious Training Base. The weekend rolls on w/Cove Point Lighthouse tours, exhibit booths, memorabilia vendors, history displays, food vendors and more. Highlights:
Friday: A 1944 Marine Corps living history camp for visitors to explore (noon–5pm); the Solomons World War II monument ground-breaking ceremony (3pm); and a 1940s’ night club and fashion show (6:30pm; $15 includes dessert; rsvp).
Saturday: Drill team performance (11am); USO-style show featuring Abbott & Costello (2pm; $3); amphibious landing exercises (4pm); and a 1940s dinner dance (6:30pm @ Riverside Restaurant; $40; rsvp).
Saturday & Sunday: A narrated cruise of the World War II route aboard the Wm. B. Tennison (9am; $10; rsvp; the living history camp (10am-5pm); weapons demonstrations and a Marines in Action hands-on presentation.
Sunday: A concert on the lawn by The Frankie Condon Orchestra (4pm; free).
All @ Calvert Marine Museum, Solomons: 410/326-2042.
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Destination: Chesapeake Country ~ August 1-7, 2002, Issue #31
Vera’s White Sands
You cruise Chesapeake Country hoping for discoveries. But who could have imagined the reward that awaits you at the end of White Sands Road — or, if your cruise is by boat, the junction of St. Leonards and Johns Creek?
Out of the jungle of green rises a promontory topped by a pink palace that becomes, you see on closer scrutiny, a Polynesian paradise.
Vera Freeman imagined all this, the bamboo and the white sands, now long gone; the luxury and the leis; the magic of the place and the synchronism of the time.
Some 40 years ago, the well-married Hollywood starlet set her stage here on this rise over the water, with its front-row view of both sunrise and sunset. In the course of her travels, she filled it with mermaids and goddess-maids, coral, shells and diving bells.
Still Vera’s one-woman show plays here nightly through the months of summer.
You must come for drinks or dinner (served all day Sunday) for no “browsing” is allowed. Though you are a paying customer, you are Vera’s guest. You may drink frozen concoctions at her leopard bar. You may sit down in one of her dining rooms stuffed with museum-grade artifacts and stunning views to appetizers of escargot or mussels followed by Miss Mary’s Southern Maryland cooking — Sunday is fresh tomato, cucumber and onion salad, fried chicken and peas cooked in cream — or more daring, exotic dishes. Chicken curry is very good this year.
But to add Vera’s to your discoveries in Chesapeake County, you must be there at 7pm when she herself arrives. One echoing strike on the gong will tell you she is here. Touch her hand lightly as you make her acquaintance, for you are in the presence of one of the wonders of our world.
Find Vera’s in Calvert County, at Lusby, every evening but Monday: 410/586-1182.
— SOM
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Destination: Chesapeake Country ~ July 25-31, 2002, Issue #30
Glen Burnie’s 94th Annual Carnival
Carousels have been known by many names. In England they were called roundabouts, gallopers or tilts. In America, spinning jinny, hobby horses and — the one we know best — the merry-go-round. Call it what you will, it is the base that every carnival is built upon. It is the first ride every parent introduces to small children and the ride that will bring back memories for 
young and old of by-gone summers.
The best of these comes to Glen Burnie this year for the 94th time courtesy of the Glen Burnie Improvement Association. Association families and friends volunteer over the eight nights to raise money for the community.
Each evening, the multicolored lights and tempting smell of cotton candy, music and laughter of a summer night are free. Wheels of chance, games of skill, refreshments and rides aren’t. But M-Th all the rides you can endure cost only $12. Raffle tickets for a brand new steel blue Chrysler PT Cruiser cost $2.
As usual, the annual festival begins on the last Friday in July, running this year from July 26 through August 3, F 7-11:30pm; Sa 6-11:30; M-Th 7-11pm @ 1st Ave. off Crain Highway, Glen Burnie: 410/766-6760. No booze, dogs, bicycles or skateboards. Parking in the Anne Arundel Parking Garage is free.
