Out and About in Calvert County in August

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md., -- July 27, 2005 -- Southern Maryland may be sizzling with summer heat, but there are many things going on this month that will keep you busy and take your mind off the thermometer. Try these extraordinary events and fabulous festivals.

American Indian Heritage Day at Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum (JPPM) will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on August 13 at the Park on Mackall Road in St. Leonard. This special happening will highlight everyday life as it was experienced around the Chesapeake Bay more than 500 years ago. You will enjoy modern interpretations of the rich cultural heritage of the area. American Indians will perform and demonstrate basketry, tool making and archery. Admission to this event is $3.00 per person, $10.00 per carload or free for Friends of JPPM.

JPPM is a magnificent facility located along the Patuxent River and is a Maryland history archaeology museum. The Park is filled with more than 70 archaeological sites ranging from prehistoric American Indian camps to a colonial period plantation. The Visitors Center will be open and the woodland trails allow you to explore other areas of the Park including restored farm buildings and exhibits. For additional information, call 410.586.8500 or visit their Web site at www.jefpat.org.

Jousting has been a sport in Maryland since the 17th century and was declared the official State sport in 1962. On the last Saturday in August from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., the Annual Calvert County Jousting Tournament – now in its 139th year – will be held on the grounds of Christ Church on Broomes Island Road in Port Republic. Christ Church, originally established as a log church in 1672, is Calvert County’s oldest continuously worshipping congregation.

Knights from the Mid-Atlantic region meet at high noon to compete. “Charge, Sir Knight!” and occasionally, “Charge, Fair Maid!” – the Calvert County Joust is an equal opportunity tournament. No, it’s not a bloody battle – the knights must catch three small rings on their lances while traveling on horseback at full gallop. There will also be a colorful bazaar so arrive early for the best bargains and enjoy organ recitals from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The day will be capped by a country-style supper served from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. featuring deviled crab, fried chicken and country ham and is just another reason this event is so popular. For additional information, call 410.586.0565. Donations are requested for admission to the jousting tournament and the bazaar; the dinner costs $16 for adults, $7 for children 6-12 and is free for children under 6 with an accompanying adult.

If you are looking for other fun in the sun, head to the Boardwalk in North Beach on August 27th and 28th for the Annual North Beach Bayfest. This waterfront festival, held from noon until 6:30 p.m. both days offers arts and crafts, food and drink all along the waterfront, with many fun activities for the kids. Live music continues throughout the festival with Deanna Dove as one of the featured singers. For additional information, call 301.855.6681 or 410.257.9618.

And if you just want to linger and walk on the beach, don’t forget Breezy Point Beach or Flag Ponds Nature Park. These bayfront parks feature swimming, fishing or crabbing (for your dinner) and picnicking and are the perfect getaways for exploring, hunting for million-year old shark teeth and hiking. Breezy Point is located on Breezy Point Road in Chesapeake Beach (410-535-0259) and Flag Ponds is located on Flag Ponds Parkway in Lusby (410.586.1477)

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