Annapolis and the Chesapeake Bay Offers Plenty of Ways to Get Your Joy On in 2012

12-21-2011

 

Annapolis, Maryland—The Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Conference and Visitors Bureau (AAACCVB) wants to make it easy for individuals to enjoy the many exciting events and activities that will be taking place in Annapolis and the Chesapeake Bay throughout 2012. The calendar of major events listed below also resides in the Media Section of the VisitAnnapolis.org website. A more comprehensive overview of events large and small can be accessed through the homepage of the AAACCVB website.

Annapolis and Chesapeake Bay Major Events Calendar 2012

January

16th Annual Polar Bear Plunge
Saturday, January 28
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sandy Point State Park, 1100 East College Parkway, Annapolis
Admission: Free to spectators, plungers must raise $50 in pledges.
www.plungemd.com

Experience the coolest event of the year. For just $50 in donations, plunge participants take a chilly dip in the Chesapeake Bay to raise funds for Special Olympics Maryland. New this year, families can plunge together and children under eight are invited to take part in the Pee Wee Plunge. Not ready to bare it all? Then join us—fully clothed—under the huge heated festival tent that includes vendor booths, live entertainment, food court, carnival amusements, sandcastle building, a “kids zone” and more. Joe Flacco, quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens is the 16th Annual Polar Bear Plunge Honorary Chairman.

February

Black History Month
Annapolis-wide
410-267-8146
www.annapolis.org

African Americans have played a significant role in the history of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County for more than 350 years. What better time to explore their legacy and contributions than during Black History Month? Stop by Historic Annapolis Museum at 99 Main Street for an African-American audio tour, or trace the rich history of African Americans in Annapolis and explore their national and international impact with a guided walking tour. These are among the many events and activities that salute African-American heritage throughout the month.

African-American Heritage Tours 
Saturday, February 18 (and again the 3rd Saturday of each month April through October)
1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Tours depart from the Information Booth at Annapolis City Dock 
Tickets: $16/Adult; $4/Child ages 3-11; 2 & under free. Reservations and photo I.D. required.
410-268-7601
www.watermarkcruises.com

Trace the rich and authentic journey of African-Americans in Annapolis and explore their contributions both nationally and internationally. Key historical sites include the Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Memorial and the Thurgood Marshall Memorial. Watermark offers this tour in honor of Black History Month and in partnership with the Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Foundation.

Annapolis Restaurant Week 
Monday, February 20 through Sunday, February 26
Participating restaurants in Historic and Greater Annapolis 
www.AnnapolisRestaurantWeek.com

Food lovers won’t want to miss this seven-day dining extravaganza featuring two-course, fixed-price luncheon menus for $15.95 and three-course fixed-price dinners for $32.95 at some of the most popular restaurants in Annapolis. Nearly 40 restaurants are expected to participate in the annual culinary event that provides the perfect opportunity to sample new restaurants and enjoy old favorites in the heart of Maryland’s capital city. Sponsored by the Annapolis Business Association, the fourth annual event provides a welcome opportunity for area residents and visitors to treat themselves to the award-winning cuisine that Annapolis is famous for -- all at a very affordable price.

March

All That Art Auction
Friday, March 2
6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Maryland Hall, 801 Chase Street, Annapolis
Admission: $75/person
410-263-5544
www.marylandhall.org

During the seventh annual All That Art exhibition, more than 35 pieces of art will be auctioned off to benefit Maryland Hall’s galleries and contributing artists. The artwork will be displayed in the Chaney and Martino galleries from February 27 through March 2 for viewing prior to the event.

Patuxent Research Refuge Birthday Bash 
Saturday, March 17
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
National Wildlife Visitor Center, 10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop, Laurel, MD
301-497-5763 
http://patuxent.fws.gov

Party with Patuxent at this fun-filled family celebration of the National Wildlife Refuge System’s 109th anniversary. 

Ballet Theatre of Maryland Dancers’ Gala
Sunday, March 18
4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Admission: $125/person or $1000/table of 10
Annapolis Waterfront Marriott, 80 Compromise Street, Annapolis
410-224-5644
www.balletmaryland.org

A popular event for the past ten years, the 2012 annual benefit dinner will feature a short performance by company dancers, music and a live and silent auction.

Maryland Day Celebration
Friday through Sunday, March 23-25
Sites throughout the Four Rivers Heritage Area
Admission: free or nominal $1 entry fee
410-222-1805
www.marylandday.org

Rediscover Maryland history with family and friends during a fun-filled festival highlighting the uniqueness of the Four Rivers Heritage Area. Local cultural and heritage sites open their doors to offer special activities and tours. Stroll through downtown Annapolis or visit Historic London Town and South County for educational tours, costumed re-enactors, art exhibits, kids' activities and more. Check out the website for a more complete list of participating venues.

Friends of Patuxent Wildlife Art Show & Sale 
Saturday & Sunday, March 24 & 25 
9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday; 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday
National Wildlife Visitor Center, 10901Scarlet Tanager Loop, Laurel, MD
Admission: Free 
301-497-5789 
http://patuxent.fws.gov

Experience wildlife like never before at the 23rd annual Patuxent Wildlife Art Show & Sale hosted by the Friends of Patuxent.

2nd Annual Annapolis Oyster Roast & Sock Burning
Saturday, March 24
Noon to 4 p.m.
Annapolis Maritime Museum, 723 Second Street, Annapolis
Admission: $25/person; children under 12 free 
410-295-0104
www.amaritime.org

Celebrate spring with a family-friendly feast of the Chesapeake’s most cherished bivalve. Festivities begin with the annual sock burning and go on to include live music, shucking and cooking demonstrations, an oyster shucking contest and exhibits that highlight the importance of oysters to the health of the Bay and the area’s unique maritime heritage. Enjoy plenty of oysters – raw, steamed, fried and grilled.

ArtFest
Sunday, March 25 
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Maryland Hall, 801 Chase Street, Annapolis
Admission: Free
410-263-5544
www.marylandhall.org

Explore the arts at Maryland Hall. This family-friendly event includes hands-on arts activities, demonstrations, performances, gallery events and more.

The War Came By Train
Grand Opening of the Civil War Sesquicentennial year 1862
Saturday, March 31
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
B&O Railroad Museum, 901 West Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD
Admission: $14/adults; $12/seniors (60 and over); $8/children (2 to 12)
410-752-2490
www.borail.org

The B&O Railroad Museum continues its commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War with this year's theme: The First Invasion. The Alex Brown & Sons Gallery will reopen with rare artifacts that highlight the Union Army's establishment of a Railroad Brigade, the Battle of Antietam and transportation of the wounded via the railroad and the National Road. New additions to the Roundhouse exhibits include equipment from Union soldiers and Commander of the Railroad Division, General B. F. Kell
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