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! It hosted the World’s Largest Rubber Duck two years ago and well over 10,000 visitors came (according to Somerset County Tourism data) and vendors did VERY well!
So you can get an idea for some themed products you may want to bring this year, there will be a world record attempt for the most “DUCK DOGS” (Goldens, Labradors and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, amongst others!) in Crisfield. The special event for dog owners and lovers includes beach swims. pier jumping and a parade. There will also be jeep and motorcycle poker runs on Saturday. There are some limits to duck related items (see signup form), but we want plenty of different kinds of vendors for this HUGE crowd.
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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.), so you can feel even better about signing up for this event!
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10x10 ft space beautifully set on the waterfront event area are $175/3 days. You can get an extra 10x10 ft space for $100/3 days. One day 10x10 spaces are $125.
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Schedule of Events
*Will be updated until event
July 25-27th: 10 am-5pm (2pm Sunday)
World Record Aerial Photos Available
Visit the BIG Little Townfest Entrance Tent for digital purchase information.
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Friday: 10-5pm Early Birds $5 entrance, $3 seniors, kids free, Legionnaires, Military with ID free!
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Aerial Photos at 11:00am and 4:00pm
Crisfield Restaurant and Business Poker Runs
Legion Waterfront Beer Garden
Food Vendors
Artisan Vendors
Bring a chair and umbrella and stay a while!
1:45-2:45: Smith Island Cake Demo in Legion Hall
3:00pm: Poker Run Winners Announced for
Restaurants and Businesses
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Saturday: 10-5pm (6pm Poker Runs) $5 entrance, kids free, Legionnaires, Military with ID free!
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10-12pm--Duck Dogs Events: ​
Open Swims/Pier Jumping
11:00--Chesapeake Bay, Golden and Labrador Retriever Swim (with Aerial Photos available for purchase at Beach/Entrance Tent)
15-minute Kayak Rentals (for the pics!)
Painted Paws and/or Paw Ornament Art
Doggie Food and Drink Concessions
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10-4pm--Jeep & Motorcycle Poker Runs
(5-6pm Special Aerial Photos for Jeeps and Motorcycles)
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1:45-2:45pm: Smith Island Cake Demo in Legion Hall
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3:00-5:00pm: Poker Runs Winners Announced
Duck Dogs: 3pm
Restaurants and Businesses: 3:30pm​
Jeeps and Motorcycles: 4:30pm
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Sunday: 10-2pm Lucky Ducks $3 entrance, kids free, Legionnaires, Military with ID free!​
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10-2pm--Family Beach Party
--music, beachball volleyball, Kona Ice Shaved Ice truck
(1:00pm Special Aerial Photos at the beach and the duck )
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​Playground for the kids
Free Fishing/Crabbing
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12-6:00pm
Pontoon Boat Cruise (dog friendly) to Janes Island Beach (approx. 45 minutes)
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Poker Runs (restaurants and shops)
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Fri. & Sat. 10-4pm
Free Historical Museum Tours (dogs are welcome)
Outdoor Pavilion Tour/Display
Kids Duck Art Activities (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 and Poker Runs
Will be updated before event!
We support our local restaurants, shops and businesses! They will have special BIG Little Townfest 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!):
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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
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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!
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Gordon's (Waterman's Hangout)​
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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 BAR (Legion/Waterfront Area)
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Van Shuttle Service will be available to and from event areas call: 443-783-2486
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 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.