— Diane Dorsey
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Destination: Chesapeake Country ~ July 18-24, 2002, Issue #29
Calvert County Farm Tour
As far as food is concerned, your kids think they’re living in Star Trek, where breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks are magically replicated. Show them how wrong they are at Calvert County’s Day on the Farm this Sunday, July 21. It’s harvest season down on the farm, and melons and corn, tomatoes and beans are so abundant it seems we could feed the world. You’ll not only see that your food comes from our good earth but also have some farm-style fun, with lots of animals, pony and wagon rides and entertainment for all. It’s all for free, except what you buy to take home: 410/535-4583.
Any time from 1-5pm, visit three farms:
Pardner’s Farm on Sixes Rd. off Rt. 4, Prince Frederick;
Poplar’s Farm, Old Bayside Rd. off Rt. 261, Chesapeake Beach;
Wiseacres at Willow Oak Farm, Potts Pt. Rd., Huntingtown.
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Destination: Chesapeake Country ~ July 11-17, 2002, Issue #28
With 1200 acres, Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary in South Anne Arundel County is a wonderful place to visit any time of year for hiking, birding or just taking in some of the fine views of the Patuxent. Over seven miles of trails twine through and around forest, meadow and marshes. Some 200 of the Sanctuary’s acres are tidal wetlands
As you walk, you might see a bald eagle or a great blue heron over the marshes, or a common yellow-throat at the marsh edge. If you visit in spring or summer, you will certainly see osprey. Along the trails there could be a box turtle or queen snake. The interior forest harbors many breeding birds such as parula warblers, scarlet tanagers and red-eyed vireos. Volunteers assisting with the salamander study might see marbled salamanders by the dozens. Come and help with a fish survey and see what a mummichog looks like. The wildlife list of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians goes on and on.
There is no public boat launch, but explorers by canoe or kayak can put in at the public boat ramp on the Prince Georges County side of the Patuxent River.
As well as look, you can help out. As a volunteer, you can help staff conduct research on birds, amphibians, plants and fish. The Sanctuary also offers many nature educational programs for all ages; look for them in 8 Days a Week.
Find Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary on Wrighton Rd., 1.5 miles west of the Rt. 258 overpass at Rt. 4. The Sanctuary is open WSaSu from 9am to 5pm: $2.50 w/discounts. Reservations are required so please call ahead: 410/741-9330 • www.jugbay.org.
— Gary Pendleton
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Destination: Chesapeake Country ~ July 4-10. 2002, Issue #27
Chesapeake Country is always the place for the insatiable patriot to be. With fireworks and fanfare to be found from Baltimore to Solomons, you can party till you’re red, white and blue (and count your blessings if you have the 5th off to recover).
Annapolis
Historic Annapolis Foundation kicks things off with their 50th Anniversary Block Party, 11am–6pm @ William Paca House, Prince George St. The Paca Garden serves as the setting for a traditional Fourth of July celebration that garden games, 18th-century character interpreters, fife and drum performances, reenactments and entertainment on twostages: 410/267-7619.
After the party, enjoy an old-fashioned Fourth of July parade, stepping off at 6:30pm from St. John’s Street and traveling up College Avenue, around Church Circle, down Main Street and across the City Dock to Gate One at King George Street: 410/263-7958.
Despite tightening of security at the Naval Academy, the public is invited to view the traditional Fourth of July fireworks celebration at Farragut Field. The Naval Band begins its first concert of the summer there at 8pm followed by pyrotechnics around 9:15. Park at the stadium and shuttle in. At the Academy, show a picture ID; backpacks, coolers and all parcel prohibiteed: 410/263-1183.
Boaters get a great view from Annapolis’ harbor; landlubbing alternatives are Farragut Field along the seawall, Dewey Field and Hospital Point at the Academy or any street-end park facing Spa Creek
Fort Meade
At Fort Meade’s McGlachlin Field, the 389th U.S. Army Band readies you for a display explosive enough to entertain Army experts: 301/677-2988.
Galesville
Gluing streamers to your mower won’t win any prizes from Galesville Heritage Society. Anyone can walk, ride or drive in this parade, but be creative if you want to take home a trophy. One rule: no throwing things at the crowd — even candy. The route is 1 1/4 miles. Parade entry 6pm; judging 6:30; start 7pm @ Lerch Creek Dr., Galesville: 410/867-0403.
Main St. closed 6pm until after fireworks. Park at Galesville Rd. fields, $5.
