SOLOMONS, MD – 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, visitwww.bit.ly//PRAD2018, or call 410-326-2042, ext. 41.

PRAD Music Performance Schedule
Saturday, October 6 – PNC Waterside Pavilion Stage
11:45 p.m. Groove Span

1 p.m. Pond Scum

2:15 p.m. California Ramblers

3:30 p.m. Chesapeake Swing Band

Saturday, October 6 – Corbin Pavilion Stage

10:30 a.m. Bob Pfeiffer and Eric Skow

11:45 a.m. Not So Modern Jazz Quartet

1 p.m. Folk Salad

2:15 p.m. Justus 2

3:30 p.m. Smoke Creek Rounders

Sunday, October 7 – PNC Waterside Pavilion Stage

12 noon Some Assembly

1 p.m. Sax Quartet

3 p.m. Chesapeake Dance Band

CMM PRAD photos attached

 

Explore how the prehistoric past, natural environments, and maritime heritage come to life and tell a unique story of the Chesapeake Bay. The Calvert Marine Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $9.00 for adults; $7.00 for seniors, military with valid I.D, AAA and AARP members; $4.00 for children ages 5 - 12; children under 5 and museum members are admitted free. For more information about the museum, upcoming events, or membership, visit the website at www.calvertmarinemuseum.com or call 410-326-2042. Like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram and Twitter.