Crisfield Celebrates 49th Annual Tawes Crab and Clam Bake
Crisfield, Md. — Around 4,000 people got a taste of Crisfield and Chesapeake culture while attending the 49th Annual J. Millard Tawes Crab and Clam Bake Wednesday, including multiple elected officials during election season.
Organizers said the rain largely held off, preventing anticipated flooding from having any impact on the event. The traditional event includes all-you-can-eat and drink featuring the renowned seafood from the shore.
Hurlock resident Bonnie Franz says she’s attended the clam bake with her sisters for the past decade.
“We just love it. We just love it. Here we see people we know and when it’s so time to vote and stuff and like we get to see those kind of people (politicians) and talk to them,” Franz said.
Event organizers and residents said that the event is an opportunity for people on the shore to meet with political figures and explain their issues.
“It’s a good chance for us to share our concerns. Whether it’s with regulations, whether it’s with taxes or whatever. So, we get to see it face-to-face. And what better way to do it and have it in your backyard around food and having some fellowship,” Daniel Thompson, co-chair of the crab and clam bake said.
The bake also introduces people to Crisfield and its culture. Local resident Jon Vass said he’s excited for the expected crowds coming to the city.
“Some people haven’t never been here. This is really exciting to me because I always see between two to three thousand and this year it’s supposed to be like four. It’s fun to me, I like it,” Vass said.
Thompson said, “I love having people down and showing off our little town.” He added the event has such a large draw that a person came from the United Kingdom.
The bake also provides an economic boost to locals. Thompson explained that most of the food served at the event comes from local sources, allowing multiple producers to share in the profits.
“A lot of the seafood now comes from local. So, we’re supporting our seafood industry, our clams, our farmers with the watermelon and corn. So we’re kind of sharing the wealth all the way around,” Thompson said.
And for those who couldn’t make it for the bake this year, Thompson said to make plans to attend next year.
“If you missed out this year, make sure you come back next year because next year’s our 50th year and we may have a few surprises for our attendees,” Thompson said.
