Crab derby expansion means more tourists, money for Crisfield area

The 71st edition of the Crab Derby will be taking place for an entire week, instead of its traditional three days.  Which means big bucks for local business.

The Crab Derby is one of Crisfield’s biggest events, with folks returning to their former home every year.  But it’s also a huge tourism draw.

City officials tell us the decision was made this year to make the event a week long for multiple reasons.  First is to give visitors more chances to enjoy everything the derby has to offer.

“There’s a parade, pageants, crab picking contests and crab races,” said Buddy Ward, Vice President of the Crisfield Chamber of Commerce.  “We usually try to squeeze that all in two days.”

“People in the community can enjoy the carnival with their little children, if that’s what they like to do, and the vendors, everyone gets a bigger shot at having a successful weekend,” said former Crisfield Mayor Kim Lawson.

For business purposes, adding more days gives vendors and businesses more chances to make a few more bucks.  We’re told in three days the Derby normally draws about 6,000 to 7,000 visitors.

Visitors looking for food, entertainment, and a place to stay.

“It definitely does have a big impact on the area, motels are full and the restaurants are full and it’s quite a shot in the arm,” said Ward.

And with those thousands of people flocking in, it gives the city a chance to show off everything it has to offer, and hopefully see new repeat visitors in the future.

“We also have other events, but Crab Derby is the one that really brings in a lot of people for a period of time,” said Jay Tawes, president of Tawes Insurance.

The Crab Derby continues through Sunday night, concluding with the biggest boat docking competition on the Chesapeake Bay.