Cheering the Chesapeake

It may be below freezing with another ice storm on the way, but now is a good time to celebrate one of the most valuable venues in the State of Maryland – our Chesapeake Bay.

It was showcased this weekend in the 15th Annual Polar Bear Plunge, sponsored by the Maryland State Police.The event is the largest fundraiser in the state for Special Olympics Maryland, a year-round organization to provide sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities

The Merry Marketeers didn’t plunge this year, since the Turn Ten didn’t send their usual busload of daring divers.  But our intrepid quarterback, Joe Cool, not only served as honorary chair of the event, but took another dip in the drink to show his support.

Sandy Point is a state-owned park which can accommodate thousands for any number of activities, which includes festivals, concerts, and water related competitions.  (This is where the Chesapeake Bay Swim, a challenge that brings competitive swimmers from all over the country, is staged.)  But on this cold January day, it celebrates the hardy and warm-hearted (along with festive weirdos) who gather for a very special cause.

While jumping in the Bay at the balmy 33 degrees (you should have been there last year when it was snowing and the sand was frozen!) isn’t for everyone, there were other Bay celebrants enjoying their own annual ritual — the Baltimore Boat Show, held at the Convention Center.

The annual event serves as a mid-winter reminder that boating season will soon be upon us (albeit not soon enough.)  It unveils what is new and exciting in recreational boating, but also features family boats, fishing skiffs, and those exciting vroom-vroom fiberglass skimmers who race on the Bay and tributaries every year.  It also offered seminars, exhibits, and plenty of shopping.

I wish we could calculate the economic impact of the Bay as a sports and recreation venue and tourist attraction.  We track a lot of activities in Sports Marketing — sailboat races, fishing tournaments, boat charters, hydrofoil challenges, open water swims, etc.  But that doesn’t count all the ancillary operations, like restaurants, hotels, boat and kayak rentals, marinas and services that the venue supports.  In truth, our Bay could perhaps be our most profitable facility in revenues produced and jobs generated.

So even if you aren’t up for jumping into it in January, stop for a moment to appreciate this marvelous resource that just keeps producing for us, all year long.  And make a point to spend some quality time there when the weather gets just a little warmer.

Angels in Annapolis

Ordinarily one wouldn’t consider an air show — no matter how spectacularly choreographed — a sports event.  But an afternoon enthralled by the acrobatics overhead was also a timely reminder of a valuable venue that contributes so much to Maryland sports and recreation — the Chesapeake Bay and the rivers and creeks that feed it.

The annual visit by the Blue Angels is one of those events that people who live along the Severn plan picnics and parties around. But anyone with a seaworthy vessel usually has standing arrangements to raft with friends, bond with family, or charter party.  I was fortunate enough to be on the guest list for the latter.

Although I lived along the Severn for many years (and fell into category number 1) it’s been a long time since I’ve experienced the show from the water.  It was an excellent vantage point to see just how many types of crafts call the Chesapeake home (or work.)

I recognized a number of the sailboats as regulars in the Wednesday Night Races and other regattas held regularly in Annapolis.  Surprisingly, there were several deadrises — the old wooden workboats used by watermen who have fished and crabbed the bay for generations.  Of course, every available party and tour charter was booked months in advance, and they muscled their way to mouth of the Severn for a more panoramic view.

There were also flotillas of kayaks and canoes threading among the anchored boats and rafting parties.  Adventure and outdoor sports are big in Maryland, and there are a number of small businesses around the state (including Annapolis) where small crafts can be rented.  I wouldn’t have guessed that party-hopping was the original purpose, but on a day like this — that was the boat to have.

I did see one peculiar contraption that has to qualify as some sort of outdoor sport, but I’m not exactly sure what.  Gliding through the anchorage was what looked like a gondolier.  Except there was no gondola.  When we drew closer, you could see if was a dude on some kind of board (smaller than surf; larger than boogie) paddling.  Or poling.  Or punting.  I’m not sure what it was, but it didn’t involve a sail or flippers.

(This sounds like something new I have to try.  Hope my kayaking buddy Arlene is up for it)

There were also a number of “head boads,”  the fishing trawlers that take recreational anglers out for a day on the Bay.  It’s a big business in Chesapeake country.  These boats, and the marinas that house and supply them, are a largely unseen segment of the sports and tourism scene.  Some of these enterprises have been family owned and operated for years.  Most of the year, the coolers in the back are used for bait and fish.  On days like this, they hold cans and bottles.  On Blue Angel day, the fish get the day off.  Nearly everything that floats is part of the celebration.

