I am a big This Old House fan, so I was grabbed by the ads for the Delmarva Home and Remodeling Expo that will feature This Old House contractor Tom Silva. Information about the Expo is available at DelmarvaHomeShows.com. The Expo is scheduled for October 18-19 at the Wicomico Civic Center. There is an admission charge for the show, and we got a flyer in the mail today that offers a $2 discount.

Worcester County has released a new publication titled Rain Gardens in Maryland’s Coastal Plain.

Rain gardens, are depressions in the ground that are strategically placed to capture runoff from impervious surfaces like rooftops, driveways, sidewalks, and even lawns. A strategically placed rain garden can intercept the runoff, allow the water to infiltrate into the soil, and filter out pollutants like oils, fertilizers, and pesticides before entering the bays.

The brochure suggests ideas regarding the construction and plant selection for a rain garden that will maximize the effect on water runoff from properties in Maryland’s coastal plains. The publication is available for free at the Worcester County Department of Comprehensive Planning office in Snow Hill, MD. An electronic version is available online.

The call for submissions is out for the 2009 edition of The Delmarva Review.

The Delmarva Review is a literary review publishing short fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and short reviews. We feature new writing from the Delmarva and Chesapeake Bay region, but all writers will be considered. Send us your best work.

Submissions can also include illustrative artwork in the form of line drawings and black and white or color photography that can be considered for the cover. All material must be unpublished, and the deadline is December 31, 2008. The Delmarva Review web site includes specific requirements for the categories and form of the submissions. The Delmarva Review is sponsored and published by the Eastern Shore Writers’ Association.

Sea Gull Century - October 4, Salisbury University. In 2008, Salisbury University celebrates the 20th annual Sea Gull Century on Saturday, October 4. A 100-kilometer (64 miles) or 100-mile ride, the Sea Gull Century is a “Best Bicycling in America” event that has been named among the top 10 century rides in the nation by Bicycling magazine.

Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra - October 4, 6:30 PM, Community Church, Ocean Pines, MD. Momentum - “The Power of Vibrant Emotions”, Beethoven: Violin Concerto, Judith Ingolfsson, violin, Sibelius: Symphony No. 2.

Free State Corvette Weekend - Oct. 3-4, Inlet Parking Lot, Ocean City, MD. Join us for a weekend full of activities and events starting Friday, October 3. Proceeds from the Ocean City Corvette Weekend benefit Spina Bifida Association of Maryland and other area charities.

Chesapeake Celtic Festival - Oct. 4-5, Furnace Town, Snow Hill, MD. The Festival welcomes back several familiar acts that guests have come to expect and also adds a new lineup of venues to keep the Festival fresh and lively.

Yakfest Flying Event - Oct. 3-5, Easton Airport, Easton, MD. There will be 22 Yaks, 6 T-28’s and 4 T-6’s doing their Formation And Safety Training (FAST) at the airport this weekend.

26th Annual Mid-Atlantic Small Craft Festival - Oct. 4, Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, St. Michaels, MD. More than 200 unique small craft will be on display, including kayaks, canoes, paddle boats, rowing shells, sailing skiffs, prams and the unusual “one-of-a-kinds.”

Easton VFD Bicentennial Fireman’s Muster - Oct. 4, Easton, MD.

Bike Show - Oct. 4, Harrington Moose Lodge, Harrington, DE. Bike Show to benefit Meals On Wheels. 10:00am-6:00pm at the Harrington Moose Lodge. Cost: $10 for Bike Show. Sign-up starting at 10am. Great food too! All-You-Can-Eat Shrimp, , hamburgers, hot dogs, etc. Food tickets $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Live Band from 2pm-5pm along with a live DJ.

