We say this every week, but seriously, this weekend might be our busiest to date. Of course, the pesky weather forecast is lingering in our peripheral, threatening to sabotage our weekend plans for enjoying outdoor events and festivals on Delmarva. We’re going to continue under the assumption that the weather predictions are wrong, and that it won’t be raining all weekend long. For now, let’s pretend the sun will be shining (or at least, the grounds will be dry) as we travel from Snow Hill to Lewes…Cambridge to Ocean City. There’s festivals everywhere this weekend, chose one (or all) and enjoy all that Delmarva has to offer!
Chesapeake Celtic Festival
When: Saturday, October 3 & Sunday, October 4
Where: Furnace Town Living Heritage Museum, Snow Hill
What: Celtic pride runs deep on Delmarva, and is celebrated in kind each year at Furnace Town with the Chesapeake Celtic Festival. The two-day event features fun for all ages, with sheep herding for border collies, Celtic dancing and bands, re-enactment camps, bagpipes and drums, whiskey and wine tastings, storytelling, historic martial arts, costumed artisans, ethnic food, and historic ales and specialty beers. There’s also the costumed dog parade to consider, as well as the Celtic Church Service and wedding. Or test your luck with the Luck ‘O the Irish Sweepstakes. Be sure to don your best kilt! Opening ceremonies are at noon both days. Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for children ages 4 to 18, and $5 for military.
Lower Shore Land Trust Conservation Day
When: Saturday, October 3, 2-5pm
Where: Ayers Creek Adventures, Berlin
What: Our friends at the LSLT are hosting their 5th Annual Conservation Day, an event that aims to honor the Lower Shore Land Trust’s volunteers and land protection efforts. Tickets are $25 and include a crab feast with fried chicken, guided kayak tours, water themed scavenger hunt, SUP, and outdoor fun for the whole family. We nabbed our tickets a few weeks ago, you can purchase your own at www.lowershorelandtrust.org. Hope to see you all there!
Pooch Palooza
When: Saturday, October 3, 9am-4pm
Where: Frontier Town Western Theme Park & Campground
What: You know we never miss a chance to include our four-legged companions. Presented by Delmarva Unleashed, Pooch Palooza is an annual fall festival for our loyal pups, with a full day of events such as the costume contest, pie eating contest, tennis ball lotto, cover model search, and the Delmarva DockDogs, to name a few. Look for plenty of vendors as well. Of course, leashed dogs are most welcome!
Ironfest
When: Saturday, October 3
Where: Downtown Cambridge, 5-10pm
What: As the IronMan Maryland rolls into town, Cambridge Main Street gears up to celebrate with the spectators and racers for the 2nd Annual IronFest. The last finishers of the IronMan Maryland are expected to cross the finish line up until midnight, which is why downtown restaurants and bars are happily providing a place to cheer on the runners at the turnaround located at the intersection of Gay and Poplar Streets. “There will be something for everyone, and it will all be provided by the people and businesses in this community,” said Hesson. “We aren’t creating a mirage. This is Cambridge, and we know that if we give people the best of what our town is about, they will love it.” Expect plenty of live entertainment, local eats, eclectic vendors, and plenty of Eastern Shore pride.
Lewes’ 20th Annual Boast the Coast Maritime Festival
When: Saturday, October 3, 8:30am-4pm
Where: Downtown Lewes
What: Boast the Coast returns for it’s 20th year this weekend, with maritime-themed activities scheduled throughout Lewes all day long. The hub of operations will be at the 1812 Park and the City Dock starting at 11am, but there’s also the Historic Lewes Farmers Market from 9am until noon at Shields Elementary School, the Lewes Historical Craft Show from 9am until 4pm, the Lewes in Bloom Fall Plant Sale on Second Street from 8:30am until 4pm, and the Historic District Merchants’ Fall Sidewalk Sale from 10am until 5pm. On the water, look for New Jersey’s Tall Ship, AJ Meerwald, along with the annual boat parade!
Wine on the Beach
When: Friday, October 2 & Saturday, October 3
Where: Inlet Parking Lot, OCMD
What: Wine enthusiasts will flock to the Inlet Parking Lot in Ocean City this Friday and Saturday for the 19th Annual Wine on the Beach celebration. Featuring the wineries from the East Coast, the event is the perfect chance to sample new wines or to re-discover old favorites. The event will also include micro-brews, Delmarva cuisine, arts and crafts vendors, and live music. Tickets are $35 and include one-day admission, a commemorative wine glass, and wine tasting sample coupons.