Terry and I were talking about how hard it is to calculate the economic impact of outdoor sports and recreation in Maryland.  Yes, they do studies for big events like the White Marlin Tournament in Ocean City, and some of the large regattas in Annapolis and the tall ship events in Baltimore.  But under the surface are those small businesses who host hunting parties, provide fishing charters, lead outdoor adventures, rent canoes and kayaks and bicycles.

Maybe there is even someone who rents one of those stand up floating boards.

So on this Memorial Day weekend, remember the natural treasures of Maryland and how they contribute to our sports and recreation scene (and economy.)  If you’re traveling to the Ocean, pedaling the Alleghany Highlands, hiking the C&O, or paddling the Potomac, you are enjoying just a few of Maryland’s finest sports venues.  They are a reason why many folks come here to enjoy The Land of Pleasant Living.

Wow of a Weekend!

We have an abundance of riches here in Chesapeake Country.  There are sports events celebrating our natural resources as well as our cultural history and heritage.  From the boxing ring in Salisbury to the ice rink in Laurel, there are spectator sports and recreational tournaments.  Let’s take a look at what’s happening in Maryland this weekend.

OPENING DAY OF TROPHY ROCKFISH SEASON, April 17.

If you think you were gnashing your teeth during all those blizzards, you have no idea what it was like for all those outdoorsmen (and women) just waiting to board the boats and cast their lines.  Tomorrow is Opening Day of Rockfish season, and the head boats will be out at dawn. 

With all our emphasis on spectator sports and games, we tend to overlook the economic importance of the field and stream community that support the hunting and fishing industry in Maryland.  This includes marinas and lodges and all the equipment shops that service and supply them. 

Bay fishing will really take off now.  You can follow the events and learn more about the sport at Maryland Saltwater Sportsfishing Association.

On another front, Salisbury fighter Fernando Guerrero heads into the ring at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center on Friday when he defends his North American Boxing Organization interim middleweight title against Michael “The Midnight Stalker” Walker.

Guerrero is a hometown favorite, and undefeated in the middleweight ranks.  His continued success takes him out of his adopted state, so the opportunities to see him here are becoming fewer.

This is a televised event (Showtime) which we always like to see here in Maryland.  The excitement, though, is seeing it live.  Tickets are still available to get in on the action in Salisbury tonight.

An entirely different challenge will take place on the campus of St. John’s College in Annapolis, where the annual St. John’s-Naval Academy croquet match will take place Saturday.

For the 28th year, the Imperial Wickets of the two colleges will rally their teams on the battlefield of the third oldest college in the country.  Though separated by only a wall, the two institutions are about 180 degrees apart in philosophy and decorum. This one Saturday in April, however, they come together  for a day of croquet, dancing, and great merriment in the Historic District of Annapolis.  (And yes, there is tailgating for this event.  As I have said previously, people in Annapolis tailgate before meetings of the City Council and rallies at the State House.  It’s a part of the culture.)

The croquet match is a genuine tourist attraction, and St. John’s College invites all to visit.  If you go, be sure to visit the many other attractions within walking distance.  The State House, City Dock, and US Naval Academy are only a few blocks away.

Back to healthy recreational activities.  This is the weekend of the St. Charles Half-Marathon, which begins in Waldorf and incorporates the 13 mile Indian Head Rail Trail in its course.  The half-marathon is more than one event on one day.  It showcases the county’s tourist attractions, which also includes Regency Furniture Stadium.

Events Saturday and Sunday will include a half marathon (13.1 miles), a 5K run/walk, one-mile fun run and a runners expo.

The half marathon is part of a 15-city nationwide series sponsored by the U.S. Runners Association, and is expected to raise at least $5,000 for the United Way of Charles County. 

This is the first of what will hopefully be an annual event and attraction for those eventers who try to do at least one race in every state every year.

(The thought of such fitness is mind-boggling, but I their commitment is admirable and financially beneficial, so let’s hear it for them.)

Of course, tomorrow is also the Smart-Link “Day of Rivals” here at M&T Bank Stadium. We’re expecting over 20,000 (with a few noisy guests zooming overhead.)  I was just surveying the stadium and the ESPNU guys have their festival area well underway.  I sincerely hope the weather is as beautiful tomorrow as it is right now, but no matter the elements — we know these four teams will be down and dirty in their respective grudge matches.

