Truth be told, we aren’t sure what to expect this weekend…what with the wide range of weather predictions currently circulating on social media. We’ve seen everything from less than an inch of snow to full-blown apocalyptic blizzard warnings. The unexpected has caused a few weekend events to be canceled or postponed, so we’ll go ahead an extend our weekly happenings on through to next weekend.  The rest of January is a hodgepodge of happenings, from the annual Ocean 98 Best Wings on the Shore Contest in Lewes to the Lone Star Rodeo and Monster Trucks in Salisbury. Delmarva Birding Weekend is on the way, followed by the ‘Bury Oysterfest at Brew River. Sleet, snow, wind, rain….nothing keeps us from having a little fun on Delmarva!

Ocean 98 Best Wings on the Shore Contest

When: Sunday, January 24, noon-3pm

Where: Crooked Hammock Brewery

What: It’s time for the third annual Ocean 98, Best Wings on the Shore Contest! This year’s throwdown will be held at Crooked Hammock Brewery in Lewes, with all the usual heavy hitters set to attend along with a few newcomers as well. You are the judge, with awards going to Best Overall, Most Creative, and Hottest. Admission is $10 at the door and will benefit the Ocean 98 Cash for College Fund. All ages are welcome.

Taste & Learn Chef Series

When: Monday, January 25, 6pm-8pm

Where: The Spice & Tea Exchange of Rehoboth

The Spice & Tea Exchange of Rehoboth will welcome 2016 with the first two of six in their Taste & Learn Chef Series. The evenings include a demonstration by an area chef followed by a tasting of each dish prepared. Up first for the month of January (both dates) will be Chef Lisa Difebo-Osias & Co. from DiFebo’s of Rehoboth! Tickets are $45 per person OR opt for the series 3-pack (choose 3 out of 6) for $120. The Taste & Learn Series will continue through March.

Maryland Coastal Bays/Lower Shore Land Trust Fundraiser

When: Monday, January 25, 6pm-11pm

Where: Burley Oak, Berlin

What: The Maryland Coastal Bays and the Lower Shore Land Trust are teaming up with Burley Oak Brewing Company in Berlin for their winter fundraiser. The event will include live music from Darin Engh and Nate Clendenen from Saltwater Stringband, along with Sean Loomis from Drymill Road. Guest bartenders Shelly Messick from West O Bottle Shop, Reagan O’Meara from Harrison’s Harborwatch, and Tom Creveling from Deep End Pool Bar will be behind the bar, donating half of their tips along with ten percent of the evenings bar ring. The evening will also include a silent auction, prizeboard, and 50/50 raffle…all to benefit Maryland Coastal Bays and the Lower Shore Land Trust.

Lone Star Rodeo: Wild Ride Tour

When: Friday, January 22 & Saturday, January 23

Where: Wicomico Youth & Civic Center, Salisbury

What: The rodeo returns to town at the end of the month as the Lone Star Rodeo crew makes their annual visit to the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center. Tickets are $17 for adults and $13 for children. Rodeo events include Bareback Bronc Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, Brahma Bull Riding and Cowgirls’ Barrel Racing.

Cheese & Wine of Central Italy

When: Wednesday, January 27, 4:00-5:30pm

Where: Touch of Italy, Ocean City

What: Spend your winter afternoon learning about cheese and wine from the Central Region of Italy. Cheesemonger Bill Wilson will lead the class, pairing six cheeses with three to four wines and house made accompaniments, including bread, olives, nuts and various items from the Touch of Italy menu. Registration is now open, cost is $45.

Monster Trucks Winternational and Thrill Show

When: Friday, January 29 & Saturday, January 30

Where: Wicomico Youth & Civic Center, Salisbury

What: Bigfoot, Monster Medic, Tow Mater, Illuminator, Rislone Defender, Saigon Shaker…all of the crowd favorites will return this year for the annual Monster Truck Rally in Wicomico County. Expect to see plenty of racing, wheelie contests, and freestyle car crushing, as well as feature motorcycle daredevil Ed Beckley. The general public will also be invited once again to take part in the Tuff Truck Challenge.

RARtoons

When: Saturday, January 30, 9am

Where: RAR, Cambridge

What: RAR, Downtown Cambridge Maryland’s local craft brewery, will be giving its customers a throw-back of sorts with their ‘Saturday Morning Cartoon’s for Adults’ event. RAR Brewing is inviting their adult patrons (i.e. 21 and over) to join them at 9am for adult beverages, breakfast bar, donut counter and more. Pajamas are encouraged!

Delmarva Winter Birding Weekend

When: Friday, January 29-Sunday, January 31

Where: Various spots across Delmarva

What: Looking forward to spring when the 21st Annual Delmarva Spring Birding Weekend returns? Well, you won’t have to wait as long this year thanks to the addition of a Winter Weekend. Participants will celebrate the amazing warblers, shorebirds, waterfowl and raptors that visit and live on Delmarva while enjoying boat and hiking trips. Registration is now available for the Winter Weekend.

TEDxSBY

When: Saturday, January 30

Where: Headquarters Live, Salisbury

What: Love TED Talks? Then this one is for you. TED has created a program called TEDx – a program of local, self-organized events that brings people together to share a TED-like experience. Locally, TEDxSBY will take place at the end of the month at Headquarters Live with a full day of speeches and programs put on by local experts, entrepreneurs, and locally-minded individuals. A final schedule of speakers has yet to be released but tickets are currently on sale at tedxsby.com.

Bury’ Oyster Fest

When: Sunday, January 31, 2-5pm

Where: Brew River, Salisbury

What: Brew River is primed and ready for their 2nd Annual ‘Bury Oyster Fest! The event features an all-you-can-eat buffet that includes oysters on the half shell, signature baked oysters, fried oysters, pulled pork sandwiches, cole slaw, potato salad and more. Live entertainment will include High 5 Swan Dive. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door (if not sold out), with a portion of the proceeds to be donated to the Wounded Warrior Project.