Well hello there spring, it sure is nice to see you again!! It’s safe to say we are all ecstatic to see April, springtime, and warm weather making their magnificent debut here on the Eastern Shore. This winter was a rough one on Delmarva and while we have enjoyed the winter events, we are 100 percent ready for all that spring has to offer…particularly all the outdoor events and festivals! The month kicks off with Easter events and finishes strong with some of our favorite events of the year…Boardwalkin’ for Pets, St. Michaels WineFest, and Pork in the Park, to name a few. Take a look at a few of our favorite April happenings:
47th Annual Great Delaware Kite Festival
When: Friday, April 3, 10am-3pm
Where: Cape Henlopen State Park
What: It’s the 47th Annual Great Delaware Kite Festival! A terrific way to kickoff April, the event includes an egg hunt at 11am, an egg toss at 1:15pm, adult kite competition at 1:45pm, stunt flying demos at 2:15pm and the final awards ceremony at 2:45pm. There is no entry fee for competitors. Competitions are in three age categories: children up to age 12; teens 13-17; and adults 18 & older. There is no advance registration required, participants can register starting at 10am. Spectators…you’re in for a magnificent show!
Berlin’s 20th Annual Spring Celebration
When: Saturday, April 4, 11am- 4pm
Where: Downtown Berlin, Main Street
What: Step through the looking glass into Berlin’s Wonderland! It’s a day chocked full of family-friendly fun, starting at 11am with the town Easter Egg Hunt! From 11am until 3pm, enjoy games, crafts, and characters along Main Street. Stevenson United Methodist Church will host a Mad Hatter Tea Party with stories and crafts from noon until 1pm, followed by the Cupcake Eating Contest at Cupcakes in Bloom at 1pm. From 2-3pm, head to the Taylor House for lawn games. Round out the day with the “Crazy, Enchanted, Magical Hat Parade,” from 3pm to 4pm.
Rehoboth Get Down in Town
When: Friday, April 10, 5pm-8pm
Where: Rehoboth Main Street
What: Eat, Drink & Shop at the annual Get Down in Town spring event. $10 admission includes discounts, drinks, desserts, and other delectable treats from restaurants and participating stores. Enjoy live music by Paul Cullen at First Street Station and don’t forget to enter the Grand Prize Drawing ($1000). Tickets can be purchased online at downtownrehoboth.com or at Azura, South Moon Under, Something Comfortable, Heidi Lowe Gallery, and the Rehoboth Beach Main Street Office.
Lewes Tulip Festival
When: Thursday, April 9-Saturday, April 11
Where: Lewes
What: The City of Lewes celebrates its Dutch heritage each year with their annual Tulip Festival. Over 10,000 tulip bulbs are planted each year in the city parks, yielding a beautiful display of spring colors along with activities, trolley tours, displays and more. Stay tuned for our pics!
When: Saturday, April 12, 1pm-6pm
Where: Seacrets, Jamaica USA
What: Seacrets proudly presents the 12 Pack of Local Music Fest! The day of local fun will include 12 craft brews from local breweries as well as complimentary food pairings. The event will also feature 12 local bands, including Bad Since Breakfast, Full Circle, Daniella Cotton, Graham Alexander, Melissa Alesi & Lauren Glick, Alex & Shiloh, Old School, and Kaleb Brown. Tickets are $30, must be 21 or older to attend.
Paint Snow Hill
When: April 16-April 19
Where: Snow Hill, Preview Party and Sale at the Old Firehouse on Green Street.
What: Art lovers, this one is for you! Over 70 artists will be painting in Snow Hill for four days, culminating in the “Wet Paint” Show and Sale April 18th (6-8pm) and 19th (12-4pm).
Poplar Hill Spring Fashion Show
When: Thursday, April 16, 11:30am
Where: Poplar Hill Mansion, Salisbury
What: Head to Poplar Hill Mansion and celebrate spring with the annual Spring Luncheon and Fashion Show! Luncheon includes soup, chicken salad, pasta salad, gelatin salad, dessert, and Lady Grey Tea. The events also includes a fashion show and raffle. Tickets are $22 per person. Reservations are required. Call Sarah at 410-749-1776 for more information.
4th Annual Komen Race for the Cure
When: Sunday, April 19
Where: Boardwalk in OCMD
What: The 4th Annual Komen Maryland Race, held each year in OCMD, is set for Sunday, April 19. Support and donations garnered from the event will go towards breast health programs and support for women, men, and families throughout Maryland who have been affected by breast cancer. This year’s goal is $350,000. To participate, go to www.komenmd.org/OC.