36th Annual Historic House Tour - Oct. 4, Chestertown, MD. Tea Time House Tour: Saturday, October 4, 1:00-6:00 PM: our 38th Annual Historic House Tour, the day when Chestertown opens its doors! Tickets are $25.00 per person, and include 11 open houses and a light afternoon tea at historic Emmanuel Church. Tickets may be purchased at Scotty’s on High St. in Chestertown; or at the Ticket Booth in Fountain Park after 9:30 AM on Saturday.

13th Annual Blackwater Open House - Oct. 4, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, near Cambridge, MD. 8am - 4pm. Entrance fee waived; all programs free.

37th Annual Artisans Festival - Oct. 4-5, 4-H Park, Centreville, MD. Craftsman and artists will be showing their talents by exhibit and working demonstrations. Bring your children to the Kids Corner and have their faces painted, find the needle in the hay stack, decorate a pumpkin their way and go on a hayride! Monies raised are used for charitable purposes. Saturday & Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm, QAC 4 – H Park, Corner of Dulin Clark and Rt. 18, Centreville.

2008 Coast Day - Oct. 5, University of Delaware, Hugh R. Sharp Campus, Lewes, DE. Coast Day introduces thousands of people each year to the wonders of the sea and the importance of Delaware’s marine and coastal resources. Coast Day offers something for everyone. Visitors enjoy hands-on exhibits, lectures on popular science topics, ship and laboratory tours, crab races, a crab cake cook-off, seafood cooking demonstrations, a boat show, and much more.

Film Screening - Persepolis - Oct. 5, Salisbury, MD. Salisbury Film Society/SWAC. Guerrieri Auditorium, Wor-Wic Comm. College. Doors open at 3pm, film @ 3:30pm. $8, $7 SWAC members, $4 Students, Free to Wor-Wic Students w/ID. 410-543-2787.

SU Fun Day - Sept. 20, Salisbury University Campus. From the equine sportsmen of the Renaissance era to a champion stunt biker of the 21st century, Fun Day: Explore SU brings an afternoon of entertainment and educational events to the Salisbury University campus Saturday, September 20. Scheduled from 1-5 p.m., the event features two stunt shows by champion mountain biker Mike Steidley, a Renaissance-themed section complete with two live jousts and tours of the new Teacher Education and Technology Center, along with some 50 other family fun activities.

Onancock Harborfest - Sept. 19-20, Onancock, VA. The 2008 Onancock Harborfest is shifting a bit more of the fun towards the kids! This year brings an expanded set of activities. We will have the always popular face painting by Carol Crockett, as well as animal balloon talents of Shane Kio. The Kids Craft Tent (sponsored by Runninger’s Pharmacy) will feature lots of unique craft items, including coloring some fun wooden cars and planes, sand art jewelry and bead jewelry, to name just a few. New this year is triangles of cloth for the kids to demonstrate their artistic Posterwhimsy. The colored pieces will be sewn into a quilt with the assistance of one of our favorite Town residents, Kate McCourt. The completed quilt will then be on display in the Town Office for all to enjoy, so make sure your little artists contribute to this timeless project. We’ve also got some great games lined up, with ribbons and prizes awarded. The Moon Walk, Rock Climbing Wall and Slip ‘N Slide (sponsored by Onancock Building Supply and T & W Block) offer additional fun, as well as arcade games courtesy of Village Amusements. There is definitely something for everyone, so don’t miss out on the fun!

Sunfest - Sept. 18-21, Inlet Parking Lot, Ocean City, MD. Ocean City’s biggest & best festival. Fine art, distinctive crafts, performers on two stages & a variety of food vendors including gourmet delights & Eastern Shore specialties.

31st Annual Sunfest Kite Festival - Sept. 18-21, The Kite Loft, 5th St. and the Boardwalk, Ocean City, MD. Bring the entire family and let your spirits soar! Join The Kite Loft for the best kite festival on the East Coast on Thursday, September 18 - 21, 2008. Thousands of spectators and kiting friends from across the country will meet in Ocean City, Maryland for five fun-filled days of kite competitions, games, relays, mass ascensions, workshops, fun and frolic.

