CRISFIELD, Md.- It's one of Maryland's hottest political events, but this year it won't be happening. Organizers announced Friday that the annual J. Millard Tawes Crab and Clam Bake has been canceled.
The Crab & Clam Bake, which normally is held in July, had been rescheduled for Oct. 14. However, the Crisfield Chamber of Commerce, which organizes the event, said that after many discussions with the local health department, Maryland State Police, as well as the Crab & Clam Bake chairmen, the decision was made to cancel it.
"With all of the COVID-19 restrictions, we do not feel we would be able to safely hold the event with the magnitude of guests from across the state and region," the chamber said in a release. "The board of directors for Crisfield Chamber of Commerce and the Clam Bake chairmen have put the safety of event volunteers and many loyal patrons as well as the safety of the community 'first.' This was NOT an easy decision to make."
Anyone who purchased tickets or hospitality tents for this year's event should contact the Crisfield Chamber of Commerce office at 410-968-2500 for a full refund.
Next year's event will be held on Wednesday, July 21, according to the chamber.
The all-you-can-eat festival draws politicians from across the state to eat, mingle and sweat on the Eastern Shore.
It all happens in an asphalt parking lot by Somers Cover Marina, where the smell of steamed crabs, shrimp and clams wafts in the air.
The festival is named in honor of Crisfield native J. Millard Tawes, who was governor from 1959 to 1967. He's also the only Maryland politician to ever be elected governor, comptroller and treasurer.