In addition to the pagentry and tradition that accompanies every Army-Navy encounter, you can anticipate a hard-fought struggle between two “home” teams (Maryland and Johns Hopkins) who are both nationally ranked, and who both expect to be back in on Memorial Day.

Marylanders have a lot of action to enjoy this weekend, and quite a few visitors to welcome.  And speaking of welcome — Terry comes back from Columbus tonight and will have all sorts of tales from the hustings to share with us over the weekend.

We’ll be reporting throughout.  Tweety is heading for Waldorf; Blogue will be floating between Baltimore and Annapolis.  Stay tuned for the latest and greatest.

Surf and Snowflakes — Our Day at the Beach

The forecasters aren’t kidding.  There really is snow in the air.  Even if most of it tracks south, the Picklesicles will be slushing, not storming, the beach at Sandy Point.

Tweety is on her way to the Warehouse, and we’ll be joining the rest of the Frozen Pickles for our day in the Bay.  We’ll be giving you real time updates via blog and Twitter (if we can figure it out.)

We’re still waiting for Terry to come through with the secret password to access Joe Flacco’s VIP tent.  Since our leader is eminently resourceful, we’re sure this intel will reach us enroute.

Countdown to Craziness

It’s now official — Tweety and I have joined the Frozen Pickles Polar Bear Plunge team.  That means we get to ride the Pickleodeon bus to Sandy Point, wear our team hat and flash freeze our buns in brine for a very worthy sports endeavor — the Special Olympics.

An additional ingredient in the Frozen Pickle recipe may be snow, so we maybe closer to Slurpees before this is over.

Despite the elements, Tweety and Blogue will be reporting live from the action on the beach this Saturday.  Terry’s only assignment is to find what tent Joe Flacco will be warming and secure access for his pair of popsicles. 

Having infinite faith in his resourcefulness, we plan to get close enough to snap a pic for the blog.  (Much easier to get in range when Gaither and Oher aren’t around.)

Stay tuned.

Freezing with Flacco

I usually don’t heed messages plastered across the  back end of a bus, but this transit derriere was sporting a dewy, dreamy image of Joe Flacco.  Intrigued, I chased those commuters for three blocks down Cathedral in order to learn more at the next stop.  (Note to ad agency – this campaign works.)

The mobile billboard was a plug for the Annual Polar Bear Plunge.  If the picture had shown more than Joe’s face, it would have revealed a few goosebumps.  For it wasn’t the Caribbean dripping off him , it was the Chesapeake — in January.  At least they snapped the shot before his lips turned the color of his eyes.

The Polar Bear Plunge is for the big (certainly not faint) of heart.  It has become a spirited celebration of  generous Marylanders who support the mission of the Special Olympics.  Begun by Maryland State Troopers 13 years ago, the Plunge has raised millions in pledges by those who consider it a  privilege to jump in the Bay every winter.  Last year, more than 11,000 –including Joe Flacco and Governor Martin O’Malley, took the plunge.

Truly inspired, I pitched the leader of the Merry Marketeers on the idea of having Team Terry participate this year as a character building exercise, like the Sea Trials midshipmen do Plebe year.  The reception was even chillier than the beach at Sandy Point.  We could do our team building in a visit to Wisp and maybe a tube slide on the slopes, I was told, but frolicking in the slushy surf was out.

Since Tweety has just returned from the DL, even the prospect of sharing a warming tent with Joe Cool is not going to lure her into this lemming-like exercise. 

Thus resigned to spending yet another year on the sidelines, I still want to use the opportunity to showcase what a fine facility Sandy Point State Park is.  You might not consider the Polar Bear Plunge to be a legitimate sporting venture, but it does make great use of one of the State’s natural gems.

As mentioned earlier in the year, Sandy Point is also the staging area for the annual Great Chesapeake Swim, a challenging 4.4 mile open water race to the Eastern Shore.  Sandy Point has also hosted popular maritime festivals, including the one welcoming the Whitbread ‘Round the World sailors.

So I guess if I want to freeze with Flacco, I’m going to have to do it in Foxborough.  Anyone who thinks Joe is going to flinch in the intemperate climes of New England needs to check out the back of the bus.