National Hard Crab Derby returns this weekend, local economy booster

CRISFIELD, Md.- “This is one of the top 3 busiest weekends in Crisfield,” Chandler said.

The 76th annual National Hard Carb Derby will make its return to Crisfield this weekend. There’s quite a loaded lineup which includes a seafood festival, crab picking contests, concerts, and the fan-favorite crab races. “It started 76 years ago with just a circle on ground and a bushel of crabs being dumped in the circle. Now, we have progressed to a very large board and will run over 500 crabs through the race,” Chandler said.

Derby Chair Billie Joe Chandler told us the event brings upwards of 10,000 people into town which is a big boost for the local economy. “It fills our hotels, our Airbnb’s, the parks, and the marina,” Chandler said.

Over at Linton’s Crab House & Seafood owner Harvey Linton says they’re anticipating big crowds, but the challenge will be making sure they have enough product. “Trying to get enough product like crab meat, shrimp, and all the other items because we sell 47 items. Thats a lot of seafood,” Linton said.

Linton added that the event typically marks the end of summer. He says they’re secret to surviving the shoulder season dip is their unique business model. “My trucks go up the road to deliver everywhere. I got retail here, I got wholesale here, and I also have a presence online. That makes a big difference,” Linton said.

Organizers told us the derby may be the reason many come into town, but they have plenty of reasons to stay. “We have boating, fishing, kayaking, a nice walking path, and even delicious restaurants,” Chandler said.

Organizers also said that for the first year ever the derby will also include a carnival.

Things will kick off tomorrow with the Crab Cooking Contest at 9 a.m. To see the full weekend lineup, click here