DUCK DOGS WORLD RECORD FOR BIG LITTLE TOWNFEST 2025
July 26 10-12noon
ABOUT the EVENT
IYKYK! Crisfield is a peaceful little working waterman's town at the very end of the Chesapeake Country All American Road on the Eastern Shore of Maryland that is known for crabs, ducks and it likes to do things BIG! Along with hosting the World’s Largest Rubber Duck we will have a world record attempt for the most “DUCK DOGS” (Goldens, Labradors and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, amongst others!) in Crisfield. The event for dog owners and lovers stretches from the beautiful shores of American Legion Post #16 and Wellington Beach along Crisfield’s waterfront to the City Dock and J. Tawes Historical Museum. Please register your dog(s) at the event gate entrance be "officially" counted for the World Record!
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All proceeds from the event will go to Friends of Crisfield, a non-profit which provides support for many events and activities in Crisfield, and local disabled veterans and first responders with Service Dogs.
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Look below for events schedule, map of events, registration information for dog owners/visitors, participant sign up, treat scavenger hunt and poker run information, places to stay and much more!
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*Special Note: Please bring CASH with you since many vendors, small admittance fees and donations will only be in cash. ​
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Thank you to our fantastic Duck Dog Event SPONSORS:
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American Legion Post 16
Pohanka Jeep of Salisbury
The City of Crisfield
The Crisfield Area Chamber of Commerce​
Somerset County Tourism
The Crisfield Police Department
The Crisfield Fire Department
Rodeway Inn at Somers Cove Marina
​Fogles Environmental Services
Crisfield Fire Department
Annemessex Plumbing and Heating
Mrohs Gas
Butler's Orchard and Farm
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Schedule of Events
(will be updated regularly)
July 25-27:
Friday "Early Birds" 10am-5pm
Saturday "Duck Dogs" and Poker Runs" 10am-5pm
Sunday "Family Beach Party"10am-2pm
Photos: at the duck and beach area
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Saturday: 10-5pm $5 entrance, kids free, Legionnaires, Military with ID free!
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10-3pm--Duck Dogs Events: ​
10am--Opening with Duckie Dog decorations by Landon's Flowers
10:45--Group Pictures at the BIG DUCK and parade to beach
11:00--Chesapeake Bay, Golden and Labrador Retriever Swim (Sorry, cancelled--with Aerial Photos available for purchase at Beach/Entrance Tent)
Open Swims/Pier Jumping
15-minute Kayak Rentals (for the pics!)
Sorry, cancelled--Painted Paws and/or Paw Ornament Art
Doggie Treats Concessions
CANCELLED--SORRY!Tiki Boat Cruise (dog friendly) to Janes Island Beach
$20 person (with one dog per person)--approx. 1.5 hours
Leave Wellington Beach pier to Janes Island Beach--stay 45 mins, picked back up to Wellington Beach Pier
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​Playground for the kids
Walk on Pier
Free Fishing/Crabbing
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10am-5:00pm (hours vary for each business)
BINGO Scavenger Hunt (restaurants and shops)
Pick up card at BIG DUCK and get stamps all the places you visit. Turn in your card ($1 donation) at the Visitor Center or the BIG DUCK for your chance to win CASH!
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Fri. 10-2pm & Sat. 10-5pm
Free Historical Museum Tours (dogs are welcome)
Outdoor Pavilion Tour/Display
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Map of Events (will be updated with event details)
This is a walk-friendly event for you and your best friend! Park anywhere in the event area--at Wellington Beach, at the Municpal Park and Pier, along 413 at the gazebo or along Main Street to the City Dock or Tawes Museum and make your way around town at your leisure. It is approximately 30 minutes walk from the City Dock to the beach (with swim spots along the way for your water-loving dog!
BINGO Scavenger Hunt
Pick up card at BIG DUCK and get stamps all the places you visit July 25-27 (hours vary for places). Turn in your card ($1 donation) at the Visitor Center or the BIG DUCK for your chance to win CASH! 1 row chance of $50, 2 rows chance of $75, 3 rows chance of $100, Full Card chance of $150 (and put in all other rows draws!)
Winner Announced at the BIG DUCK 2pm Sunday, July 27th--no need to be there we will call you if you are a winner!
We support our local restaurants, shops and businesses! They will have special BIG Little Townfest DUCK DOG food/drink specials--see the digital map and find them ALL!
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Local Restaurants and Businesses
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Landon​'s Flowers
J,Millard Tawes Museum
Crisfield Visitor Center
The Bay Gift Vault
Mango Mama
Corbin Gallery & Studio
Water's Edge Cafe
Fisherman's Grille
The Weathered Porch
Chesapeake Seafood & Steaks
Big Willey's
West Main St. Gallery
Crisfield Library.
Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center
Cafe Milano
From Scratch
The Pizza Shoppe
China Wok
Stacey's Dirty Dawgs
Gordon's Confectionary
Cafe Carryout
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SPECIAL NOTES: Beverage Treats for the Humans :)
American Legion BAR--beer truck and orange crush buckets (collectible duck) (Legion/Waterfront Area)
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Van Shuttle Service is also available for dogs and owners to and from event areas call: 443-783-2486 (fee applies)
Cancelled, Sorry! Boat Cruise for Dogs to Janes Island Beach from the City Dock
Enjoy a tiki boat ride from the Crisfield Wellington Beach Pier to Janes Island's "Chimney Beach" where you will be dropped off until the boat returns (approx. 40 minutes) to explore, swim and enjoy the beautiful scenery. You and your dog will love the fresh breezes and cool waters of the Chesapeake Bay!
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Janes Island beach pontoon tour (Kayak Crisfield): Tiki boat ride from Wellington Beach Pier to the Stack for approximately 30 minutes of frolicking on the beautiful beach of Janes Island where your dog can swim and run around, explore and take memorable pictures!
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Cost is $20/person. One dog per person or pay for another $20 ticket (the boat has a weight limit)
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About a 1.5 hour trip: pick up at the front of the beach pier, boat ride to the Stack beach (20 mins), beach (30 mins), boat ride back to City Dock (20 mins). All tims are approximate.
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It is recommended to purchase tickets ahead of time: kayakcrisfield.com
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Note: The map below is for general reference only and the actual route picks up at the Wellington Beach Pier Dock
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Dog Friendly Places to Stay
If you think you may want to stay a while and enjoy playing in our backyard a little longer than a day, see below for some great places to stay overnight:
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Rodeway Inn at Somers Cove Marina
(410) 968-1900
https://www.choicehotels.com/maryland/crisfield/rodeway-inn-hotels/md343?mc=llgoxxpx
Captain Tyler Motel
(410) 968-2220
Lady Grace Bed and Breakfast and Tea Room
(602) 587-4277
Airbnb
Janes Island State Park
(410) 968-1565
https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/eastern/JanesIsland/Camping-and-Cabins.aspx
American Legion Post #16
410-968-2415
Reserve your waterfront camping spot (for Legion Members Only)
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Helpful Hints
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Parking will be across from the beach, along City streets (Legion is members only parking) and the BIG Little Townfest stretches from the Legion/Beach Area, Municipal Park and Pier, City Dock and Tawes Museum. You can park and walk with your dog to all areas in about 30 minutes or drive to each event area--it's up to you :)
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BRING CASH! You will need to bring cash or go to a nearby ATM (Legion, Big Willeys, PNC) once you get here. Many vendors will only accept cash. Our local restaurants and shops will happily accept electronic payments.