Our 2020 Vendors

We are so grateful for their continued support of the Chestertown Tea Party Festival.

Bruce Blackway
Blackway Boat Models
bruceblackway@gmail.com
www.BlackwayBoatModels.com
Blackway Boat Models offers innovative wooden models, fully assembled, of Chesapeake Bay Workboats. Included are Skipjacks, Draketails, Deadrise Workboats, Smith Island Crab Scrapes, Skiffs with Outboards and a variety of miniature nautical accessories (bushel baskets, crab traps, crab nets, boat hooks and more).

Holly Hagen
Creative Capes
holly@creativecapes.com
www.creativecapes.com
Creative Capes empowers children to believe in their inner strengths with our personalized hero capes and accessories. Each handmade satin cape features the child’s first initial to transform them into their own superhero. Help your little one be proud, be brave and be happy.

Deb Scocozza
Debs Spoon Art
Deb@ debsspoonart.com
Facebook Page, Debs Spoon Art
I upcycle vintage silver plated utensils into jewelry and home decor items. All pieces are handmade and one of a kind.

Deena Greenwood
Deesigns by Deena LLC
410-937-6287
www.deesignsbydeena.com
Handmade sterling silver jewelry with semi-precious stones and freshwater pearls.

Made From Coins
madefromcoins@gmail.com
www.madefromcoins.com
Substantial, artful jewelry formed from vintage American coins. One side of an old silver coin is sanded off and transformed into a design, leaving the coin image intact on the reverse side. Also some organically domed pieces which retain the coin image on both sides.

Ramon Matheu Pop Art
ramon@ramonmatheu.com
ramon matheu.com
Ramon builds on the traditions of 1960’s and 1970’s Pop Art masters. His award-winning artwork brings together bright colors and playful themes celebrating beauty and life while projecting an optimistic sense of energy and style.

Lauren Muney
Silhouettes By Hand
www.silhouettesbyhand.com
Silhouettes By Hand cuts silhouettes portraits in the traditional manner – freehand with only scissors, without drawing, tracing any shadow, or using any machine. Its mission is to provide lovers of tradition, handcraft, history, charm, and sustainability to order a silhouette online, have a silhouette made at a live event, or book your artist for one of many types of appearances: private events, community events, corporate events, museums, or even virtual events.

Patty Gowen and Jim DeCaro
Still Pond Creations
stillpondcreations@gmail.com
stillpondcreations.com
pix.stillpondcreations.com
Handmade crafts ranging from light-up wine bottle to jewelry, t-shirts, bags, wall décor, shadow boxes, and much more. Our crafts are constantly evolving.
Distinctive, original framed, unframed, and special-item photography focusing on unique perspectives. Think of expressing art through photography.

Lapp Family Bakery
Mervin & Sue Lapp
12119 Coopers Ln
Worton, MD 21678
443-480-0712
mslapp@afo.net

Silverbird
Elizabeth Grove
elg.grove@gmail.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/silverbirdbaltimore/
Silverbird is a home-based woman-owned business which features hand-crafted sterling silver jewelry custom-designed by Cathy Good. The line includes bracelets, cuffs, chains, pins, pendants, brooches, necklaces, rings, and of course earrings (studs, dangles, and clip-ons). The designs are whimsical, classic, modern, Celtic, vintage, etc. Cathy is a cultural anthropologist by trade (professor, author, lecturer), and has a great variety of themes which influence her designs. There are a few pieces with gemstones, acrylics, small beads, river rocks, and Italian glass, but the vast impression is silver, silver, silver! Silverbird’s prices range from $8 studs to a heavy $240 cuff, but most items fall in the $18-$48 range.

C. Henry Price American Legion Post 246
adjutant@mdalpost246.org
www.mdalpost246.org
The American Legion is nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization, committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow servicemembers and veterans. Our Post donates hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars to community based non-profit organizations each year. We welcome veteran and non-veteran interest in joining our family of organizations.

We are always looking for volunteers for the many Tea Party Festival committees and events. If you are interested please take a minute to complete our volunteer form and someone will get back to you as soon as possible! Thank you!

