Tea Party Returns to Chestertown This Weekend, May 25-27

     Chestertown, Md. -- “To the River!”

     The rallying cry of the Sons of Liberty of yore rings out again as once again the gem of the Eastern Shore opens its doors and welcomes celebrants to its annual Tea Party Festival. In an era that has seen so many radical ‘tea party’ political movements, the historic pageant in the tiny hamlet stands apart as a genuine slice of Americana, whose only aspiration is to remind its community of its storied past and celebrate being good neighbors.

     In response to British Parliament’s closing of the port of Boston, the citizens of Chestertown, met in May of 1774 and set forth “Resolves” forbidding importing, selling, or consuming tea, according to local legend, residents then gathered at the town center, marched down High Street to the brigantine Geddes, and tossed her cargo of tea overboard. The Saturday reenactment of that patriotic act is the centerpiece of the celebration. Beginning in 1975 and continuing each Memorial Day Weekend since, the festival has blossomed from a small local event to a major regional draw.

     A parade down main street, a classic distance run for early risers, an amazingly creative raft race, live demonstrations of colonial life, a dramatic historic reenactment, vendors of colonial craftsmanship and local musicians and food galore are all among the reasons that crowds are regularly estimated between 5,000 – 7,000 people attending the three day event.

     Now in its 37th continuous year, recent additions include the return of Revolutionary Theatre at the Garfield Center for the Arts, featuring local playwrights, Tia Glomb and Keith Thompson. In addition to the Vineyard Village on Saturday that was such a huge success last year, this year’s Sunday Wine Tasting event will add a special section of Craft Beers for those that enjoy hops as much as wine. Cow Plop Bingo makes its second appearance at the festival after last year’s fund raiser of for the KC Community Marching Band was so enthusiastically received.

     Also returning on Friday night, following the ever popular Cocktail Party at Wilmer Park, the Chester River Chorale will present and evening of patriotic songs at the Garfield Center. KCHS PTSA takes over the Toss the Tory contest and will raise funds for student scholarships by casting a local celebrity into the Chester on Sunday afternoon. These events, as well as stalwart favorites like Public Sails on the Sultana, the 20th Annual Great Raft Race and Classic Distance Run make the Tea Party Festival and event that all can find something fun to do.

     All festival events take place along the Chester River and in the historic district of 18th-century Chestertown. There is no admission charge to the festival, but certain events do require paid tickets. For more information please refer to our website at www.chestertownteaparty.org or call us at 215-431-6671.