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! Last year it hosted the World’s Largest Rubber Duck and this year’s world record attempt will be 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) before coming to be "officially" counted for the World Record and receive special discounts and/or merch! (see yellow link above). You will be registered at the event, too so don't worry.
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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 (including U.S. Kennels Inc.).
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Look below for events schedule, map of events, registration information for dog owners/visitors, participant sign up, treat scavenger hunt 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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Vendor Information:
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Thank you to our fantastic Duck Dog Event SPONSORS:
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American Legion Post 16
The Crisfield Area Chamber of Commerce
​J. Millard Tawes Museum
Crisfield Heritage Foundation
Ward Brothers Foundation
The City of Crisfield
The Crisfield Police Department
Crisfield Arts and Entertainment District
Somerset County Tourism
Billie's Catering
Buddy Ward (DJ Services)
Will Johnson (Aerial Photography)
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Schedule of Events
Aug. 10&11: 12-6pm
World Record Aerial Photos at 3:00pm
STOP, LOOK UP and WAVE to the sky from legion/Beach Area to City Dock/Museum Area!
Visit the Duck Dogs Tent for digital purchase information or buy a VIP registration online which includes a digital photo sent to your email.
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10-12pm--VIP Brunch/Registration (Sat. only)
12-2:00pm Beach Stage--Opening remarks/National Anthem/Music
2:00-3:00pm: Talent Show
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2:00-3:00: Smith Island Cake Demo (Sat. only)
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3:00-6:00pm--Music Aug. 11th--DJ Buddy Ward
Aug. 10--DJ GForce 12-3pm and Live with Brooks Flaherty 3-6pm
Arts and Merch. Vendors all day
American Legion Auxiliary CASH WATERFRONT BAR (stage side of the beach area)​
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12:00-6:00pm
Open Swims/Pier Jumping
1-1:15pm--Chesapeake Bay Retriever Swim
2-2:15--Labrador Retriever Swim
3-3:15--Golden Retriever Swim
15-minute Kayak Rental (for the pics!)
Painted Paws and/or Paw Ornament Art
Food and Drink Concessions
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Leash Free Area (Across from Beach)
Too Wet--Canceled!
Field Demonstrations (TBA)
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12:00-6:00pm
​Playground for the kids
Free Fishing/Crabbing
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Dog kissing/hugging Booth (Dogs only
AND Jimmy Charles--It's a Maryland Thing!)
Pet Grooming/Toe Painting (moved to Stacey's Dirty Dawgs Grooming shop across the street!)
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12-6:00pm
Canceled due to weather conditions, sorry! Tiki Boat Cruise for Dogs to Janes Island Beach (approx. 45 minutes)
Treat Scavenger Hunt (restaurants and shops)
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12-4pm
Free Historical Museum Tours (dogs are welcome)
Outdoor Duck Dog Pavilion Tour/Display
Kids Duck Dog Art Activities (Sat. only)
Kids Inspired Food Concessions (Sat. only)
Crisfield Waterfront Boat Cruise (Sat. only)
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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!
Treat Scavenger Hunt
We support our local restaurants, shops and businesses! They will have special BIG Little Townfest DUCK DOG food/drink specials and treat give aways--see the digital map and signs along the walking route to find them ALL!
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Local Restaurants and Businesses (HINT: those in bold print have treats!):
MAIN STREET/WATERFRONT
Fisherman's Grille: Your choice of covered outdoor/waterfront seating or nice cool air-conditioning inside with SPECIAL drinks and "dog menu" Sit down and watch the boats go by and enjoy live music in the evening!
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Tawes Museum: treats for everyone!
Crab Pot Depot
Water's Edge Cafe: Specials all day for dog lovers!!!
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Somerset County Arts Council West Main St. Gallery (Sat. only)
Tawes Insurance (Friday is canceled, but they were VERY excited to see all the doggies!
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The Weathered Porch
Captain's Carryout
The Bay Gift Vault: Largest collection of bucket hats and much, much more!
Beauty in Art: Local handmade art store with unique items only found here--she's set up at the Beach/Legion!
Tim and Doris's Country Store: Lots of country style treats for everyone!
Johnny Sweets: ICE CREAM! SLUSH PUPPIES! Baby Smith Island cakes and much more!
Gordon's (Waterman's Hangout)
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H&R Block: A true animal lover with her own creation-- Crisfield Crunch! So you get a treat, too :)
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Crisfield Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center: get a treat and some tourist information about Crisfield.
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UPTOWN MAIN ST./MUNICIPAL PARK AREA
Munchies
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John's BBQ: BBQ specials including armadillo eggs and Texas Twinkies!
Cafe Carryout
Cafe Milano
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Stacey's Dirty Dawgs: Gourmet dog water bar! Special dog baths! Other quick grooming specials! Your dog will LOVE it!
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Gallery 413: art gallery
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SPECIAL NOTES: Beverage Treats for the Humans :)
American Legion Auxiliary CASH BAR (Legion/Stage Area)
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Van Shuttle Service will be available for dogs and owners to and from event areas call: 443-783-2486
Canceled due to weather conditions! Boat Cruise for Dogs to Janes Island Beach from the City Dock
Enjoy a pontoon boat ride from the Crisfield City Dock to Janes Island's "Chimney Beach" where you will be dropped off until the boat returns (approx. 30 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): Pontoon boat ride from the Crisfield City Dock 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 $40/person. One dog per person or pay for another $40 ticket (the boat has a weight limit)
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About a 1 hour trip: pick up at the front of the finger piers at the City Dock, boat ride to the Stack beach (15 mins), beach (30 mins), boat ride back to City Dock (15 mins).
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It is recommended to purchase tickets ahead of time:
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Note: The map below is for general reference only and the actual route picks up at the City Dock just under the words "Harbor Lights Condominiums" (you can see the dock/piers) and rides to "The Stack"
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Getting Here...
Directions to 116 Lorrie (or Lorie) C Quinn Drive, Crisfield, MD, 21817
By car or motorcycle:
Google Maps: We are an easy, beautiful Eastern Shore drive away from across the Bay or from Virginia. You’ll be using Maryland’s scenic Chesapeake Country byway and the Beach to Bay Indian Trail to come see us–enjoy the view!
Directions From Chesapeake Bay Bridge to Crisfield, MD
Directions From Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel to Crisfield, MD
Directions From Philadelphia/Delaware to Crisfield, MD
By boat:
Somers Cove Marina has plenty of visitor slips for you and your boat full of doggies!
Radio in on channel 16, then you will be asked to switch to channel 9. From there they will guide you in.
Go to https://www.somerscovemarina.com/ for more information
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
https://captaintylermotel.com/
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 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 (including the Auxiliary Legion bar) will only accept cash. Our local restaurants and shops will happily accept electronic payments.