Summer Merriment In Maryland

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Carnivals, festivals, parades and outdoor music events. Few words cause as much anticipation for the summer as these. As the weather warms up and the days get longer, the number of activities and events grow exponentially. There are a multitude of experiences to be had this summer in Anne Arundel County, no matter your interests.

Feeling patriotic? Look no further than the annual Severna Park Fourth of July parade, organized by the Greater Severna Park and Arnold Chamber of Commerce. This year’s theme is “Celebrating Our Rich History.” The chamber is looking for new floats and volunteers. A panel of judges will determine the Best Overall, Best Theme and Most Patriotic. Kids are a big part of the parade too, and they are encouraged to adorn their bikes with patriotic and creative materials for the decorated bike contest.

Concurrent with Independence Day this year is the annual Earleigh Heights Carnival, held from June 30 to July 9. Run by Jolly Shows, the carnival has an array of entertainment. Adults and kids can glide or spin with high-intensity rides midair or they can enjoy the leisurely merry-go-round or super slide. Games include the duck pond, water race and hoop shoot. Guests can also stroll around the midway to sample the concessions: corn dogs, chicken fingers, pizza, ice cream, funnel cakes, cotton candy and popcorn.

Speaking of food, are you in the mood for crabs? Head to the annual Annapolis Crab Feast. Held rain or shine since 1946, the feast is one of the longest-running and most popular summertime traditions in Maryland according to Visit Annapolis. Held every August at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, this all-you-can-eat event invites attendees to enjoy Maryland blue crabs, beef barbecue sandwiches, hot dogs, watermelon, draft beer, soda and more. Need another reason to attend? All of the proceeds of this event will be donated to local community organizations.

Do you love music? Bands in the Sand will come to Philip Merrill Environmental Center in Annapolis on Saturday, June 11. Presented by Annapolis Subaru and Urban Grid, this music festival on the beach is a fundraiser for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF).

Since 2006, the event has raised more than $3.54 million for Chesapeake Bay preservation efforts.

The 2022 Summer Spirit Festival is at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia on Sunday, August 7, for the event's 15th anniversary. A stacked lineup includes Erykah Badu, Anthony Hamilton, Method Man and Redman, Marsha Ambrosius, Junkyard Band and J. Brown.

Huzzah! As the summer comes to an end and the autumn wind brings a chill, the Maryland Renaissance Festival invites guests to put on their costumes and step back in time to the village of Revel Grove. The 2022 season begins on August 27 and continues for nine weekends of merriment. The second-largest renaissance festival in America, this 27-acre annual attraction sees about 300,000 visitors every year.

Baltimore’s renowned celebration of the arts, Artscape will sadly continue its hiatus this summer. The celebrated event will return in 2023, along with a preview of next year’s fest this coming September. As the official website states, “The origin of Artscape was to have a positive economic impact on the artists and makers throughout the city. Baltimore is overflowing with creative talent, and we set out to reimagine Artscape in the tradition of the world’s great art festivals. A new Artscape promises to draw art enthusiasts from around the country and the world, ensuring that Baltimore becomes a world-class center of artistic excellence.”

There is an event for everyone this summer, no matter their interests. So, grab the hat and sunglasses, put on some sunscreen and head out to one of the many events in the area for some summer fun.

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