SOLOMONS, Md. – September 12, 2018 – Patuxent River Appreciation Days (PRAD), one of Southern Maryland’s longest running festivals, celebrates its 41st year on October 6 and 7 at the Calvert Marine Museum. All members of the family can enjoy the fun from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Museum admission is FREE.

The arts and crafts show with over 25 artists will be located in the museum’s parking lot along with local food vendors. The two music stages will host live performances including Chesapeake Swing Band, California Ramblers, GrooveSpan, Smoke Creek Rounders, and many more. Children can build their own toy boats while the whole family enjoys free cruises aboard the Wm. B. Tennison and Dee of St. Mary’s. Visitors can row in canoes and ride the pedal boat in the boat basin throughout the weekend. Children will also enjoy a petting zoo and pony rides (additional fee applies for pony rides).

See dozens of non-profit groups that celebrate the river in a wide variety of ways. There will be exhibits, demonstrations, displays, and educational activities about green products, recycling, oyster farming, native plants, wildlife, live animals, and more.

Back by popular demand on Saturday in the Corbin Pavilion, local wineries will offer wine tasting. A wonderful array of fall produce, potted mums, honey and homemade jellies/jams and lavender products will also be available for sale.

Get a head start on holiday shopping in the Museum Store with new items arriving daily, including books, home décor, themed clothing, children’s puppets, and jewelry.

The annual PRAD Parade with a one-mile route along Solomons Island Road will begin Sunday at 2 p.m. Non-profit organizations are welcome to join the parade with cash prizes offered for best float entries.  To enter your float or organization, contact Randy Geck at rgeck@xecu.net.

 

PRAD is made possible through the generous support of the Board of County Commissioners and in part by the Calvert Marine Museum, Calvert Artists’ Guild, Calvert Waterman’s Association, Pa-Po-Peake Shrine Club, and the American Legion-Arick L. Lore Post. For more information about PRAD, including a complete schedule of events, visit www.bit.ly//PRAD2018, or call 410-326-2042, ext. 41.

PRAD Music Performance Schedule
Saturday, October 6 – PNC Waterside Pavilion Stage

  • Groove Span – 11:45 p.m.
  • Pond Scum – 1:00 p.m.
  • California Ramblers – 2:15 p.m.
  • Chesapeake Swing Band – 3:30 p.m.

Saturday, October 6 – Corbin Pavilion Stage

  • Bob Pfeiffer and Eric Skow – 10:30 a.m.
  • No So Modern Jazz Quartet – 11:45 a.m.
  • Folk Salad – 1:00 p.m.
  • Justus 2 – 2:15 p.m.
  • Smoke Creek Rounders – 3:30 p.m.

 Sunday, October 7 – PNC Waterside Pavilion Stage

  • Some Assemble – 12:00 p.m.
  • Sax Quartet – 1:00 p.m.
  • Chesapeake Dance Band – 3:00 p.m.