Sharkfest Coming To MD + Historic London Town To Celebrate Independence Day

MARYLAND — Marylanders can enjoy Sharkfest and colonial reenactments this weekend. Other upcoming events include science lessons, grandparent canoeing, a jazz and seafood festival and a historic ship dedication.

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:

"Sharkfest!

Every summer the Calvert Marine Museum devotes an entire day to all things shark, featuring live sharks in the Corbin Pavilion for viewing. Learn fascinating ‘sharktoids’, examine evidence of prehistoric sharks, and take a picture in the life-size jaws of a Megalodon shark. Food and drink will be for sale on site. All Sharkfest activities included with regular museum admission. July 9, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Calvert Marine Museum, Solomons Maryland. More information."

"Revolutionary London Town

Join the enactors of London Town in exploring what “independence” really means. Meet individuals from London Town's past, listen to a reading of the Declaration of Independence, try your hand at some colonial crafts and play tavern games in the newly-restored William Brown House. The United States Marine Corps Historical Company and the Chesapeake Independent Blues will bring you black powder demonstrations and give you a chance to "enlist" in the Continental Marines or the Militia. July 9 and 10, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Historic London Town & Gardens, Edgewater, MD. More information."

"SAV Watch-A-Thon

Join in this really fun and educational volunteer opportunity at Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary. Submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) are critical to a healthy aquatic ecosystem, providing habitat and nursery grounds for fish, serving as food for animals such as turtles and waterfowl, clearing the water by reducing wave action, absorbing excess nutrients and reducing shoreline erosion. In the morning volunteers will be trained to identify and count SAV and after a brown bag lunch, will paddle into the Jug Bay estuary to collect data on SAV. No prior scientific experience is necessary. Ages 12+. July 29, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary, Lothian, MD. More information and registration."

"Grandparents and Me: Canoeing and Birding

Discover the excitement of the Patapsco River from a new point of view – canoeing from the Daniels area. Registration required. Canoes and life jackets provided. Fee is $5. July 17, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.; Patapsco Valley State Park, Ellicott City, MD. More information and registration. On August 14 join Grandparents & Me: For the Birds for a great morning of birdwatching, and constructing a bird feeder to take home. These events are geared towards grandparents and grandkids (of all ages) but anyone interested in bringing younger generations are encouraged to attend."

"Potomac Jazz & Seafood Festival

Relax waterside on the St. Clement's Island Museum’s lawn and enjoy live jazz artists, lots of delicious seafood and gorgeous views of the Potomac and St. Clement’s Island. Music includes Kim Waters, the Howard University Jazz Quartet, the Latrice Carr Music Group and Brian Simpson. July 9, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; St. Clement's Island Museum. Coltons Point, MD. More information and tickets."

"Introducing the New Maryland Dove

In 1978, Jim Richardson and a team of young boatbuilders completed the Maryland Dove, a representation of the vessel that escorted colonists to the province in 1634. This spring the 2022 version of the Dove launched at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, and with updated historic information, this Dove promises to be a more accurate representation. You can see the 2022 Maryland Dove in St. Michaels (until the end of August when it heads to St. Mary's City) and learn more about the history of this ancestral ship of Maryland at the museum’s special exhibit, Dove Tales. Find out how Saki accessed both the 2022 Maryland Dove in St. Michael’s and the 1978 version in Historic [St.] Mary’s City by water in Following in the Footsteps of the Maryland Dove. Stay tuned for the new Dove’s Commissioning Day in St. Mary’s City at the end of August."

Related:

• 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