Marshall Muskrat returns for Princess Anne’s wacky and wonderful New Year’s tradition
PRINCESS ANNE, Md. – A New Year’s tradition that makes national headlines year after year is returning to Princess Anne.
Marshall Muskrat’s Midnight Dive
It’s not a crystal ball that will descend at midnight to mark the first day of 2025. Instead, it’s something weirder, and much more wonderful: Marshall Muskrat’s midnight dive.
“He kind of lays low most of the year, but it’s his time to shine, for sure!” said Main Street Princess Anne manager, Carrie Samis.
The taxidermied creature is mounted to a platform at the end of a 30-foot telescoping pole. Samis said the contraption was designed and built by a NASA engineer.
“[Marshall] is high above Independence Hall right here in Princess Anne. Just before midnight, he comes down, which is spectacular… There’s a confetti cannon, there are synchronized lights, and there’s a countdown clock. It’s ridiculous and weird and very, very memorable. And, it is so Princess Anne,” Samis said.
Perfect for Princess Anne
The celebration is one that you cannot find anywhere else in the world.
“It makes top ten lists all over the place nationally, and there have been a couple of international stories as well because it is absolutely quirky. I occasionally get a couple of calls from people who will say, ‘Is it a live muskrat?!’ No, it’s a taxidermied muskrat, and he’s very well cared for,” Samis said.
Throughout the rest of the year, Samis brings Marshall Muskrat around to different events to advocate for Eastern Shore culture.
Marshall and Samis’ travels during 2024 included a trip to the cypress swamp and marsh habitats at Manokin River Park, as well as the historic Teackle Mansion. Every February, Marshall accompanies Samis to Annapolis to testify for Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development funding on behalf of the Town of Princess Anne.
Not everyone is always prepared for Marshall, though.
“My [favorite memory this year] was when I had him in the car when I went through the Dunkin’ [Donuts drive-through] on my way to a meeting. It was in October, so I was getting my first pumpkin spice latte of the season and the DD drive-through person freaked out. I had forgotten he was in the seat next to me!” Samis shared.
A Blowout Block Party
Marshall’s midnight dive will come complete with a downtown block party including live music from The Focus Band, and plenty of Smith Island cake and fresh-shucked oysters to go around. Midnight will be marked with a sparkling cider toast, and party hats and noisemakers will be provided.
A human-sized Marshall Muskrat mascot will also be scittering around the celebration for photo opportunities. And, attendees may purchase magnets featuring a watercolor painting of Marshall Muskrat done by a local artist.
Get Involved
This year, downtown Princess Anne restaurants are getting in on the celebration. Sugar Water, CROPA Station, and Sisters With A Twist will all be open late, offering goodies for the gathering.
“It’s our first year here. We can’t wait! We’re going to have chili and cornbread, we’ll have hot pretzels with cheese and mustard, and hot drinks like apple cider and coffee and hot chocolate, and of course, our sweet treats,” said AJ Roth, co-owner of Sisters With A Twist.
The event is free and open to all, and begins at 9 p.m.
“We provide all of the fun, the whole party. You just have to show up!” Samis said.