16th Annual Berlin Fiddlers Convention - Sept. 19-21, Main St., Berlin, MD. 3 Days of live Bluegrass on Main Street…and its Free! See national and local musicians perform and compete.

Chesapeake Film Festival - Sept. 19-21, Easton, MD. For one weekend, Talbot County is about to become the Hollywood of the Chesapeake Bay. A big feast of big films with big stars and small films with big ideas will launch the first Chesapeake Film Festival. Friday night, the festival opens with Flash of Genius starring Greg Kinnear which tells the story of Oxford resident Tim Kearns’ father. Sunday night, the festival closes with the premier screening of Appaloosa starring Renee Zellweger, Jeremy Irons, and Ed Harris. In between, festival goers will watch diverse films and mingle with filmmakers.

6th Annual Maryland Lighthouse Challenge - Sept. 20-21. This event will take participants to some of the most beautiful Chesapeake Bay locations statewide. Participants will receive a complimentary commemorative souvenir at each lighthouse they visit within the allotted twenty hours, with a special souvenir for those that “meet the Challenge” and visit all the lighthouses. Chesapeake Chapter members will be at the Challenge locations to greet and assist you.

Demolition Derby - Sept. 20, Great Pocomoke Fairgrounds. Event starts 4pm. Admission $5. Kitchen Open.

Annual Oxford Ferry Boat Race - Sept. 20, Oxford, MD. On Sept. 20, The Oxford Bellevue Ferry, believed to be the nation’s oldest privately operated ferry service will be pitted against paddle boats, restored boats from the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum and work boats in the annual Oxford Ferry Boat Race and that night there will be a birthday-themed, lighted boat parade.

NASCAR Race Weekend - Sept. 19-21, Dover, DE. Get ready to bring out your headset and scanner, grab your favorite driver shirt and head to the Monster Mile this weekend race fans! It’s the week leading up to the huge Chase race weekend and the “Camping World RV 400 presented by AAA” on Sunday!

2nd Annual WCTR Party in the Park - Sept. 21, Chestertown, MD. $10 gets you in the door for a great afternoon of food, fun and music! The Fabulous Hubcaps, The CTR All-Stars, plus classic cars, food, drink, vendors, arts and crafts and more! Buy online and save $5 off the door price of $15 for adults 12 and older. Kids under 12 are FREE! Remember–when you buy online–print out your receipt. You’ll need it to bring to the Will-Call table at the entrance to Wilmer Park!

The Gumboro Mudbog has been rescheduled due to Tropical Storm Hanna. The event will now take place on Saturday, Sept. 13 with gates opening at 11:00 AM and the event start at 12:30 PM. This is a charity event with proceeds going to the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Get all of the official news about Delmarva Bike Week online. With the event covering six locations this year, you don’t want to miss anything. Many new events and vendors make the new expanded edition of Bike Week the place to be from Sept. 11-14. Winterplace Park in Salisbury is the largest vendor location, and you can also sign up there for the Cruzin’ the Coast 50/50 contest.

2008 Chesapeake Bay Log Canoe Races - Sept. 6-7, St. Michaels, MD, Miles River Yacht Club. Labor Day Weekend Series. 410-745-9511). Call the sponsoring Yacht Club for directions and race times.

Outdoor Concert - Sept. 6, Easton, MD. The United States Navy Cruisers will perform in downtown Easton on N. Harrison St. in front of Scossaâ’s at 7pm. The group takes its name from the Navy’s versatile, flexible, multi-missioned ship “ the Cruiser“ and the members live up to their namesake, presenting a variety of music including classic rock, rhythm and blues, oldies from the 50s and 60s, Motown favorites, as well as today’s top 40 hits. Audience members are asked to bring a folding chair for seating and no alcohol is allowed on the street. The rain location for the concert is the Avalon Theatre.