FIND OUT MORE

Our History & Organization

About Us

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. A Walking Tour of the historic district is 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 demonstration 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, Street Party, Raft Race, Street Performances, Colonial Crafts, Strolling Musicians, Local Fare, 5k & 10 mile run and more including…
Wine and Craft Beer Tasting held on Sunday at Wilmer Park from noon to 4 p.m. The event will feature local Maryland wineries and craft brewers.

Town ordinance prohibits dogs at the festival.

Our Organization

Mailing address:
Chestertown Tea Party Festival, P.O. Box 526, Chestertown, Maryland 21620

Executive Committee:
Sabine Harvey – President
Lamonte Cooke – Vice President
Susan McRae – Treasurer
Stephen Lozar – Secretary

Organizing Committee:
Bonnie Clark
Butch Clark – Operations
John Dolgos – Operations
Lena Ellwanger – Press
Joe Holt – Artisans
Linda Kuiper – Artisans
Kate Livie – Walking Tours, Raft Race
Mary Simmons – Parade
Hope Thomas – Food Vendors
Steve Atkinson – Social Media Marketing, Photography
Aundra Anderson – Street Party
Andy Goddard – Programming
Juanita Weiczoreck – Programming, Colonial Village
Patsy Whiteley – Information Booth
Jane Nevins – Costumes

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

Email:
General Information: contact@chestertownteaparty.org
Street Party: streetparty@chestertownteaparty.org
Costumes: costumes@chestertownteaparty.org
Food Concession: (Local Non-Profits Only) food@chestertownteaparty.org
Artisans: merchants@chestertownteaparty.org
Parade: parade@chestertownteaparty.org
Programming: programming@chestertownteaparty.org
Distance Run: run@chestertownteaparty.org
Walking Tours: walkingtours@chestertownteaparty.org

What we do:

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 place.

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.

Schedule & Maps

STREET MAP

Shuttle Service

Sample schedule below. Check back for current schedule of events.

(schedule subject to change without notice!)

Schedule of Main Events

Saturday, May 26, 2018
8:00 am Classic Distance Run
10:00am Colonial Parade
2:00pm Colonial Reenactment

Sunday, May 27, 2018
Noon- 4pm Beer and Wine Tasting event
2:30pm Raft Race

Throughout the weekend enjoy walking tours of the Historic District, 100+ craft vendors, live performances, children’s activities and local food.

Some of our featured performers:

Benjamin Franklin
The Chester River Chorale
Stephen Christoff and Gabe Stone
The New Gospelistes

For Children:

Tuckers’ Tales Puppet Theater
Slim Harrison – Sunnyland Music

Colonial Reenactors:

Register for Events

SNEAKER CREEPER

Children’s footrace at Washington College track the Friday evening before the festival Benefits H.H. Garnet Elementary School.
CLICK TO REGISTER

CLASSIC RUN

Chestertown Tea Party 10-Miler and 5K Distance Classic/Run takes place early on the Saturday morning of the festival. Benefits Radcliffe Creek School.
CLICK TO REGISTER

COLONIAL PARADE

Takes place at 10am the Saturday morning of the festival. Colonial militia, marching bands, costume-garbed children and a variety of other participants in the festival’s parade.
CLICK TO REGISTER

RAFT RACE

Annually, at 2:30 PM on Sunday of Chestertown’s Tea Party Festival, the Raft Race attracts hundreds of spectators to an unusual event- a race of rafts made of non-nautical materials on the Chester River.
CLICK TO REGISTER

T-SHIRT DESIGN CONTEST – NEW!

The purpose of the contest is to create a design for the annual Chestertown Tea Party Festival (CTPF) t-shirt. The CTPF has been held annually since 1976. The Festival celebrates the colonial past of Chestertown, including the alleged throwing of tea into the Chester River. The design will be featured on the back of the annual t-shirt. It may be used online or in printed material as well.
CLICK TO REGISTER

