KENT NARROWS — A first for Queen Anne’s County — this year the Watermen’s Association will be spreading holiday cheer and fundraising at the same time — with the advent of a crab basket Christmas tree. Each basket purchased will raise money for local watermen. Buy a basket and paint it for $50 or have the association paint for you for $65. There will be 200 baskets for sale beginning Nov. 1.
The idea had been tossed around for a couple years, said the Sadlers, Joey and Karen. Joey, a waterman by trade and his wife had visited the tree lighting in Rock Hall and Karen kept talking about how Queen Anne’s needed something similar, a tribute to the season that would also include the watermen who are an integral part of the county.
Despite, or maybe because of COVID, this year seemed like the perfect time to start, said Karen. The boat parade and annual Centreville Christmas parade had already been canceled and although the lighting of the Crab Basket Tree would likely have to be virtual visitors would still be able to stop by the waterfront and partake in the holiday spirit by visiting the tree.
The Sadler’s alongside Brooke Horney and Christy Wilkins, both involved in the Queen Anne’s County Watermen’s Association are spearheading the event. The group is also getting help from Heather Tinelli Director of Economic & Tourism Development and Gigi Windley, Executive Director Kent Narrows Development Foundation. Both Tinelli and Windley were enthusiastic about the prospect, said Karen.
The Watermen’s Association consists of local commercial watermen who make their living harvesting seafood from local waterways. The Chesapeake Bay and it’s tributaries are our office. Not only do we work the waters, said Wilkins, we also work to restore and maintain a sustainable industry. The monies raised from this event and others allow us to continue to fight to preserve our heritage and way of life.
The association each year normally raises funds from two crab feasts which were unable to be held this year due to the pandemic.
A lighting ceremony is planned for Saturday, Dec. 5 which will be live streamed on QAC-TV and Facebook page. Time is TBD. Although limited with in-person attendance this year because of pandemic restrictions, viewers online are promised a sneak peak at Santa who is expected to arrive by firetruck. Still plans include growing into a larger annual event.
Baskets may be picked up this Sunday, Nov. 1 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the VFW, 203 VFW Avenue in Grasonville; Nov. 2-6 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at The Chesapeake Heritage Center located at 425 Piney Narrows Road in Chester (only accepting checks at his location); and Nov. 7 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. again at the VFW in Grasonville.
Editor Hannah Combs contributed to this article.
October 30, 2020 at 02:30PM
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QA Watermen boost holiday spirit with Crab Basket Tree - MyEasternShoreMD
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