Classic Pontiac Club - Sept. 6, Easton, MD. Classic flathead Pontiacs come to Easton. Members of the Early Times Chapter of the Pontiac Club own cars dating from 1926 to 1954. They will bring their classic cars to share with us. Some members even dress up in clothing from the year their car was built. Cars will be displayed in the parking lot next to the Historical Society Museum Easton Parking Lot next to the Historical Society, 25 S. Washington St, Easton. FREE. Call 410-822-0773 for time.

Seafood nite - Sat. Sept. 6, 2008, 5pm-7pm. Shrimp, Crab Cakes, Single Fried Oysters. All-U-can-eat breakfast. Sun. Sept. 7, 2008, 7am-10am. American Legion Post 218, Sharptown, MD. 410-883-3780

Breakfast, lunch & yard sale - Sept. 6, 7am-?, Gumboro Firehouse, sponsored by Gumboro United Methodist Church. Call 302-238-7851.

Gumboro Mud Bog - Sept. 6, Gumboro Mud Bog track, Gumboro, DE. 4×4 Mud Bog Racing. Enjoy an afternoon of Mud Bog racing and Power Wheels for the kids. Proceeds benefit Multiple Sclerosis.

Car Show and Poker Run - DVFD will be hosting a Car Show and Poker Run on Saturday, September 6th at the Dagsboro Fire Hall, 31818 Waples Street, Dagsboro, DE.

Historic Sites Open House - Sept. 6. Historic sites throughout Queen Anne’s County throw open their doors, allowing visitors to step back in time. Please call or stop by the visitors’ center to pick up a free copy of the Heritage Guide Map.
Phone: 1-888-400-RSVP. 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Countywide. 12:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Kent Island Sites.

Fall Plant Sale - Sept. 6, Adkins Arboretum, Ridgely, MD. Choose from more than 250 species of flowering trees and shrubs, perennials, ferns, and grasses for fall planting. Adkins Arboretum, Ridgely, Md. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 410-634-2847.

Outlaw Days - Sept. 6-7, Tuckahoe State Park, Queen Anne. Outlaw Days Equestrian Festival with a Western Flair; featuring five different Wild West Shows each day, Western & English arena events, wagon rides, pony rides, games for the kids, vendors, food, mounted cowboy shooting, barrel racing and much MORE! Admission: Adults $7, children under 12 $3. Saturday and Sunday 9 am to 5 pm, Tuckahoe Equestrian Center.

31st Annual Nanticoke Indian Powwow - September 6th & 7th 2008. Grand Entry Dance Session - Sat. 9/6 12:00 Noon. 2nd Dance Session - 4:00 P.M. Sunday Worship Service 10:00 A.M. Grand Entry Dance Session - Sun. 9/7 1:30 P.M. All day parking $8.00 - cars/$5.00 - motorcycles/$2.00 - walk-ins. Handicap parking available at official parking lot only.

61st Annual Hard Crab Derby - Aug. 29-31, At Somers Cove Marina grounds, 7th Street, Crisfield, MD.

49th Annual Skipjack Race & Land Festival - Aug. 31-Sept. 1, Deal Island, MD. Events this year include: an Opening Parade, Antique Car Show, live music, Kayak Races, Great Local Food, Arts and Crafts Vendors all day. LABOR DAY – September 1st on Deal Island — 9:30AM, THE HISTORIC SKIPJACK RACE. During the Day there’s a Fishing Tournament with Cash Prizes, Crab Pot Tossing Contest with a trophy and Cash Prize, Exciting Boat Docking Contests and much more!

Labor Day Weekend Art & Crafts Festival - Aug. 29-31, Convention Center, 40th St. & Bay, Ocean City, MD. A unique shopping experience with arts & crafters displaying pottery, garden accessories, glass art, woodworking, candles & more. Fri.-Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Labor Day Weekend Concerts - Aug. 30-31, N. Division St. Beach, Ocean City, MD. Enjoy free concerts on the beach. Bring a blanket or chair & enjoy the holiday weekend beside the ocean. Sat. & Sun., 8 p.m. August 30: Dr. K’s Motown Revue, performing all the Motown classics. August 31: Separate Ways, the Journey tribute show.

