In response to British Parliament’s closing of the port of Boston, the citizens of Chestertown, Maryland met in May of 1774 and set forth “Resolves” forbidding importing, selling, or consuming tea in Chestertown. According to local legend, residents then gathered at the town center, marched down High Street to the brigantine Geddes, which was anchored in the Chester River, and tossed her cargo of tea overboard. The annual reenactment of that event is the centerpiece of the Chestertown Tea Party Festival. The re-enactment is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. All Festival events take place along the Chester River and in the historic district of 18th-century Chestertown, Maryland. There is no admission charge to the Festival.

Start training now for this year’s Classic Distance 10 Mile Run and 5k Run/Walk. Or join the festival-goers that line High Street each year to cheer the passing of colonial militia, marching bands, costume-garbed children and more in the Colonial Parade. Walking Tours of the historic district are offered to visitors and local residents. The tour is conducted by trained docents who are residents of Kent County. Not only can you purchase many handcrafted Colonial goods at the Festival, but you can also see a live demonstrations of how those items are made. On Sunday, challenge yourself and your engineering skills by competing in this year’s Annual Raft Race. You’ll be amazed at the sites and sounds of the Chestertown Tea Party Festival!

Tea Toss Reenactment, Colonial Parade, Block Party, Raft Race, Street Performances, Colonial Crafts, Strolling Musicians, Local Fare, 5k & 10 mile run – entertainment, education and fun for the whole family!

Sunday the Festival moves to  Wilmer Park from noon to 4 p.m. Beer Fest featuring local craft brews, live music, artisan craft vendors, plenty of children’s activities and the infamous Raft Race!

Town ordinance prohibits dogs at the festival.

Throughout the year, the festival organizers meet a variety of challenges. Some are particular to the Tea Party and many are shared by all non-profit organizations. Among those shared challenges is the need to provide financial stability while accomplishing the group’s mission. Over the years, through good times and bad, the organization has maintained an average of just enough money to seed the following year’s event. We are happy, therefore, when fellow non-profit organizations also benefit from the festival because we have firsthand understanding of the concern for fundraising. About twenty groups make money by selling food to festival-goers. Together, these groups annually make more than $75,000 in funds that are transformed into community services. Consequently, we take pride from the fact that we indirectly contribute to the quality of life we experience in this wonderful community we call home.

Facilitating fundraising, however, is only one facet of the festival. Our mission is to provide a greater understanding of the area’s history, which strengthens our local sense of identity and offers a meaningful perspective on our unique past. Throughout the years, thousands of schoolchildren have been inspired to investigate the nation’s roots because of the reenactment of the Chestertown Tea Party. Our job is heritage education. We understand that with an ongoing infusion of energy and creativity, there is vast potential. We are excited by the possibilities and welcome your help as well as insight.

Producing the festival requires a sacrifice from many, whether money, time, or convenience. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all those who have given throughout the years and who continue to offer their support in innumerable ways.

Celebrating America250   the Semiquincentennial

 

  Maps & Schedules          Frequently Asked Questions

 

Please Note: Unfortunately, there are a few scammers posing as representatives from our Festival. Please do not assume anyone reaching out via email or social media are associated with the Chestertown Tea Party. Use the information below to contact us directly.

Our Organization

Mailing address: Chestertown Tea Party Festival, P.O. Box 526, Chestertown, Maryland 21620
Phone: 443 924 6411

Executive Committee:

Steven Meehan –  President
LaMonte Cooke –  Vice President
Andy Goddard– Treasurer
Monica Sella – Secretary
Kristen Hunter – Member at Large
Nina Fleegle – Member at Large
Missy Yachup – Member at Large
Ivette Furneisen – Member at Large

Organizing Committee:

Terri Baer – Costumes
Butch Clark – Operations
LaMonte Cooke- Security/Emergency Response
Nina Fleegle – Block Party, Food Concessions
Amanda Fry – Walking Tours
Frank Gerber – Raft Race
Andy Goddard – Programming
Ivette Furneisen – Beer Fest
Kristen Hunter – Sponsorships
Krista Lamoreaux – Heritage Village
Tracye Landon – Merchandise
Steve Meehan – Transportation
Mattie Meehan – Merchandise 
Monica Sella – Beer Fest
Kris Shovlin – Artisans
Missy Yachup – Parade
Merrilyn WIlliams – Artisans

Please use email to reach the festival committee for any specific questions.

Email:
General Information: contact@chestertownteaparty.org
Artisans: merchants@chestertownteaparty.org
BeerFest beerfest@chestertownteaparty.org
Block Party: food@chestertownteaparty.org
Distance Run: llivingston@radcliffecreekschool.org
Food Concession: food@chestertownteaparty.org
Heritage Village:  heritagevillage@chestertownteaparty.org
Parade:  parade@chestertownteaparty.org
Raft Race:  raftrace@chestertownteaparty.org
Programming: programming@chestertownteaparty.org
Sponsorships: sponsorships@chestertownteaparty.org
Volunteer:  Volunteer@chestertownteaparty.org

No computer? Leave a voicemail 443 924 6411

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONTRIBUTORS

Anthony’s Flowers and Landscaping, Inc.
Chestertown Natural Foods
The Dixon Group
Kent County Chamber of Commerce

 

IN-KIND DONORS

Anthony’s Flowers & Landscaping
Butch Clark
The Cordish Companies
Echo Hill Outdoor School
Kelly Distributors
Kent County News
KRM Development
Redner’s Market Chestertown
Riverside Unique
Sultana Education Foundation
Sumner Hall
Tidewater Trader
Town of Chestertown
Washington College
Washington Square Shopping Center
WCTR Radio