Activities

Paddle & Pedal

Blackwater Paddle & Pedal Adventures

Dorchester County has been referred to as the everglades of Maryland, surrounded by 1,700 miles of unspoiled shoreline. Hear the fish jump, the birds sing and the sounds of nature that take you from the rush of a fast paced life to the relaxing retreat you deserve.

Places

Town of Vienna, Maryland

“A historic cross roads village dating from early colonial times, the town has managed to preserve much of its charm and quiet lifestyle for over three centuries…”

The Nanticoke River Watershed

“When Captain John Smith explored the rivers of the Chesapeake Bay in 1608, he discovered the gentle, meandering Nanticoke River…named the river for the Native Americans who lived nearby. The 725,000-acre Nanticoke watershed supports a wide variety of plant and animal species, including more rare plants than any other landscape on the Delmarva Peninsula…” Visit The Nature Conservatory’s site…

Events

Shad Festival

The Annual Nanticoke River Shad Festival, usually held during the last week of April, will be celebrating its 14th Year in 2009! You can see and sample delicious planked shad prepared using the traditional method. Events in the past have included Nanticoke River boat rides, children’s activities & games, raffle, fish toss competition, fish printing, educational exhibits, art & craft exhibits, historical artifacts and a touch tank!

Traditional cooking of Shad, shad planking, starts early. The Chicon Ruritan Club starts the fires at about four a.m. to get the coals needed to bake/smoke the Shad. The fish is ready about ten. You have to get there early if you want to get some, because it sells out fast. You can learn more about shad planking visit:

• Chicone Ruritan Club
• Fish & Wildlife Journal
• Nanticoke Watershed Alliance

July 4th

Every year, there is a traditional small town celebration of the 4th, beginning with a parade. All the town’s fire and rescue vehicles lead the parade, carrying many of the town’s children and parents. These are followed by children and adults on bicycles, lawn mowers, old and new autos, horses and go-carts. This leaves very few town’s people left to watch the parade. The procession ends at the Community Center where there are free hot dogs, refreshments and prizes. (Virtually everyone gets a prize for something or nothing.)

Pow Wow