Solomons, MD – Calvert County— and all of Southern Maryland, for that matter—is a caring community that loves to have fun. As awesome autumn weather October fast approaches, a new event that blends alcohol and altruism will blow into the area. This just might become your favorite brew.
“One of our board members, Michael Kelley, approached,” recalled Kelly Chambers, CEO of United Way of Calvert County. “He has wanted to do an event for a while.”
Kelley, one of the co-owners of Ruddy Duck Brewery and Grill on Dowell Road; and The Ruddy Duck Seafood and Alehouse on St. Georges Island; is a member of the United Way board. The event, DuckFest, is his plan to raise money for community nonprofits and generate some fun with an event inspired by Oktoberfest. It will be held at Ruddy Duck Brewery and Grill Sunday, Oct. 9 from 1 to 6 p.m.
“We like to engage in win-win situations,” Kelley told The BayNet. “Being good business members of the community is important to us.”
Why the Oktoberfest celebration? “We’re a brewery and Oktoberfest is the biggest beer festival in the world.”
Kelley said the event’s corporate sponsors and the restaurant’s customers are quite excited about DuckFest. There will be live music—headlined by the Ryan Forrester Band, craft beer from several Calvert County breweries, great German food plus games and activities for children and adults.
Admission will be charged and the proceeds will help United Way in Calvert’s many partner agencies. One of those agencies—Southern Maryland Center for Independent Living—will also receive a portion of the proceeds.
It’s not too late to become a DuckFest sponsor. There are five levels of sponsorship—Imperial IPA ($5,000), Doppelbock ($2,500), Fest ($1,000), Helles ($500) and Rud Light ($250). The lower three levels allow for an unlimited number of sponsors and include many great incentives—event program inclusion, social media promotion, web site presence, e-mail blasts and admission tickets. The Fest level includes eight VIP entries to the festival, plus reserved seating, unlimited food and drink.
To become a DuckFest sponsor contact Michael Kelley at 240-925-3635, Lisa Kelley at 240-925-3637 or Kelly Chambers at 410-535-2000.
To purchase tickets visit www.unitedwaycalvert.org/duckfest.
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com
