Major funds from annual crab and clam bake

A long-time summer-season favorite returned to the Eastern Shore on Wednesday. The 39th annual J. Millard Tawes Crab and Clam Bake was held at the Somers Cove Marina.

The annual celebration is named in honor of Crisfield native J. Millard Tawes, Maryland’s 54th governor.

It serves as a huge fundraiser for the city of Crisfield. Admission is $45 an according to the Somerset County Economic Development, sales can bring in about 175,000 dollars. According to executive director Daniel Thompson, the funds goes to the Crisfield Chamber Of Commerce.

“It’s a big deal.” Says Thompson, “This is their main breadwinner for the year so we really try extra hard to put on a good show.”

For some, like Ocean Pines resident Aaron Burnstein, this crab and clam bake is an annual tradition.

“We love the experience, the socialization is really nice. You meet a lot of nice people from all over the area. We really love it.” Says Burnstein.

For others, Wednesday was a whole new experience. Brian Bradley, a Millsboro, Delaware resident, attended for the first time but says it will not be his last.

“‘I’m coming again. I’m coming again.” Says Bradley. “I’m enjoying this, beautiful people, beautiful food, I’m good.”

We’re told in years’ past, this event drew in about 3,500 people each summer.