OC Spring Restaurant Week
When: April 19-May 3
Where: Ocean City, MD – participating restaurants
What: It’s that time of year again – time to celebrate spring with fantastic dining deals at some of our favorite Ocean City restaurants! Click here for all the participating restaurants.
Pork in the Park
When: April 24&25; Friday (4pm-10pm) & Saturday (10am-10pm)
Where: Winterplace Park, Salisbury
What: Over the years, Pork in the Park has become a major Eastern Shore staple, with two days of live music and entertainment, activities for kids, unique craft vendors, and of course, plenty of delicious food! Admission is $3 for adults, kids under the age of 12 are free.
Delmarva Birding Weekend
When: April 23-26
Where: Worcester County
What: It’s the 20th Annual Delmarva Birding Weekend! Hosted by Worcester County Tourism and various sponsors and partners, Delmarva Birding Weekend celebrates the spring migration of thousands of warblers, shorebirds, waterfowl and raptors. Enjoy boat trips, paddling treks, and expeditions by foot.
Ward World Championship Carving Competition
When: April 24-26
Where: Ocean City Convention Center
What: The annual Ward World Championship Carving Competition is one of the most prestigious competitions of contemporary wildfowl art, featuring carvers and visitors from around the world. Enjoy classes and seminars, benefit auction, demonstrations, children’s activities, world class bird carvings and more! For more information, visit www.wardmuseum.org.
Maryland Kite Expo
When: April 24-26
Where: OCMD Boardwalk, 2nd to 6th Streets
What: This event is fun for all ages, with beautiful kites visible up and down the boardwalk . The Maryland International Kite Exposition will feature three-days of kite flying fun on the beaches of Ocean City.
Boardwalkin’ for Pets
When: Saturday, April 25, 9am-noon
Where: Boardwalk in OCMD
What: Our favorite event of the year for a number of reasons but mostly because it is a major fundraiser for our local Worcester County Humane Society! Bring your pooch or walk a shelter dog for a morning of fun along the Boardwalk in Ocean City. Prizes will be awarded to Largest Dog, Smallest Breed, Best Dressed and Best Trick. This is the biggest fundraising event of the year for the shelter, with a $50,000 goal for 2015. Let’s help them reach it – see you all on the boards!
Saltwater Brew ‘n’ Que
When: April 24& 25, Friday (4pm to 10pm); Saturday (10am-8pm)
Where: Chincoteague Fairgrounds, Main Street
What: Chincoteague proudly presents the 1st annual Saltwater Brew ‘N’ Que professional barbeque competition and craft beer festival! The two-day event is packed with family fun, live entertainment, craft beer, and some of the best BBQ in the nation. Friday will feature the People’s Choice chicken wing contest with the BBQ competition held on Saturday. Click here for more information and stay tuned for our photos and story to follow!
Berlin Heritage Festival
When: Saturday, April 24, 11:30am-4:30pm
Where: Downtown Berlin
What: The Town of Berlin will be celebrating their rich heritage along with the 120th Anniversary of the iconic Atlantic Hotel. Expect vintage vehicles dating back to the 1800s, demonstrations, actors in period costumes, artifacts, and more! Another great excuse to get out and enjoy all that Berlin has to offer.
Oxford Day
When: Saturday, April 25
Where: Oxford, MD
What: One of our favorite little Eastern Shore towns, Oxford, will celebrate the 21st Annual Oxford day with a parade, performances, a Dog Show and Dog Walk, food, kid-friendly activities and more!
St. Michaels WineFest
When: April 25 & 26, noon til 5pm
Where: throughout the town
What: Nearly 400 wines from around the globe will be showcased at the annual WineFest in St. Michaels, along with food, vendors, and the chance to speak with winemakers and experts. Explore the charming town while you’re there…we love any excuse for a day trip to St. Michaels!
Zoo Stampede 5K Run/Walk and Earth Day Celebrations at the Salisbury Zoo
When: Saturday, April 25
Where: Salisbury Zoo
What: Rain or shine, the Salisbury Zoo is set to host their annual Zoo Stampede 5K Run/Walk, starting at 9am. Participants can pre-register at VP Shoes or at the Salisbury Zoo for $20. Registration is also available the day of the race for $25. Stick around after for the Earth Day Celebration at the Zoo, from 10am until 4pm. Over 20 earth-friendly exhibitors will be at the zoo, along with concessions and activities. Call 410-548-3188 for more information.
Ocean 98’s 9th Annual Bloody Mary Contest
When: Sunday, April 26, 12pm-3pm
Where: Smitty McGee’s, Rt. 54 Fenwick Island
What: It’s the best of the best, battling it out at the 9th Annual Bloody Mary Contest! Judging is open to the public (must be 21 or over) with tickets just $10 at the door. Prepare your taste buds…this event is a spicy one.
