Contact Me and I'll send you my article: "The Meeting Place: 29 Reasons to Visit Havre de Grace

SPRING ARRIVES IN HdG

We always know that spring has arrived in Havre de Grace when we see the posters for the Bull & Oyster Roast – the big fundraiser for the Skipjack MARTHA LEWIS – on all the storefronts. This year it takes place on April 25^th, Friday evening. With lots to eat and drink, music & dancing, an auction, boisterous camaraderie, an opportunity to meet the Captain, crew, staff and volunteers that keep her afloat, well, you just can’t miss this good time! So check the calendar and order your tickets. They really do go fast!

The next BIG Spring celebration begins with the 3-day Decoy, Wildlife Art and Sportsman Festival that takes place in the High School, Middle School and at the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum. Carvers and collectors will be ready to share all they know about decoy carving. Scores of skilled carvers create everything from working decoys to beautiful fine art pieces that will hold you spellbound from across the room as you closely watch to see if they actually move. If you’ve not visited the Decoy Museum, you’re in for an unusual treat. You’ll learn about decoys certainly, but you’ll also learn history of the community, the effect of changing gunning laws on duck hunting, and an appreciation for all of the above. Even if you’re not into duck hunting, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the experience.

On Saturday and Sunday, the Susquehanna Museum at the Lockhouse will be highlighting a number of events that took place in Havre de Grace during their War of 1812. Join the reenactment soldiers at their camps on the Lockhouse grounds, watch the ‘pillaging and plundering’ of a local residence, and learn of the heroes and heroines that saved Havre de Grace from a total burning! This event grows more exciting each year and brings history to life for the kids. Of course, the museum will be open and you can learn of the lockhouse, the canal, and their role in the growth of Havre de Grace.

But I’m not done yet. Saturday there will be an Antique Fair on Franklin Street between Union Avenue and St. John (or Crazy Swede and MacGregor’s Restaurants). With antique vendors set-up on both sides of the street, you’ll most likely find that piece you’ve been searching for. So don’t miss a stroll through the antique fair as you wander between the Decoy Show and the War of 1812 Reenactments.

Nope, nope, don’t stop reading yet. Saturday evening there’s a Musical Mile. "What’s that?" you ask. Well, it’s probably the top of my list of the most delightful ways to stroll through our community. Bands will be at various locations on St. John and Washington Streets from 5-8 p.m. You can take your pick of Celtic, folk, country, jazz, blues, classical and last year there was even a Cajun group.

Oh, my. Such a great weekend and still one more event. Sunday the Steppingstone Museum, located just up 155 from Havre de Grace, will be offering their Civil War Reenactment. Not only is this a great museum for the kids to experience the farm life in the early 1900s, but they can experience another piece of history through the firing and drill demonstrations, and gain knowledge of the Underground Railroad. (No, it’s not a subway in New York City!)

You can complete this great welcome to spring that Havre de Grace celebrates by adding a leisurely walk along the promenade. Or enjoying a meal at any of our fine restaurants and pubs, taking a cruise on the Lantern Queen or a sail on the Skipjack MARTHA LEWIS, visiting the Concord Point Lighthouse and the O’Neill House, the Maritime Museum… Well, you get the idea, right? Add an overnight stay at a local bed & breakfast or area motel, stroll the fine specialty and antique shops…. Hey, what more can you want in a weekend.

Actually, I’m amazed at how well the weekend flows. I must commend the City’s Public Works employees and Police for maintaining the easy movement of traffic and pedestrians as the events take place. Shuttle buses are available for some of the events that make it easier, too.

There’s something of interest for everyone, any age. So come on, give us a try. Join us for the Bull & Oyster Roast on April 25^th or come for the weekend of May 2-4. Not only will you have a great time, but Spring will literally be here in full blossom ready to delight the eye and lift the spirit. See you then!