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!
Inspired by the World’s Largest Rubber Duck visit, this year’s August 1-3rd BIG Little Townfest will feature many entertaining events for all to enjoy starting at the beautiful shores of American Legion Post #16 and Wellington Beach along Crisfield’s scenic waterfront. Along with the main attraction that you can see all 3 days, Friday will be for “early birds” with heritage events, seniors discount entry fee and scavenger hunts. On Saturday there will be another world record attempt for the most “duck dogs” (Golden, Labrador and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers–other duck loving dogs are invited, too!) with beach swims, boat rides and doggie scavenger hunts through town. Festival enthusiasts will enjoy delicious food and drinks on the picturesque waterfront along with uniquely crafted items from vendors, music at the beach and live classic rock acts at Somers Cove Marina.. Jeep owners and motorcycle riders will have special "Poker Runs” collecting marked duck cards at various popular establishments along a choice of two fantastic Lower Eastern Shore routes ending at Crisfield's American Legion. The entire event is family friendly with kids under 12 free and a fun beach party for children and youth on Sunday. Military/Legionnaire ID gets you into all event areas for free as well–thank you for your service!
Whether you are planning on a day trip or are looking to stay overnight and really enjoy a quality, but economical weekend on the shore of the Chesapeake Bay, you will be treated like a guest in our home while feeling great about supporting disabled veterans with service dogs and community projects made possible through Friends of Crisfield, a nonprofit 501(c).
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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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Event Planning 2025
Vendor Information: Waterfront event area 10x10 artisan spots $100/day; $175 for all 3 days
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Thank you to our fantastic BIG Little Townfest 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
Will Johnson (Aerial Photography)
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Schedule of Events
(will be updated for 2025 soon , so please check back)
Aug. 1-3:
Friday "Early Birds" 10am-6pm
Saturday "Duck Runs" 10am-5pm
Sunday "Family Beach Party" 10am-2pm
Aerial Photos: at the beach area
11:00am (Duck Dogs Fri. and Sat.; Beach Party on Sun.)
4pm (Fri.&Sat. All participants--jeeps, motorcycles)
STOP, LOOK UP and WAVE to the sky from legion/Beach Area to City Dock/Museum Area!
Visit the BIG LIttle Townfest Tent for digital purchase information
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VIP Tent Area
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Smith Island Cake Demos
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Arts and Merch. Vendors all day
American Legion WATERFRONT BAR
and VIP Tent (Legion side of the beach area)​
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10:00am-12pm
Open Swims/Pier Jumping
11:00--Chesapeake Bay Retriever Swim
11:30--Labrador Retriever Swim
12:00--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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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
Pontoon Boat Cruise (dog friendly) to Janes Island Beach (approx. 45 minutes)
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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 Art Activities
Kids Inspired Food Concessions
Crisfield Waterfront Boat Cruise
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Map of Events (will be updated with event details)
This is a walk-friendly event! 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/Legion.
Boat Cruise (dog friendly) 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 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.