Chesapeake Bay History Celebrated At Art Show + Annapolis Prepares For Fireworks

MARYLAND — Summer brings nautical events and Independence Day celebrations to the Chesapeake Bay region. Marylanders are now gearing up for these art shows, fireworks and paddle trips.

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:

"Maritime Art & Artifacts

Celebrate the treasures of the Chesapeake Bay region at the Calvert Marine Museum art show weekend. Explore first-hand the maritime culture and natural history of the Chesapeake Bay through art and specific examples of marine life for all ages. Local artists will be painting and drawing on-site and visitors will have the opportunity to purchase certain pieces of art. In addition you can experience all the museum exhibits, including indoor and outdoor habitats for the North American river otter, indoor aquarium exhibits, and the Treasures from the Cliffs paleontology gallery. Free with regular museum admission. July 1-3, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Calvert Marine Museum, Solomons, MD. More information."

"Annapolis Independence Day Parade and Fireworks

The City of Annapolis is hosting a patriotic salute to our nation with marching bands, fire engines, cars and vans, service clubs, and scouts! The parade kicks off at 6:30 p.m. July 4 at Amos Garrett and West Street, then heads down West Street, continues around Church Circle and down Main Street, concluding at 8 p.m. Annapolis launches its fireworks from a barge in Annapolis Harbor beginning at 8 p.m. (until 9:45 p.m.) More information."

"Alternative Happy Hour Paddles

Come beat the heat with the Potomac Conservancy and learn something new. The Conservancy will be offering single or tandem kayaking or stand up paddleboarding (SUP) at the Key Bridge Boathouse. These events are suitable for beginner and seasoned paddlers alike. Team Potomac has secured discounted tickets at $10 per paddler. Each ticket comes with one boat or paddle board rental and two hours of paddling on the Potomac River. June 29, July 6th, July 20th and August 3, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. More information and reservations."

"Waterbird Survey

This is a great volunteer learning opportunity. Join knowledgeable staff for a periodic survey of waterbirds on freshwater, tidal marshes at Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary. All of this in the beautiful early morning light of the Jug Bay Wetlands, on the Patuxent River. Ages 12 and older. Free (entrance fee waived). July 21 (and every other Thursday), 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.; Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary, Lothian, MD. More information and registration."

"Potomac River Paddle Trip

This C&O Canal Association paddle trip will cover 13 miles on the Potomac River from Brunswick to the Monocacy Aqueduct. This is a four-to-five-hour paddle trip. Paddlers must provide their own canoe or kayak. Reservations required by July 5. July 9, Brunswick, MD. More information and reservations."

Related:

• 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