There are three things that we really, really LOVE about the month of March. The first is daylight savings time and putting the clocks forward. The extra hour of sunlight at the end of the day is a welcome reprieve after a winter full of long, dark nights. The second thing we love about March…SPRING!! One of our favorite things about living in an area with changing seasons is the feeling of pure euphoria that comes when the winter weather breaks and warm, spring days arrive. We aren’t naive enough to think the entire spring will be warm and sunny, this is the Eastern Shore after all, but the arrival of spring will yield a few warm days here and there, along with the joyous knowledge that summer is inching closer and closer. Finally, we love March for all of the events that are happening across Maryland and Delaware! Take a look…

Salisbury Restaurant Week

Monday, March 2-Sunday, March 8

The Salisbury Chamber of Commerce is proudly presenting the first Restaurant Week for Wicomico County, with 26 participating restaurants offering up terrific dining deals for lunch and dinner. We’re pretty excited about hitting as many restaurants as possible. For a full list of the participating restaurants, visit www.sbyrestaurantweek.com and follow SBY Restaurant Week on FB, Instagram and Twitter.

Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus

Thursday, March 5-Sunday, March 7 (7 shows)

The circus will return to town at the beginning of March, with seven shows scheduled at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center during the first week in March. Grab the kids and enjoy a fun-filled night of entertainment.

Bethany Beach Books Presents Storytime with the Cat in the Hat

Saturday, March 7, 1pm

Our friends at Bethany Beach Books are giving you the chance to hang out with the Cat in the Hat! Story time starts at 1pm, followed by photos with the Cat himself. All Dr. Suess books will be available at a special buy two get one free rate, plus, everyone who attends and buys a book will receive 20% of their pre-orders of Dr. Seuss’s newest book, arriving in stores this July.

Rehoboth Chocolate Festival

Saturday, March 7, 1:30pm-4:30pm

Chocolate lovers rejoice! It’s the 25th anniversary of the Rehoboth Chocolate Festival, which will include new surprises and events to honor the festival’s silver anniversary. Professional entries compete in the following categories: Brownie, Cake, Candy, Cookie, Pie, Other, and Showpiece. Tickets are $10 and include 10 tastes. Children 12 and under at $5 and receive 5 tastes. There is also a special VIP ticket, which gains two-hour early event admission and 25 tastes. Purchase your tickets at the door or in advance online at www.downtownrb.com

Cinderella at the Ocean City Performing Arts Center

Saturday, March 7, 2pm(sold out) & 7pm showings

The Ballet Theatre of Maryland will perform Cinderella at the brand new Ocean City Performing Arts Center on Saturday March 7. Tickets for the two o’clock showing went so fast that a second evening show was added. Tickets are $10 for General Admission and may be purchased at the Convention Center Box Office, 410-289-2800, or at the Worcester Country Library branches.

EVO Hillbilly Hoe-Down

Sunday, March 8, 1pm-5pm

Evolution Craft Brewing Company in Salisbury is hosting a Hillbilly Hoe-Down Sunday, March 8. Advanced tickets at $19.99 and includes unlimited EVO beer tastings along with a southern-style buffet. The buffet menu includes carving stations, baked beans, southern slaw, deviled eggs, farm fresh veggies, beef, pork, leg of lamb, a tater tot station with fixin’s, and banana pudding cups. And how could we forget the live entertainment from The Saltwater String Band?! Tickets are available online or at EVO. Tickets at the door are $25.

International Women’s Day

Sunday, March 8, 6pm

March 8 is International Women’s Day and what better way to celebrate than by attending the 3rd Annual International Women’s Day Celebration Dinner at Antipasti in OCMD!? The four-course meal includes salad, pasta entrée, dessert, and coffee or tea for $40. Mingle with other local women and take a look at the products and services that will be featured from area businesses. Space is limited so reserve your space now by clicking here.

OCMD St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Saturday, March 14, 11am

We look forward to the Ocean City St. Patty’s Day Parade all winter long for two reasons. One, because it is the unofficial start of spring here in OCMD, with businesses re-opening, visitors and traveling locals returning, and (hopefully) the sun shining on the outdoor event. And two, because it is ALWAYS a fun time packed with merriment, parading businesses, and a sea of green. The parade starts on 58th Street and travels south down Coastal Highway to 45th Street.

St. Patty’s Day Bagpipers March

Saturday, March 14

What better way to start your St. Patrick’s Day shenanigans than with a parade of bagpipes?! The fun starts at Market Street Inn at noon and continues on to Cellar Door, Roadie Joes, Echelon, and finally, MoJos. Dress the part and you’ll have a chance to win some awesome prizes for your Irish spirit. A portion of the event proceeds will go to the Wicomico County Humane Society.

Snow Hill Blues Jam

Saturday, March 14, 7pm

Enjoy some springtime pickin’ during the annual Blues Jam in Snow Hill. Dave Chappell Band and the Snow Hill All Starts will headline the event, along with Tom Mason’s famous barbeque!  Tickets are $25, with sales limited to 250 so act now! Head to www.snowhillartsontheriver.org for more information.

20th Annual Central Sussex Bridal Show

Sunday, March 15

Wedding season is about to be in full swing, which means its the perfect time to attend the 20th annual Sussex Bridal Show in Millsboro. This year’s event theme is, “A Platinum Affair.” Admission is just $5.

Empty Bowl Dinner

Saturday, March 21, 5pm-8pm

Volunteers have been hard at work over the past two months to create an arsenal of pottery bowls for the Art League of Ocean City’s Empty Bowl Project. The initiative aims to raise awareness on hunger, while simultaneously raising funds for our local shelter, Diakonia. The fundraiser culminates with the Empty Bowl Dinner, where volunteers will have the chance to purchase their finished product for a $20 donation. The event also includes a simple meal of soup, bread, and desserts, all donated by area restaurants.

West O Bottle Shop Spring Celebration

Saturday, March 21, 6-10pm

The West O Bottle Shop & Bar is welcoming spring with a bang (and a fabulous selection of wine and oysters). Enjoy a pairing of 10 wines with local, hand-shucked oysters from the Chincoteague and Chesapeake Bays. Additional food from The Blacksmith in Berlin and cheese from Chesapeake Bay Farms will be available as well. And don’t forget about the local, craft beers that will be on tap from RAR and Burley Oak! What’s more, a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Maryland Coastal Bays Program. Tickets are $40.

Brewgrass Fagers

Saturday, March 28, 1pm-5pm

Fager’s Island has kept us well fed and happily entertained all winter-long, and for that we sure are thankful! Up next is their annual BrewGrass event, which boasts bluegrass, craft beer, and BBQ! Expect craft beer from Flying Dog, Dogfish Head, The Brewer’s Art, Evo, Burley Oak, Heavy Seas, and Union, along with live music from The Saltwater Stringband and Drymill Road and a fantastic spread of southern-style BBQ. Tickets have sold out for the past four years, so get yours now!

Eastern Shore Sea Glass and Coastal Arts Festival

Saturday, March 28, 10am-5pm

Spend the day in Talbot County, taking in the sights and enjoying a few hours at the annual Eastern Shore Sea Glass and Coastal Arts Festival! Artisans will showcase and sell their sea glass inspired jewelry, home décor, and more. For more information, visit www.seaglassfestival.com