Feb 07 2012
Activities, Places & Events
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:
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
‘18th Annual Native American Festival’
Each year there is an annual festival held by the Nause-Waiwash Band of Indians. The Nause-Waiwash Band (pronounced ‘nah-soo WAY-wash’) is comprised of members from over 250 original descendants of Nanticoke Indian villages.
The annual festival began in 1992 and was moved to Vienna, Maryland in 2005 to bring the celebration closer to their original village sites. The Nause-Waiwash Band of Indians organized the Festival ‘for three reasons: to educate the public and hold onto their culture, raise the self-esteem of their people and raise money for their tribal office and longhouse.’
Mark your calendar for September 18th and 19th, 2010! Nause-Waiwash Band of Indians will hold their 18th Annual Native American Festival at the Ballpark in Vienna, Dorchester County, Maryland. The festival will feature traditional dancers, singers, and drumming, as well as, crafts and artist demonstrations, vendors, and food.
In 2009, the 17th Annual Native American Festival ‘Celebration of the Three Eastern Clans - Healing of All Nations‘ was held just around the corner from Tavern House Bed & Breakfast.
For detailed event information visit Nause-Waiwash Bank of Indians web site. Additional references are available through the American Indian Society of Washington, D.C. with information and events for over 50 different tribal groups throughout North America, as well as, the eastern shore. Learn more about other native Maryland Indians at native.BrokenClaw.net. For events of Native Americans try this personal web site by Broken Claw.
Christmas in Vienna
2009 was the 30th Annual Luminaria Night Celebration sponsored by the Vienna Heritage Foundation. The celebration was cancel due to unusual weather. This year over 15,000 luminaria (Vienna places small white paper bags filled with sand and light a candle) will be placed along Vienna’s sidewalks throughout the town. Maps will be provided for those who walk the candlelit streets.
Meanwhile, children can meet with Saint Nick his helpers at the Ferry Toll Collector’s House. Vienna trams will ferry passengers between points of interest which will include the historical Customs House and the Ferry Toll Collector’s House, and community churches which are open for free tours.
The Vienna Heritage Museum will serve as the Official Luminaria Night Headquarters, where information, maps, and tickets for the private home tours may be purchased. The museum will also have displays, demonstrations, refreshments and be the main stop for the tram rides.
We’ve enjoyed opening our house to share with our neighbors and the public.
