There are some pretty awesome things happening on the Eastern Shore this weekend. Whether it’s a celebration of the life of an iconic figure of the American Civil Rights Movement, attending a 38th annual fishing expo, creating something neat for charity, or checking out some stellar artwork; this weekend’s got it covered. Several parties are happening to honor Martin Luther King, Jr., an iconic figure of modern American liberalism, over the long weekend. If you’re off work on Monday for the holiday, enjoy. Socially speaking, get out there and partake in any of these fine events. Oh, yeah – Happy Friday the 13th!

Early Monday morning, young members of the local community are welcome to attend the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Activity at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center (500 Glen Avenue) in Salisbury, MD. From 8:30 am – noon, a free breakfast will be served and youth speakers will tell about Martin Luther King Junior’s legacy. Live entertainment, including youth praises, dancing, and choirs, will perform throughout the morning. Free bus transportation will be provided within the limits of Salisbury city.

Later Monday night, also at the Wicomico Civic Center, guests will gather to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday. The 27th annual commemorative banquet is open to the public and costs $35 per person. Tables can be reserved for up to 10 people in advance. Call 410-546-4206 for more information.

The East Coast Commercial Fishermen’s & Aquaculture Trade Expo will occupy the Roland E. Powell Convention Center (40th Street and Coastal Highway) in Ocean City all weekend. From 11 am – 6 pm, the nautical wildlife art festival will feature artists in residence, noted painters, sculptors, model shipbuilders, and multimedia artists. This will be the 38th expo held on the Eastern Shore. On display will be charter boat and sports fishermen gear, workboats, and inshore/offshore equipment. Aquaculture and commercial fishing seminars will be presented. The North American Craft Show will be running in correlation with the aquaculture convention. Juried art and crafts will be for sale. Music and food will be available for purchase, also.

Break out your sewing machine and take it to the Worcester County Library – Ocean City Branch (100th Street and Coastal Highway) on Saturday, January 14th. Starting at 1 pm, an instructor will be leading a group in creating dresses out of pillowcases. Pillow case dresses are easy-to-make and will make the world of a difference to a little girl. All dresses made on Saturday will be donated to school-girls in Africa. Participants should bring a portable sewing machine, scissors, a few new or used pillowcases, ½ – ¼ inch wide elastic, double fold bias tape, and coordinating thread. The event makes for a great mother-daughter activity and benefits a good cause.

The Dorchester Center for the Arts in Cambridge, MD will be holding an opening reception on Saturday night from 6 – 8 pm. Paintings by Faith Lord will be showcased along with work from Walt Schumacker, Rina Thaler and Edward Eckert. All artists are from the coast: Ocean City and Rehoboth Beach areas. The Center for the Arts (321 High Street) is dedicated to increasing access to the arts for all members of the community by supporting extensive outreach and educational opportunities. Support local artists and art history by visiting the Center for the Arts to see this new exhibit. The exhibit will be on display until January 29th.

The Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art (909 S. Schumaker Drive) in Salisbury, MD will be debuting a new collection this weekend. Swanfall is an exhibit featuring carvings, painting, and artifacts that explore the natural and cultural history of the swan. These beautiful and graceful white feathered creatures have unique mating, migrating, and evolution patterns. The exhibit is located in the Welcome Gallery at the museum. Photography from Swanfall: Journey of the Tundra Swans, written by Salisbury University professor, Tom Horton, and photographed by David Harp, will be visible. The exhibit will be displayed through February 5th. The Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art is open Monday – Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm, Sunday from 12 -5 pm.