Are you looking for fun Labor Day weekend events in Somerset County, Maryland? This 2022 Labor Day weekend, the Crisfield Chamber of Commerce is back with the 75th National Hard Crab Derby & Fair, and Deal Island is hosting the 63rd Labor Day Skipjack Races and Land Festival! The Crab Derby runs from September 1st to the 4th and the famous Skipjack Races and Festival will run from September 4th to 5th. Both events are Somerset County traditions and we’re excited to share the fun with you!
Whether you’re just looking for good food and a good time, or you’re ready to compete in any contest you can, Somerset County is the place to be all weekend long. Check out the variety of entertainment and start planning your long weekend!
75th National Hard Crab Derby
Live Entertainment
There will be good music around town all weekend long. To kick off the dancing, DJ Decibull will be bringing the fun on Friday night with a family-friendly glow party! The Eastern Shore’s own Jimmy Charles and his band will be headlining the Hard Crab Derby with a concert on Saturday at 7 PM at the Somers Cove Marina. Then on Sunday at 4 PM, Mike Hines & The Look band will be performing in the Crab Bowl.
Pageants
If you’re a pageant lover, check out the festivities early with the Miss, Little Miss, and Little Mister Crustacean pageants! The Miss Crustacean pageant will take place on Thursday, September 1st and the Little Miss and Little Mister pageants will occur the week before Labor Day on Friday, August 26th. All pageants will be taking place at Crisfield Academy & High School. Come out and support the local contestants!
Crab Racing
Want to race a crab? Hop in line Saturday morning at 9 AM in the Crab Bowl, to pay the $5 registration fee and earn the right to name a racer. If the crab you name wins first, second, or third place, you not only take home bragging rights but a trophy and cash prize as well.
Crab Cooking Contest
If you have a delicious recipe with Maryland Blue Crab, enter the 58th Crab Cooking Contest by August 26th to earn the title of “prize-winning”. The contest will take place on Friday, September 2nd, at 9 AM. Enter into one of the four categories: appetizers, soups/salads, entrees, and crab cakes. Win a plaque and cash prize for first place in your category and one special grand prize winner will receive an additional $100.
Mike Sterling 10k Race
The 43rd Annual Mike Sterling Crab Derby 10k Race & 5k Walk will be held on Saturday, September 3rd at the Crisfield City Dock. Enjoy the course at your own pace through the city of Crisfield and along the waterfront. Join us at the finishing pavilion for refreshments and the award ceremony.
Boat Docking Competition
Register to compete in the 50th annual Boat Docking Competition if you’re a working waterman with a work boat to dock! Gates will open at 10 AM to get ready for practice runs at 11 AM. Then, show off your skills or come out to Crisfield City Dock to watch the competition at noon. The Boat Docking Competition has a $15 entry fee, including entry into the Crab Derby.
Crab Picking Contest
Show off your proud Marylander skills in the Crab Picking Contest on Saturday, September 4th starting at 1 PM. Pick crabs for 15 minutes and see who can get the most meat! Cash prizes are given to the top three winners. Professionals and amateurs alike are welcome to enter!
Fireworks
Finish the festivities in Crisfield with an elaborate fireworks display on Sunday, September 4th at 9 PM. Fireworks will be visible from the Crab Derby grounds and other locations around town. Find the perfect spot to watch and enjoy!
63rd Labor Day Skipjack Races & Festival
Festival Grounds
The festival grounds of the 63rd annual Skipjack Race & Festival on Deal Island have exciting family-friendly weekend events with something for everyone to enjoy! Browse vendors, bring the kids for art & crafts, education and demonstrations, and other children’s activities. Attend the parade and check out the car show on Sunday! Then, stick around for the live bands that night. Admission is $5 and only charged on race day, Monday.
Skipjack Race
Besides the music, vendors, arts & crafts, and demonstrations, the biggest attraction is the Skipjack Race sponsored by the Deal Island-Chance Lions Club. Join in for the blessing of the fleet at 8 AM. Then, the pistol will sound with a mad dash to begin moving the skipjacks to the starting buoy. The race begins with a second pistol sound at 9:30 AM. Come watch the boats take off! The race can be seen from Deal Island Beach.
Photo by: Carrie Samis
Stan Yastrzemski Memorial Fishing Tournament
If you prefer fishing, you’re in luck because the fishing tournament will take place at 8 AM on Monday. See what you can catch and compete for awards!
Boat Docking
Working watermen are welcome to test their skills and register their boats to compete. See who has the fastest docking time and be the best of the best to be recognized in the award ceremony at 5 PM. All are encouraged to attend and watch the fun, fast-paced boat docking event.
Pageants
Embrace the Skipjack Festival spirit and meet Miss Skipjack, Little Miss Skipjack, and Mister Skipjack! All three of our Skipjack royalty were crowned winners of their pageants last month and will be reigning over the event. Attendees of the festival and race are welcome to ask for a picture with the members of the court.
We can’t wait to see you soon at all these exciting events in Crisfield and Deal Island! Stay up to date with everything going on in town with Somerset County Tourism.
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