FOR VENDORS

CLICK FOR RULES AND REGULATIONS

VENDOR TYPE	DESCRIPTION	APPLICATION
NON-PROFIT BOOTHS	Non-Profit Booths are informational in nature. If your organization also wants to sell items, you will need a different registration form. Please contact merchants@chestertownteaparty.org	CLICK TO APPLY
NON-PROFIT FOOD VENDORS	Non-Profit organizations located in Kent County are invited to apply for a space in our food vendor area. Please contact food@chestertownteaparty.org for more information.	CLICK TO APPLY
ARTISAN BOOTHS	All work must be original and that of the exhibitor. Manufactured kits or “buy and sell crafts” are prohibited. Weapons (toy or otherwise) such as, but not limited to, pop guns, rubber band guns, swords, bows and arrows are prohibited from sale at the Festival. Merchants will be asked to remove prohibited items.	CLICK TO APPLY
CHESTERTOWN FARMERS/ARTISANS MARKET BOOTHS	You must be an approved Chestertown Farmers’ Market or Artisans’ Market vendor by the Town of Chestertown.	CLICK TO APPLY
CHESAPEAKE WINE TRAILS VINEYARDS/WINERIES	You may sell your wine by the glass, bottle and/or case. You will be responsible for checking valid ID/license for your customers.	CLICK TO APPLY

Friends & Sponsors

The Chestertown Tea Party Festival is always looking for more sponsors! Click here to find out more about our sponsorship opportunities.

Premier Sponsor

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

General Sponsors

Grants

Friends

Community Partners

Atlantic Tractor

Chestertown Police Department – 410-778-1800

Chestertown Volunteer Fire Company

County of Kent, MD

Dick Goodall and KRM

Louis Grasmick

Humane Society of Kent County

George Lehmer

Kent & Queen Anne’s Rescue Squad

Kent County Detention Center

Kent County Historical Society

Kent County News

Kent County Office of Tourism

Kent County Public Library

Kent County Sheriff’s Department

Main Street Chestertown

Maryland Office of Tourism

Moo Productions

RiverArts: KidSPOT

Tidewater Trader

Town of Chestertown

Genie Wootton

Non-Profits

Chestertown RiverArts
Church Hill Theatre
CASA of Queen Anne’s & Kent
Democratic Club of Kent County
The Gunston School
KC Chamber of Commerce
KC Community Marching Band
Historic Society of Kent County
Kent County Public Schools
Mt Harmon Colonial Estate
Master Gardeners of Kent & QA’s
National Music Festival
Olde Kent Quilters Guild
Republican Club of Kent County
US Coast Guard Auxiliary

FOOD VENDING NON PROFITS

Bethel A.M.E Church
Boy Scout Troop 130
Centreville Church of God
Chestertown Elks
Chestertown Optimist Club
Christ U.M. Church
Eastern Shore Alano Club
Historical Society of Kent County
Janes United Methodist Church
Jaycees of Cecil County
KCHS Music Boosters
Kent County Community Marching Band
Kent County Young Farmers
Kent Ruritan
Knights of Columbus
Mt. Olive AME Church
New Christian Chapel of Love U.M. Church
Order of the Eastern Star
Rotary Club of Chestertown
Thomas H. Kiah #101 Masonic Lodge
Union U.M. Church
Unitarian Universalists of Chester River

SUNDAY

Alano Club of Kent County
Centerville Church of God
Jaycees of Cecil County
KC Community Marching Band
Mt. Pisgah UM Church

Press & Photo Gallery

Celebrate Chestertown’s Colonial Heritage

Chestertown Colonial Tea Party Festival

May 24-26, 2019

Join the Revolution! Chestertown Tea Party Festival May 24 – 26

The town of Chestertown invites everyone to join them in celebrating its colonial past with the 43^rd annual Tea Party Festival, Memorial Day Weekend, May 24- 26. This festival commemorates the 1774 event, where, in revolt against British tax on tea, local lore has it the disgruntled citizens marched down to the Chester River and tossed tea overboard from the brigantine Geddes.

The festival kicks off Friday at 6 pm with a free Street Party at the foot of High Street, on the water’s edge, complete with music by Del Fox, craft beer and a variety of food trucks. Saturday starts with the Chestertown Tea Party Classic Run (5k or 10 miles). The popular Colonial Parade begins at 10pm, featuring marching bands – including the award winning Largo High Marching Machine, and the US Army Old Guard Fife & Drums.

