Solomons, MD – The much-anticipated Patuxent River Appreciation Days (PRAD) was held Saturday, Oct. 11 and Sunday, Oct. 12 in Solomons. The two-day festival, which has been held annually in October since 1978, celebrates the importance of one of the Chesapeake Bay’s most storied tributaries.
This year’s event marked the official opening of Calvert Marine Museum’s (CMM) new estuarine biology exhibit “River to Bay: Reflections and Connections.”
The two-day fest included live entertainment, craft exhibitors and food vendors.
While a light rain lingered on Saturday, Sunday was a day of occasional sunshine, ideal for the annual PRAD Parade.
Former state senator and Patuxent River champion Bernie Fowler served as the parade’s grand marshal. Several Naval Junior Reserve Officer Train Corps from Southern Maryland high schools, the Patuxent High School Marching Band and Pom Squad, units from the Pa-Po-Peake Shrine Club and the reigning Mrs. World followed Fowler northward on Route 2.
Also participating in the parade were several candidates on the November ballot, trucks from the Solomons Volunteer Rescue Squad and Fire Department, scout troops, and United Way of Calvert’s candidates for Mardi Gras King and Queen.
In addition to the region’s Shriners and CMM, PRAD sponsors include the Calvert County Commissioners, SMILE and the Calvert County Waterman’s Association.
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com
