January was a whirlwind here on Delmarva, what with the blizzard/nor’easter that we experienced halfway through the month that nearly decimated our beaches and left the coast flooded. Of course, true to Delmarva form, the weather took a drastic turn, with temperatures climbing into the 60s just a few days later. Such is life on the Eastern Shore. The flip-flop of temperatures provided us with the chance to enjoy both indoor AND outdoor activities, which we hope will continue as we move into the month of February. This month is filled with fun events, including Valentine’s Day, President’s Day Weekend, Mardi Gras, FeBREWary…not too mention the fact that it’s a Leap Year, so February has an extra day on the calendar. The month starts off with the Lewes Polar Bear Plunge and ends with Crabi Gras Crawfish Boil in Cambridge. All that and more, right this way…
Lewes Polar Bear Plunge Weekend Festival
When: Friday, February 5 – Sunday, February 7
Where: Lewes, DE
What: Each year, the Lewes Polar Bear Plunge is held on the first Sunday of February, serving as one of the biggest fundraising events of the year for Special Olympics Delaware. Participating ‘bears’ will take the plunge on Sunday at 1pm, but there are plenty of other activities to enjoy throughout the weekend as well, including the Ice Sculpting Competition (Saturday, 10am-12:30pm), the 5K Run to the Plunge (Saturday, 1pm) and the Restaurant Chili Tasting Contest (Saturday, 2:30pm-5pm).
Souper Bowl Contest
When: Saturday, February 6, 4pm
Where: 94th Street Bull on the Beach, Ocean City
What: Bull on the Beach and the Worcester County Humane Society are partnering for their annual Souper Bowl Contest. Contestants are invited to bring their own soup to submit – simply drop off two gallons by noon on Saturday. Guests can also attend as tasters/judges, with judging to start at 4pm. Those tasting and/or judging are asked to bring donations for the Worcester County Humane Society.
Seaside Boat Show
When: Friday, February 12 – Sunday, February 14
Where: Ocean City Convention Center
What: The #1 boat show on the Eastern Shore returns to Ocean City this month, bringing over 350 boats, electronics, dock builders, boat lifts, crafts, canvas, archery displays, fishing rods, tackle, paddle boards, artists, food vendors, and more to the Ocean City Convention Center. Admission is $10 for adults; $1 for children. Hours are 11am-7pm on Friday; 10am-7pm on Saturday; 10am-5pm on Sunday.
Sweetheart Tea at Poplar Hill Mansion
When: Thursday, February 11 @ 11:30am
Where: Poplar Hill Mansion, Salisbury
What: Poplar Hill Mansion is hosting a Sweetheart Tea this month, which will include a menu of fruit cup, homemade soup, assorted tea sandwiches, homemade scones with clotted cream and jam, assorted sweets, and Lady Gray tea. Price is $22 and reservations are strongly encouraged as it is the one of the most popular tea events of the year at the historic mansion. The afternoon will also include a fashion show, raffle, music and more.
When: All Month-Long
Where: Worcester County Humane Society
What: The WCHS is celebrating love this month by encouraging locals to open their hearts and love not one, but two cats. The Two of Hearts adoption campaign will continue throughout the entire month of February and any two cats who arrived at the shelter together will have a reduced adoption fee of $100 for the pair. All cats will be spayed/neutered, up to date on vaccinations and microchipped.
Lunar New Year Celebration
When: Saturday, February 13, 2pm-5pm
Where: The Country School, Easton
What: It’s the Eastern Shore’s largest Asian New Year Celebration, which will mark the third year for the event. Held at the Field House at The Country School, activities for the entire family will be available, including a live performance of Chinese acrobats who are currently touring the U.S. Tea tastings, Asian foods, crafts, music and an informal dragon parade will also take place.
Fager’s Oyster Garden
When: Saturday, February 13, 12pm-4pm
Where: Fager’s Island, OCMD
What: Each year we look forward to the Oyster Garden event at Fager’s Island, which features all you can eat oysters and select craft beers from Evo and Flying Dog, along with BBQ ribs and chicken, and music from Pressing Strings. Tickets are $40 in advance and $45 at the door.
Valentine’s Horse & Carriage Rides
When: Saturday, February 13 & Sunday, February 14
Where: Boardwalk, Ocean City
What: Celebrate your Valentine’s Day weekend with a romantic horse & carriage ride along the Boardwalk in OCMD. Pricing is $40 per couple and includes a box of chocolates, a rose, and a glass of bubbly for the ride. Rides are available from 11am until 5pm and take guests from the Inlet Lot to 4th Street and back. For reservations call 443-783-1409.
WeHeartSBY Awards Banquet
When: Thursday, February 18, 6pm-8pm
Where: Headquarters Live, Salisbury
What: The WeHeartSBy awards aim to celebrate the individuals, businesses, and organizations whose efforts benefit and improve the City of Salisbury. Nominees were selected (and winners determined) by local voters. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $15 or for $20 at the door.
Shore Craft Beer Fest: Love on Tap at Seacrets
When: Saturday, February 20, 1pm-4pm
Where: Seacrets, OCMD
What: Seacrets and ShoreCraftBeer.com are joining forces once again this year for the Shore Craft Beer Festival in Ocean City, MD. The event features ONLY local craft beer, along with live music and the chance to talk with brewery representatives. Also on tap (quite literally in fact) are a variety of beers made especially for the occasion.
Delmarva Wool & Fiber Expo
When: Friday, February 19 – Sunday, February 21
Where: Elks Lodge, 138th Street, Ocean City
What: Vendors will gather at the Elks Lodge all weekend-long (Friday: 11am-6pm; Saturday: 10am-6pm; Sunday: 10am-3pm) for the annual Delmarva Wool and Fiber Expo. Custom finished products will be for sale along with materials to make those same products. Expect related-wool, needles, cadres, and more. Admission is $3 for the day or $5 for the weekend.
5th Annual Crawfish Boil and Muskrat Stew Fest
When: Sunday, February 28, noon-5pm
Where: Cannery Way Park, Cambridge
What: Downtown Cambridge will celebrate local cuisines on February 28 for the 5th Annual Crawfish Boil and Muskrat Stew Fest, a unique food and music event produced by Crabi Gras. This year’s headlining act will be American blues legend Tom Principato.