Step into the 19^th Century at the Colonial Village, and view a military unit encampment, complete with a blacksmith, seamstress, Cabinet of Curiosities, and colonial dancing. Children’s activities include a Punch & Judy puppet theatre, facepainting, story telling and a jug band. There is even a chocolate maker!
Guests can enjoy the more than 100 craft vendors lining the street, take a historic walking tour, and partake of local food.

New this year – Levram the Great, a colonial conjurer, will perform two shows at the Garfield Center for the Arts, followed by a Crankie! What’s a Crankie? A moving panorama is an old story- telling form, an illustrated scroll set onto spools in a viewing box. The artwork is hand cranked and accompanied by a narrative or song. This Crankie will be accompanied by Crankie artist Katherine Fahey and Marc Dykeman ( of the High & Wides band).

Another do not miss show at the Garfield, Sumner Hall’s musical presentation of the story of Ona Judge, slave of Martha Washington, featuring singer Karen Somerville and a cast of 19 musicians, singers and dancers.

Main Stage entertainment features popular bluegrass/old time/hillbilly string music band, the High & Wides, the Rock Candy Cloggers and the seafarin’ group, the Jolly Tars.

The much – anticipated Tea Party Re-enactment begins at 2pm, with colonists marching down the street to the water and rowing out to throw the Tea overboard.

The Party continues Sunday, in Wilmer Park, along the scenic Chester, with crafts, food, children’s activities, live music featuring Joe Holt and Brad Chaires, local wine & beer tasting, and Sunday’s highlight, the annual Raft Race at 2pm. Who will win the coveted Tea Party Cup?

In addition, the Edna Lockwood, the last historic sailing bugeye in the world, will be visiting Chestertown over Memorial Day weekend as part of a National Park Service-funded heritage tour around the Chesapeake Bay. Owned and operated by the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, Edna Lockwood recently underwent a two-year restoration of her nine-log hull. During her stay, CBMM staff members will offer free deck tours, giving guests a chance to explore the bugeye while she’s docked. Open for tours 10 am – 4 pm.

For more information please visit ChestertownTeaParty.org and join in the revolution!

If you are thinking of staying over for the weekend go to www.kentcounty.com.

ANNUAL EDNA ROSS AWARD

2019 Edna Ross Award Recipient – Ralph Dowling/People’s Bank!

The Edna Ross Award is given annually to a local business person for outstanding service to the community. The award was created by Chestertown Tea Party Festival organizers in 2011 to honor Ross and all she had done for Chestertown.

PAST RECIPIENTS

PARADE GRAND MARSHAL

2019 Grand Marshal – Andy McCown!

The Chestertown Tea Party Committee is proud to announce that Captain Andrew McCown of Betterton is this year’s Honorary Grand Marshal. “Cap’n Andy” will be temporarily trading his customary perch atop a Tea Party Re-enactment barrel to kick off the weekend events.

McCown, a Chestertown native, has been involved with the Chestertown Tea Party Festival since its inception. He recalls painting roadside signs about the first festival for festival founders Sonny Usilton and Louis Anthony.

He first participated in the re-enactment as a student at Washington College in 1973, and he has participated in every re-enactment since with exception of only four that he was unable to attend.

Since 1978 Andrew has been the organizer of the script and all of the actors and actresses. There are often locals that he calls on to participate, but the majority of the re-enactors are fellow outdoor educators from Echo Hill Outdoor School where Andrew is an Associate Director.

In addition to Andrew’s extensive involvement in the re-enactment, he served faithfully on the Board of Directors of the Tea Party for many years.

McCown has been an educator with Echo Hill Outdoor School since 1977. He currently also serves as Associate Director, Director of Summer Programs, and Director of the Historic Fleet at EHOS.

An accomplished spoken word artist, Captain Andy performs with the group Chesapeake Scenes, paying tribute through songs and stories to the people who live and work on the waters of the magnificent Chesapeake Bay.

McCown has been extensively involved on the board of ShoreRivers and the Chester River Association for many years, championing the river he loves.

The Parade Grand Marshal rides in the parade and greets festival goers!
PAST RECIPIENTS