11th Annual Boat Auction - Aug. 30, Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, St. Michaels, MD. If you’ve been waiting for the prime opportunity to buy an affordable boat, then the 11th annual Boat Auction held at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is just for you. This live auction will be held on Saturday, August 30, beginning at 1:00 p.m. Admission for the annual Boat Auction is $5 per person, up until 1:30 p.m. At 1:30 p.m., admission to the museum goes back to the regular daily rates.

Labor Day Winery Event - Aug. 30-31, Old Mill Complex, St. Michaels, MD. In conjunction with the GRAND OPENING of Eastern Shore Brewing, we will be commemorating the official end of summer over the Labor Day weekend. Live music, wine tasting, lite fare. Eastern Shore Brewing and St. Michaels Winery.

Labor Day Art Show and Sale - Aug. 30-31, St. Luke`s United Methodist Church, St. Michaels, MD. The St. Michaels Art League will hold its Annual Labor Day Weekend Art Show on the lawn of St. Luke`s United Methodist Church, located at 304 South Talbot Street. Saturday - 10:00am to 6:00pm. Sunday - noon to 5:00pm.

Friends of Lewes Library Book Sale - Aug. 30, Lewes, DE. The BOOK SALE is open from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM in the Second Floor Meeting Rooms of the Lewes Public Library.

Chincoteague Decoy Carvers Show - Aug. 30-31, At the Chincoteague Center, Sat. – 9am to 5pm, Sun. – 10am to 4pm. Over 25 exhibitors showcase some of the finest waterfowl carvings and wildlife art from the area.

The Great Pocomoke Fair - Aug. 21-23, Pocomoke City, MD. Kids Games, Harness Racing, Indoor exhibits, Antique tractor pulling, the Horse show and Fireworks.

August Fest - Aug. 23, Billy Gene Jackson Park, Salisbury, MD. 9:00 AM-6:30 PM. A great time to enjoy a classic/antique car show, motorcycle show, flea market, gospel singing groups, Christian step/dance ministries, food vendors, games, health and safety information, girls/boys basketball, 5K walk/run, raffles and free gifts. 410-742-7347

Meet the Presidents - Aug. 24, Mar-Va Theater, Pocomoke, MD. Sunday Matinee 3:30 PM. 3 Acts - 3 Eras. Bill and Sue Wills. $15 admission .

Latin Festival Night - Aug. 25, Sunset Park, 200 Division St & Bay, Ocean City. Ocean City’s new Sunset Park is the setting for a night to celebrate featuring the Latin music of “Orquesta La Leyenda”. Food and drink available for purchase. Monday, 6-10 p.m.

Sundaes in the Park - Aug. 24, Northside Park, 127th St. & Bay, Ocean City, MD. Bring the family, a chair or blanket & enjoy free local & regional musical groups. Create your own ice cream sundae for a small fee. A great family evening each Sunday, 6-8 p.m. This week: Mary Lou and the Untouchables, classic rock and Scales & Tales, MD Dept of Natural Resources.

Log Canoe Races - Aug. 23-24, Tred Avon Yacht Club, Oxford, MD. Meyers/Heritage Weekend. Call the sponsoring Yacht Club for directions and race times. (410-226-5269). www.logcanoes.com

Annual Crab Feast and Barbecue - Aug. 23, Easton, MD. The Easton Star Masonic Lodge 16 F&AM PHA will hold its annual crab feast and barbecue from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, at the Talbot County Agricultural Center in Easton. The event is $25 per person, children ages 12 and under are free. For tickets, call 410-822-3382, 410-310-9466 or 410-714-4073.

