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 the World’s Largest Rubber Duck visit, this year’s July 25-27th 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 HUGE 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 scavenger hunts through town. Festival enthusiasts will enjoy delicious food and drinks on the picturesque waterfront along with uniquely crafted items from vendors and music at the beach. 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 and visitors, participant sign up, scavenger hunt information, places to stay and much more!
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*Special Note: Please bring CASH with you since many vendors, some admittance fees and donations will only be in cash.
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Thank you to our fantastic BIG Little Townfest Event SPONSORS:
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BIG QUACKER SUPER SPONSORS
LUCKY DUCK SPONSORS​
The Crisfield Area Chamber of Commerce
Somerset County Parks, Recreation and Tourism
LITTLE DUCKIE SPONSORS
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EVERYTHING's JUST DUCKIE CRISFIELD BUSINESS SPONSORS
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Schedule of Events
(will be updated regularly, so please check back)
July 25-27:
Friday "Early Birds" 10am-5pm
Saturday "Duck Dogs and Poker Runs" 10am-6pm
Sunday "Family Beach Party"
10am-2pm
Aerial Photos: at the duck and beach area
Visit the BIG LIttle Townfest Tent for digital purchase information
Friday: 10-5pm Early Birds $5 entrance, $3 seniors 65+, 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 Tent
Food Vendors
Artisan Vendors
Bring a chair and umbrella and stay a while!
1:45-2:45: Smith Island Cake Demo in Legion Hall
2:00 and 4pm: Poker Run Winners Announced for
Restaurants and Businesses
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Saturday: 10-5pm $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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11-4pm--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
10-12pm Kids
12-2pm Youth 13+
--music, beachball volleyball, Kona Ice Shaved Ice truck
(12:00pm 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)
Map of Events
Free parking is available in the event area's parking across from Wellington Beach.
This is a walk-friendly event so you can also part at the Municipal 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
Directions From Norfolk, VA 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
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 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.