Summertime on the Eastern Shore means something different for everyone, but for most of us it signifies the chance to roll up your sleeves and indulge in all things Maryland blue crab. That’s right, crab season is underway here on Delmarva, which means area seafood festivals will celebrate our local culinary staple with crab picking contests, crab cook offs, crab derbies and more. First up on the agenda is the 11th Annual Taste of Cambridge!
When: Saturday, July 11th from 5pm-10pm
Where: Downtown Cambridge – Main Street
What: Celebrating its 11th year of crab feasting fun, the annual Taste of Cambridge festival is one of our favorite events to attend in Downtown Cambridge! And what’s not to love? The day features crab, crab and more crab, all for the enjoyment of the locals and visitors that flock downtown to enjoy an afternoon of good old fashioned Eastern Shore fun. The day is two-fold, including the festival itself (which is free) and the Crab Cook-Off (a ticketed event: $30).
The festival runs from 5pm until 10pm, with live music, activities and food vendors on site from 5pm until 10pm. Contests, including a crab picking contest, are available as well, along with live music and a dedicated Kids Area (near 421 Race Street).
Of course the highlight of the day is the Crab Cook-Off! Ticket holders get to sample dishes and cast votes for their favorite crab cakes, crab soups, crab balls, and crab specialty dishes. Crab tasting is from 5pm until 8pm, with the winners announced at 8pm on Race and Gay Streets. What’s more, the Judges Choice winner will also qualify to compete in the World Food Championships in Kissimmee, Florida.
“Some of these restaurants literally come in with a lifetime of experience cooking one of the world’s premier ingredients, the Maryland blue crab,” said Cambridge Main Street Executive Director Brandon Hesson. “It isn’t unrealistic to think that we are eating world class food in the streets of Cambridge during Taste of Cambridge, and people interested in great food are starting to take notice.”
Schedule of Events:
5pm-8pm: Crab tasting for ticket holders
5pm-10pm: Live Music
5:00-5:45: Pete Baker, acoustic set on the Muir Stage
5:00-6:15: Sam Pugh, acoustic set, Race Stage
6:00-6:45: So Last year, live band, Muir Stage
6:45-7:30: Flatland Drive, live band, Muir Stage
8:30-9:30: Jess & Ben, acoustic duo, Muir Stage
9:00-10:00: Maze Wave, live band, Race Stage
5pm: Juggling with Cascading Carlos
5:45pm: Dance Demonstration with ABM Dance Team; Muir Stage
6pm: Watermelon Eating Contest at the Race Stage
6:30pm: Crab Picking Contest at the Race Stage
7:15pm: Hula Hoop Contest at the Race Stage
7:45pm: Dance Demonstration with Eastern Shore Dance Academy, Race Stage
8pm: Crab Cook-Off Winner Announced at Race & Gay Streets
10pm: Festival Ends, but stick around for more live music and festivities at local restaurants, including Jimmie & Sooks, RAR Brewing, Canvasback, and Stoked.