Crab Feast - Aug. 23, Goldenhill, MD. All-You-Can-Eat, 3pm-till. Adults $23, children 12 & under, $7. St. Johns U.M. Church Fellowship Hall, Goldenhill, MD. Steamed crabs, hot dogs, corn on the cob, tomatoes, cucumbers, cheese, watermelon, ice tea & sodas. From Cambridge Rt. 16 to Church Creek, L. onto Rt. 335, turn L. Rt. 336 & watch for signs.

Dearly Departed - Aug. 23-24, Wor-Wic Community College, Salisbury, MD. The public is invited to “Dearly Departed,” a comedy play by David Bottrell and Jessie Jones, that will be held on Saturday, Aug. 23, at 8 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 24, at 2 p.m., in Guerrieri Hall at Wor-Wic Community College in Salisbury. The event is sponsored by Avery Hall Insurance and Wor-Wic. The cost is $10 per person. Proceeds benefit Relay for Life. Tickets are available at the bookstore at Wor-Wic or by calling Avery Hall at (410) 742-5111. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL REENIE MCCORMICK AT (410) 334-2940.

Maryland Renaissance Festival - Aug. 23-24 & 30-31, Crownsville, MD., 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM. The Maryland Renaissance Festival has become the region’s premier outdoor event and the second largest Renaissance Festival in the country. Since the Festival’s first season as a ramshackle village in 1977, the event has matured into a large theme show with more than 1,300 participants and 280,000 guests per season.

Sharptown Fireman’s Carnival, Sharptown, MD. July 31-August 23. Opens at 7:00 PM nightly. Closed Sundays. No admission charge. Free parking. Ride wristbands $10. Food offerings include oyster sandwiches, french fries, pizza, ice cream and funnel cakes. Sharptown lays claim to the shore’s largest fireman’s carnival now in its 82nd year.

Maryland State Fair - Aug. 22 - Sept. 1, Timonium, MD.

Wicomico Farm & Home Show - Aug. 14, 15th & 16th. New events this year include an Antique Tractor Pull on Friday evening, A”Model Horse” Show on Saturday afternoon, and a redesign of our Annual Thursday night Cake Auction to “turn it back in time” to a family oriented opportunity to recognize you own special cake (or pie) Baker & also support the Farm & Home Show. Hope to see everyone of you there…And don’t forget to bring your favorite politician. Schedule of events.

Purnell-Thomas Memorial Tennis Tournament - August 13-17, Salisbury University Tennis Courts. Professional tennis comes to the shore with a total purse of $40,000. Charitable proceeds from the event benefit Coastal Hospice.

Caroline Summerfest - August 15-16, Downtown Denton and Daniel Crouse Memorial Park along the beautiful Choptank River. Caroline Summerfest is a free, family event. It features more than 100 musicians and performers on four stages. There is rock, country, bluegrass, blues and jazz music. There are jugglers, magicians, acrobats, dancers and variety entertainment strolling the grounds and on stage.

Delmarva Shorebirds - August 15-18, Home games versus the Savannah Sand Gnats. Friday night NFL Night with Washington Redskin’s Cheerleaders and fireworks. Saturday night fireworks. Sunday lunch bag giveaway. Monday night Robinson’s Jewelry and Clock Store Diamond Dig.

Sizzlin’ Summer Music Review - August 15-17, Mar-Va Theater, Pocomoke, MD. Presented by the Community Players of Salisbury.

Choptank Rivah Run 2008 - Saturday, August 16, 2008, 10:00 a.m., Martinak State Park To Choptank River. A fun open 2-mile paddling event for children and adults of all ages (under 18 must be with adult). Any type of paddle craft is eligible for this “POKER RUN”. Entry form.

28th Annual East Coast Skimboarding Championship - August 16-17, Dewey Beach, DE.

Queen Anne’s County Fair - Aug 11-16, Queen Anne’s County 4-H Park.

