Full Line-up of Events Celebrating Maryland’s 375th Birthday at Maryland’s Birthplace

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Full Line-up of Events Celebrating Maryland’s 375th Birthday at Maryland’s Birthplace

 

Maryland was founded in 1634 when 140 adventurers landed on St. Clement’s Island and then established Maryland’s first capital at St. Mary’s City. In 2009, the area celebrates 375 years of history and significant contributions to the state and nation with a year of events.  Event highlights include a visit by Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley, the world premiere of a symphony, and a birthday cake by Charm City Cakes’ Chef Duff Goldman.

 

Maryland Day at St. Clements Island Museum, Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at 11 a.m.  Keynote speaker Associate Professor of Anthropology from St. Mary's College of Maryland Dr. Julia King, and a Celebrate 375 birthday cake created by celebrity chef Duff Goldman, the Food Network's “Ace of Cakes,” will highlight this free event overlooking St. Clements Island where the first Maryland colonists landed in 1634.  Free. 301-769-2222, www.stmarysmd.com/recreate/museums

Maryland Day at Historic St. Mary’s City, Sunday, March 29, 10 a.m. –  5 p.m.  Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley is guest of honor and is scheduled to provide keynote remarks.  The Ceremony of the Flags features fourth-grade students from Maryland counties presenting their jurisdiction's colors at the site of Maryland’s first colony and capital. Free. 800-762-1634, www.stmaryscity.org

Maryland’s 375th Birthday Celebration Weekend Friday, June 19 – Sunday, June 21, 2009 features five events.         

River Concert World Premier. Friday, June 19, 7 p.m., St. Mary's College of Maryland, St. Mary's City, off Route 5. The River Concert Series Season Opener featuring the Chesapeake Orchestra, Jeffrey Silberschlag music director, Celebrates the 375th with the world premier of a symphonic work “In Terra Maryland” by Maryland composer Nathan Lincoln-DeCusatis with spoken texts culled from early writings on Maryland’s founding prepared by Jennifer Cognard-Black, Associate Professor of English, St. Mary’s College of Maryland.  Maestro Silberschlag says: “This work attempts to tell about the arrival of the English colonists and their thrill of seeing Maryland for the first time.”  The concert also includes Handel’s “Trumpet Spectacular” and Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9- “The New World.”  Free. 240-895-4107 www.riverconcertseries.com

 

Maryland’s Birthday Celebration. Saturday, June 20, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Historic St. Mary's City, St. Mary's City, off Route 5. All day and evening celebration at the site of Maryland’s first colony and capital features tall ships along the St. Mary’s waterfront including tall ship Kalmar Nickel Delaware’s seagoing goodwill ambassador.  The 200-tunne pinnace is modeled after the ship that sailed from Sweden to the New World in 1638.  There will also be 17th-century style food, make-and-take crafts, sutlers (vendors), music, whimsey, and other entertainment. The day will close with a special River Concert, to include a reprise of “In Terra Maryland” and fireworks.   Free. 800-762-1634, www.stmaryscity.org

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Juneteenth Celebration.  Saturday, June 20, Noon, Freedom Park in Lexington Park, Route 235 and Tulagi Place. Entertainment for all ages celebrating cultural diversity and freedom. Early evening jazz concert. Free. HC. 301-862-4868, www.ucaconline.org

Pinks All Out. Saturday, June 20, Maryland International Raceway, Budds Creek, Maryland.  Speed TV will be filming an episode of PINKS All Out.  Hundreds of the best drag racers in the country will bring their game to MIR in search of glory and their share of $18,000 in cold, hard cash in PINKS All Out. Host Rich Christensen hosts the all-day shootout that pits egos and cars against one another on the quarter mile. Ticketed event 301-884-9833, www.mirdrag.com

 

Celebrate Life! Sunday, June 21, College of Southern Maryland, Leonardtown Campus, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. 22950 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, Maryland. CSM celebrates 375 years with Wellness, Fitness & Recreation. Come dressed to play on Father's Day as you enjoy fitness demos, wellness tips, health screenings, fun races and a 3.75-mile walk to include historic Leonardtown. Free. 301-934-7703 or

240-725-5312.

Over forty of the county’s 2009 annual events include special “Celebrate 375” components. Information on these and other activities and promotions surrounding the anniversary year may be found at www.Maryland375.com

Members of the Media are invited to attend Maryland Day at Historic St. Mary’s City on Sunday, March 29.  Please visit the press room on the second floor of the State House between the hours of 10 AM and 5PM.  Obtain information on Celebrate 375 activities and events, conduct interviews, sample Maryland 375 ice cream created by Bruster’s Real Ice Cream and 1634 Ale, created by Brewer’s Alley, in Frederick, Maryland to commemorate the anniversary.