Amusement Blooms in Calvert County, Maryland

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md., -- April 28, 2005 -- With April showers out of the way, now is the time for May flowers, outdoor adventures and one giant step forward into summer. Calvert County is blooming with great family activities and opportunities to explore rivers, beaches and parks.

Following a long period of repairs after the destruction by Hurricane Isabel in September 2003, Breezy Point Beach and Campground in Chesapeake Beach will finally reopen on May 1, 2005. This favorite Bayfront park will welcome back visitors with a refurbished shoreline and pier and upgraded campground sites – just in time for the summer season. Once again, families can enjoy swimming, fishing, picnicking and camping – a perfect closer-than-the-ocean getaway right here in Calvert County. You won’t want to miss the Beach Blast Off on May 14, 3 pm to dark. Call 410.535.1600 x 2225 for details.

How about a little ecotravel adventure? Guided canoe trips are available with the American Chestnut Land Trust through the watersheds of Parkers Creek and Governor’s Run near Port Republic, Md. on May 21. Enjoy a scenic tour of Parkers Creek as you learn more about these nearly 3,000 acres of protected farmland, woodlands, and wetlands in a county that is undergoing rapid change. Reservations are required and the trip is physically strenuous, requiring the ability to paddle for three hours. To register or receive additional information, please call 410.586.1570.

Little ones will enjoy a romp through the swamp – Battle Creek Cypress Swamp Sanctuary. This 100-acre nature sanctuary was acquired in 1957 to protect the primeval beauty of this northern-most stand of cypress trees in the United States. Designated as a National Natural Landmark through the National Park Service, the Battle Creek cypress stand is believed to have established itself sometime in the last 10,000 years. Stroll the quarter-mile boardwalk trail as you listen to songbirds and frogs in this one-of-a-kind wetlands environment. Admission is free and the Sanctuary is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm; Sunday, 1 pm to 5 pm. On May 7, the Sanctuary hosts its annual Art Show and Herb Sale, featuring Mary Stuart's native perennials. Proceeds from the show and sale will benefit environmental education programs throughout Calvert County.

If a calm, inner sanctuary is what you seek, Annemarie Garden in Association with the Smithsonian Institution will welcome you to Mind/Body/Spirit Day on May 21. This free event is co-sponsored by Calvert Memorial Hospital and the Arts Council of Calvert County and will introduce visitors to creative ways to live healthier, more enjoyable lives. Guests will have an opportunity to experience a variety of stress-busting therapies first hand, including drumming, walking a labyrinth, Mandala drawing, Tai chi qigong, yoga, storytelling, massage, walking meditation and numerous hands-on art activities for all ages.

The Calvert Country Market hosts a Salute to Law Enforcement and Public Safety on Saturday, May 21 from 9 am to 4 pm. in the Prince Frederick Shopping Center. A number of law enforcement and public safety organizations will be on hand with presentations, exhibits and live demonstrations. The Calvert Country Market offers locally grown fresh produce, baked goods, honey, pies, certified organic products and local crafts. Additionally, the Market features a bakery, seafood, butcher, green grocer, delicatessen, yarn, ceramics, wood crafts, polymer clay supplies, antiques shop, fine jewelry, candies, kettle corn, essential oils and shea butter and a gourd shop.

For more information on the Calvert County, Maryland Department of Economic Development, our visitor sites and attractions and the services available to assist County businesses, call 410.535.4583, 800.331.9771 or 301.855.1880; or send an e-mail to info@ecalvert.com