Spectators flock to Crisfield for annual crab race

CRISFIELD, Md. – Crisfield’s Annual Hard Crab Derby Race was a success as hundreds of people poured into the town to attend the unique event on Saturday.

Spectators paid $5 to name and enter a crab. The crabs raced against others to get to the end of the wet wooden track first. There were ten rounds, with 50 crabs racing in each round, for a total of 500. Organizers say it’s an event you can’t find anywhere else and they’re proud of all that it represents.

“You know, not just Crisfield but everywhere, you have to hold on to your heritage. And we love it here in Crisfield. It’s so unique. It’s so beautiful. There’s no place like it in the world, truly,” says Buddy Ward, the chairman of the National Hard Crab Derby.

A lot of the money raised from the annual event goes back into the community. Some proceeds from this year will go to a few different veterans organizations.

If you want to see for yourself, the festivities continue on Sunday, with the boat docking tournament happening at the marina at noon.

For more information about the 72nd Annual National Hard Crab Derby: click here.