Sharptown Fireman’s Carnival, Sharptown, MD. July 31-August 23. Opens at 7:00 PM nightly. Closed Sundays. No admission charge. Free parking. Ride wristbands $10. Food offerings include oyster sandwiches, french fries, pizza, ice cream and funnel cakes. Sharptown lays claim to the shore’s largest fireman’s carnival now in its 82nd year.

Worcester County Fair - Aug. 8, 9 & 10, 2008, Byrd Park, Snow Hill, MD. Free admission, free parking, cake auction, talent show, entertainment, pony rides, livestock, river boat rides.

2008 Eastern Shore AFRAM Festival - Aug. 8-9, Nutter Park, Seaford, DE. The Eastern Shore AFRAM Festival Committee is proud to present these Two Extraordinary Days of Celebration within this great City of Seaford, in Nutter Park. Come Friday for an evening of fun-filled family entertainment, great music and food. Saturday kicks-off with the AFRAM PARADE, followed by LIVE MUSIC and Entertainment, all day, including authentic African drumming and dance, and fabulous cultural foods and vendors.

29th Annual Seafood Feast-i-val - Aug. 9, 1:00-6:00 PM, Sailwinds Park, Cambridge, MD. Benefits local fire rescue company.

Concert on the Lawn - Aug. 10, 6:00 PM, Taylor House Museum, Berlin, MD. Annapolis Bluegrass Coalition

Antiques by the Sea - Aug. 8-10, Ocean City Convention Center. Benefits St. Pauls by the Sea. The oldest continually-running antiques show on the Eastern Shore, this Ocean City summer tradition features over 40 exhibits by antiques vendors from around the country. This year, exhibits will include furniture, jewelry, silver, pottery, glass repair & polishing, Victorian lamps, collectibles, and more. Don’t miss it!

Kids Crab Round Up - Aug. 9, 9:00 to Noon, Lagoon Dock, Northside Park, 125th St. & Bay, Ocean City, MD. Morning of fun & learning about blue claw crabs & their environment. All necessary equipment is provided. A small prize for all children who participate. For children 12 years & under accompanied by an adult.

Sundaes in the Park - Aug. 10, 6-8 PM, Northside Park, 127th St. & Bay, Ocean City, MD. Bring the family, a chair or blanket & enjoy free local & regional musical groups. Create your own ice cream sundae for a small fee. A great family evening offered each Sunday, 6-8 p.m. This week: Jesse Garon, a tribute to Elvis and the magic of Mike Rose.

Log Sailing Canoe Regatta - Aug. 9-10, Tred Avon Yacht Club, Oxford, MD. Call the sponsoring Yacht Club for directions and race times. (410-226-5269). www.logcanoes.com

Antique Tractor Pull - Aug. 9, Tuckahoe Steam and Gas Association, 5 miles north of Easton, MD. Registration 3pm to 5pm. Pull starts at 5pm. Welcome To the Tuckahoe Steam and Gas Association. We are an all-volunteer organization founded in 1973 and headquartered on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Our Mission is to preserve the historical Eastern Shore rural way of life. Tuckahoe Steam & Gas Association is located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, approximately 5 miles north of Easton, MD on US Route 50 between mileposts 58 and 59. We are approximately 23 miles from the Bay Bridge.

Caroline/Dorchester County Fair - Aug. 6-10, 4-H Park, Denton, MD.

Pirates and Wenches Fantasy Weekend - Aug. 9-10, Rock Hall, MD. This town-wide theme party celebrates the pirate in all of us. Enjoy kayak races, a Caribbean beach party, treasure hunts, and games for everyone.

Queen Anne’s County Fair - Aug 11-16, Queen Anne’s County 4-H Park.

