Annapolis To Host Kunta Kinte Festival + Small Boat Fair Coming To MD

MARYLAND — Three festivals are coming to Maryland. They will celebrate African heritage, small watercraft and monarch butterflies. Residents can also enjoy the great outdoors on a scenic railroad or at a protected park.

Patch recently partnered with several local organizations to bring you their latest news. This guest contribution comes from National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways and Chesapeake Conservancy. Here's what Jody Hedeman Couser submitted to help you explore the Chesapeake Bay:

"Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival

Kunta Kinte was one of 98 enslaved people brought to Annapolis, Maryland aboard the ship Lord Ligonier in 1767. Despite many years in bondage, he never lost his connection to his African heritage and he symbolizes the struggle of all ethnic groups to preserve their cultural heritage. The annual Kunta Kinte celebration is a joyous occasion with plenty of food, music and dancing. There will be three stages for entertainment, over a hundred artisan, food and community vendors and a children’s activity tent. Sept. 24, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Annapolis City Dock, MD. More information"

"Mid-Atlantic Small Craft Festival

Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum will once again host one of the nation’s largest gatherings of small boat enthusiasts and unique watercraft. Marvel at the craftsmanship and innovation used in traditional and contemporary small craft – like sailing skiffs, rowing shells, kayaks, canoes, paddle boats, prams, and one-offs. On Saturday, shipyard staff will offer boatbuilding and maritime demos and there will be a lively Miles River race viewable from CBMM’s waterfront and docks. All included with museum general admission – good for two consecutive days. Sept. 30 to Oct. 2, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, St. Michaels, MD. More information"

"Monarchs and Milkweeds Festival

Celebrate the migration of monarch butterflies at this annual fun festival put on by the Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary. Tag and release monarchs, enjoy a Scales & Tales Live Animal presentation, take a hayride or hike through the sanctuary, buy some native plants, make a butterfly craft and more! Food trucks will be available to keep you energized. Come dressed to impress and enter the Monarch Costume Contest, with prizes for youth and adult categories. Free. Sept. 24, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Merkle Natural Resources Management Area, Upper Marlboro, MD. More information"

"Pumpkin Patch Limited Train Ride

Treat the family to a pumpkin patch experience they will never forget! Take a one-hour train ride on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad to the pumpkin patch, where you can pick out a pumpkin to take home and decorate. Costumes are strongly encouraged. Oct. 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30; Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, Cumberland, MD. More information and tickets

WMSR has its usual great fall foliage train rides, both diesel and steam. The Frostburg Flyer travels from Cumberland to Frostburg, with seating options such as [a] lounge car for adults only, [a] dome car, [an] open air car and coach seating. More information and schedule"

"National Public Lands Day: Fee Free and a Great Time to Show Your Love for Our Parks!

National Public Lands Day is just around the corner! On Saturday, September 24, join the celebration by visiting, volunteering, or supporting your local park. Whether your interest lies in watching a historical reenactment or trekking off into the wilderness, there is something for everyone in our treasured public lands. And to top it off, entrance fees will be waived in many national and state parks – so grab a friend and start making plans for a Saturday adventure. Participating parks in our area include Assateague, C&O Canal National Historical Parks, Fort McHenry, Fort Washington, Harpers Ferry, Steamtown National Historic Site, Colonial National Historical Park, Great Falls Park, Prince William Forest Park, Shenandoah National Park and all of Virginia’s state parks. National Day of Service/National Public Lands Day events in Virginia, will include fee free and parking for free at all state parks, with most of the parks hosting participatory events. Check them out – some are quite interesting, like cleaning up by canoe, a bird survey, [a] guided hike with your dog and more."

Related:

• Watermen's Festival, Charitable Swim To Protect Waterways Coming To MD
• Raft-Up Boat Concert To Feature Annapolis Band + Railroad Event Slated
• Fleet Week Returning To MD + Bark In The Park Will Teach Pet Safety
• Historic MD Ship To Be Commissioned + Tall Ship Festival Coming Soon
• Visit White Sand Beach On Eastern Shore + Enjoy Western MD Mountains
• Enjoy Free Day At National Parks In MD + Visit Local Farmers Market
• Ghost Tour Offered On Historic Ship + Fishing Tournament Planned In MD
• Latino Conservation Week Approaches + Native American Festival On Tap
• Sharkfest Coming To MD + London Town To Celebrate Independence Day
• Chesapeake Bay History Celebrated + Annapolis Prepares For Fireworks
• Fireworks Shows In MD, DC + Introduction To Stand-Up Paddle Boarding
• Seining Class At Sandy Point + Juneteenth Celebration In Annapolis
• Strawberry Festival In Linthicum + Snakehead Fishing In MD
• Antique Boat Show Coming To MD + Father's Day Cruise Offered
• All of the stories from year one of this partnership are posted here