For the fireworks, grab your lawn chair and settle in along the West River waterfront. Best viewing is from Riverside Drive, Chalk Point and Shady Side. By boat, don’t anchor too close to the barge’s safe zone, regulated by the Coast Guard.
The New Galesville Heritage Museum is also open 1-4pm July 4.
Severna Park
Severna Park stirs up an early day street party at its 28th Annual July 4th Parade and Festival.
Take in a star-spangled procession as a bike brigade, Civil War reenactors, equestrian units, clowns and antique cars parade through town from St. Martin’s-in-the-Field Episcopal Church and Our Shepherd Lutheran Church to the party spot at Park Plaza. Paraders all are gathered around this year’s theme, United We Stand.
At parade’s end begins the spirited festival. Enjoy entertainment, food, games for kids. and more. Parade 10am; festival 10am-1:30pm: 410/647-3900.
Shady Side
Shady Side’s annual parade includes floats, local celebrities and politicians, marchers, bicyclists and decorated vehicles. Leaves at 10am from the post office and winds its way to the Kiwanis Club on Snug Harbor Rd. Shady Side and Snug Harbor roads closed 9:45-10am. Looking for volunteers/participants — especially a band: 301/261-5546.
After the parade, enjoy an old-fashioned Fourth of July, courtesy of Shady Side Rural Heritage Society. Get your prize-winning pie to the museum by noon to enter a baking contest judged by state and county officials, or buy a slice of somebody else’s. Boy Scouts raise the flag and lead the Pledge of Allegiance at 1pm. Kick back on lawn chairs or a blanket while the kids play games and the Bay Winds Band and Shady Side Sour Notes play patriotic tunes. Captain Salem Avery House Museum, Shady Side: 410/867-4486.
Solomons
Solomons sends their fireworks up from a barge off the bulkhead. Stake out a spot on Our Lady Star of the Sea’s front lawn for the best view, though any spot along the Riverwalk is prime viewing (word is the blasts are visible from as far away as Lusby): 888/580-3856.
Baltimore
Further afield, the rockets’ red glare lights up Baltimore’s Inner Harbor: 410/837-4636 • www.bop.org.
Bowie
Bowie’s city celebration lights up Allen Pond Park (301/262-6200) and the Baysox set their stadium alight after an evening home game (301/805-6000).
Largo
In Largo, Six Flags America heats up the holiday with thousands of big blasts: 301/249-1500.
Washington, DC
Celebrate the 4th with the National Symphony Orchestra in a free concert of patriotic favorites, classical masterpieces and more. 8pm @ West Lawn, US Capitol: 202/416-8443.
Washington, DC, boasts the granddaddy fireworks of them all, coloring the skies over the National Mall in a patriotic climax with Washington Monument as backdrop (www.nps.gov/nama).
— Mark Burns and Brent Seabrook
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Destination: Chesapeake Country ~ June 20-26, 2002, Issue #25
Welcome to Chesapeake Bay summer. It’s that time of year when every minute you’re not out of doors seems a minute wasted. Since summer last, we’ve had a powerful reminder to mind our minutes, yet they keep slipping away. So let’s say it once again: This is our time. Live it.
More than ever in the shadow of the fallen Twin Towers of the World Trade Center, our fleeting moments matter. So Bay Weekly’s “Indispensable Guide to Summer on the Bay” returns refreshed, bringing you 101 ways to harvest the pleasures that are ours now and may never return.
On our list places to go and things to do, you’ll find plenty of ways to let down your hair. If your spirit’s gotten too strait-laced, pay special attention to our Ways dedicated to Not Just for Kids. Look for ageless fun every fifth way. Every ninth way, you’ll find summer specialties to savor. We’ve also made a personal resolve to try a new Way (perhaps we, too, will Take a Ride on the Wild Side) and rediscover an old way (Keep Your Eye on the Birdie).
You don’t have to travel far away and spend your life’s saving to spend summer in paradise. Here in Chesapeake country, we’re already there. So read on, make your plans and plunge ahead into the wonders that await you in and around our big, beautiful Bay.
About the only Way our Summer Guide can’t improve your summer is tell you where to find another copy if you lose this one. Because while 101 Ways will last you all summer long, it comes to you only once: this week. So seize the issue.
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