50th Boat Docking Competition makes big splash in Crisfield
CRISFIELD, Md. – “It’s a good ole down home fun Sunday afternoon, end of the summer activity,” Waterman Kevin Marshall said.
In Crisfield, that tradition is known as the Boat Docking Competition at the National Hard Crab Derby. It brings out community members of all ages for a day out at the dock. “I was so thrilled when they asked me to sing the national anthem because in any way possible I just wanted to give back to the community that put me in this direction to begin with,” 2022 Miss Maryland Kayla Willing said.
“This is an amazing piece of our history and our legacy. Just being able to see all the people come out together and celebrating the waterman and what they do,” Crisfield Mayor Darlene Taylor said.
The timer starts once you leave the dock, as boaters head down the waterway quickly and then throw four lassos successful on the piles for a chance at the prize.
Yet, competitors we spoke with say it’s not an easy task. “And I only have inches on each side when I go in the slip,” Commercial Fisherman Tommy Eskridge said.
“I take a chance on breaking something on the dock or on the boat and I’ve done both before. So it’s just a chance we take.”
The Marshall family was honored at this year’s event, as the family’s patriarch was the first winner of the competition 50 years ago.
Kevin Marshall says with his dad’s unexpected passing last year he competes to keep the legacy of his father alive. “This was something he enjoyed. This was probably one of the highlights of his year was coming to watch this,” Marshall said.
“This has been about my family forever so it’s all good.”
We’re told the event shows the true magic the town holds. “Just the excitement of the crowds and seeing what it does to help people experience Crisfield. There’s nothing like our community,” Mayor Taylor said.
There were a total of six categories for the competition, including the small and large boat categories and even the Captain’s First Lady category.
The Marshall family tells us they hope to work with the town in the future to help continue bringing the event back each year.
