2011 Annual Bumper Bash Boat Fest Goes On Without A Hitch

By Hayley Gable

Attracting a crowd of over 700 boats and thousands of locals, the controversial “Bumper Bash” July 23 boat festival on Dobbins Island went on with few problems due to increased security measures, sufficient planning and proper safety precautions.

The sixth annual event not only pulled in a slew of Severna Park locals, but also many from neighboring waterways in Pasadena, Glen Burnie, Baltimore, Annapolis, and Arnold.

“By hosting this event each year, our goal is always to create a fun-filled day on the water,” said Scott M., one of the three volunteers who organized the event. “This is a social event that is not so different from any other average weekend on the water.”

This was the second consecutive year Bumper Bash had linked up with The Special Olympics of Maryland as a charitable partner. Funds raised from the sale of t-shirts and other items went directly to Maryland Special Olympics in support of their programs. Additionally, the group promoted direct donations via the Special Olympics of Maryland website.

This summer, however, as the date approached, many expressed concern regarding the overall safety planning and presence for the event. Communities along the Magothy had even voiced their agitation to politicians. In a recent community association newsletter, North Shore on the Magothy clarified their stance on the event, stating, “Bumper Bash creates a safety hazard as well as human waste, trash and trespassing issues. Moreover, the events allow alcohol consumption that lead to numerous public nuisance incidents. These events are too large and damaging for our fragile environment. Concerned neighbors will survey the upcoming event and record the trash, illegal activity, trespassing and public nuisance incidents.”

In response to the community’s concerns regarding Bumper Bash, Delegate Nic Kipke issued a letter to Anne Arundel County Chief of Police James Teare, Sheriff Ron Bateman and Fire Chief Robert Ray about increasing safety measures at the event.

“I have received several requests from neighboring communities to step up policing of this event to prevent dangerous conditions and perhaps tragedy. Last year their community beach was used by county emergency responders as a base for retrieving disorderly individuals. While I am completely confident in the planning your organization has undergone in preparation for this year’s event, I want to share some of the concerns I have heard from these communities,” Kipke’s letter stated.

Among some of the surrounding communities’ concerns were underage drinking and drug use, trespassing onto Dobbins Island, utilizing unlighted rafts after dark, managing the mass number of boats so emergency responders, if needed, can quickly access individuals, and finally, ensuring there is zero tolerance for intoxicated operation of boats by attendees.

Sure enough, thanks to the enhanced level of security, this year’s Bumper Bash went on without any major problems or complications. The DNR established a 40-foot wide float-free channel directly to the center of the shore to allow for safe emergency response, and the island was cleared of all patrons at 7:00pm.

Additionally, the event featured a live DJ and band that played aboard one of the floating platforms. Boats of all shapes and sizes, including one that was decorated as a pirate ship, anchored away around the island. While the crowd was made up of mostly adults who were floating atop rafts and inflated water toys, a handful of children spent the afternoon splashing around the island’s shoreline.

“The Bumper Bash is synonymous with what makes this area such a nice place to live. People around here have an incredible work ethic but like to play hard as well, and this event is a great opportunity to kick back and relax on the water with friends,” commented Kipke. “Unfortunately, last year a handful of kids almost spoiled the event by getting into a drunken brawl that police had to stop, and fortunately major tragedy was avoided. This year needed to be different so that this great tradition did not get tarnished by someone getting seriously hurt or worse,” Kipke added.

Bumper Bash took place in cooperation with the Anne Arundel County Police Department, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and the United States Coast Guard, and included double the patrol and enforcement compared to last year.

Plans for the 2012 Bumper Bash at Dobbin’s Island are already underway. For more information on the event, or to make a donation to Maryland Special Olympics, visit www.thenewbumperbash.net.