SNOW HILL, MD. An Heirloom Tomato Tasting will be held at Furnace Town on Sunday August 3 from 1 - 4 pm. Tomatoes in shades of yellow, red and combinations, with names like Azoychka, Bloody Butcher, Garden Peach, and Mortgage Lifter are being grown for this event popular with those who treasure the summer flavor of fresh-from-the-garden tomatoes.

The various tomato varieties will be lined up on picnic tables beneath the Pavilion, where the tasting of about a dozen varieties such as Mr. Stripey, Yellow Pear, Jaune Flammee, Black Krim and more will take place. Actual tomatoes featured will depend upon the weather. Staff and volunteers, including tomato growers Jeff and Melissa Bacon, will be busy cutting bitesize samples of each heirloom variety, placing the samples in individual cups, and placing them on the tasting table in front of the un-cut tomatoes. Information about growing tomatoes will be shared by Extension Educators Ginny Rosenkrantz and Laura Hunsberger, along with Master Gardeners.

The set-up will be similar to a wine tasting, and judging cards will be available for each taster. The tomatoes may be rated from 1 - 5 (5 being best) on initial taste, texture, after-taste and overall - with room for comments. Comments from the 2007 tasting included: tastes better than it looks, bland, more acidic than expected, nice, sweet taste, yummy, wonderful and ew! The 2007 winner was a tie between Hogs Heart and Brandywine, followed by German Queen, Big Rainbow and Mariannas Peace.

The Heirloom Tomato Tasting is included in daily site admission of $4.00 adults/$3.50 AAA or over 60/$2.00 age 2 - 18. All proceeds benefit Furnace Town’s educational programs. Call 410-632-2032 or visit www.furnacetown.com.

The White Marlin Open has unveiled a new design for its web page as they prepare for the 2008 running of the event. A record number of boats are expected with the prize money for the top marlin approaching $2 million. All fish are weighed in at Harbour Island located at 14th Street and the bay in Ocean City, MD. The tournament runs from August 4-8, and weigh-ins are held each day of the tournament from 4:00 to 9:15 PM. The White Marlin Open employs a web cam to allow online spectators the ability to watch the weigh ins from the comfort of home. The most action can be seen from 5:30 to 7:30 PM as boats return to the docks following the end of fishing at 3:30 PM. One of the fishermen will take home a lottery sized prize. Don’t miss it.

Sharptown Fireman’s Carnival, Sharptown, MD. July 31-August 23. Opens at 7:00 PM nightly. Closed Sundays. No admission charge. Free parking. Ride wristbands $10. Food offerings include oyster sandwiches, french fries, pizza, ice cream and funnel cakes. Sharptown lays claim to the shore’s largest fireman’s carnival now in its 82nd year.

48th Annual Wheat Threshing Steam & Gas Engine Show, Federalsburg, MD. August 1-3. Official opening 10 AM each day. Events throughout each day. Plenty of good food. Breakfast begins at 7 AM. Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Crab Cakes and Fried Chicken served daily from 10 AM until ? Parade of equipment at 5:00 PM Friday & Saturday and 4:00 PM Sunday. Antique car parade on Saturday at 1:00 PM. Free admission. Free parking. Free evening entertainment.

Annual Sand Castle Contest, Rehoboth Beach, DE. The Annual Sandcastle Contest takes place at the North End of the Boardwalk by the Henlopen Hotel beginning at 8:30am.

45th Annual Antiques Show, Lewes, DE. August 2. Getting ready for its 45th season in 2008, The Lewes Historical Society Antiques Show has the distinction of being the Society’s oldest continuing tradition. Comprised of many quality antique dealers from the Mid-Atlantic region, each show attracts nearly 2,000 visitors. Hours of the show are 9 AM to 4 PM; admission to each show is $3.00, children under 12 free.

14th Annual Peach Festival, Kent Fort Farm, Stevensville, MD. August 2. Free Hay Ride, petting zoo, balloons, pit beef, hot dogs, sodas, Homemade peach ice-cream, face-painting & crafters. Pick your own peaches and blackberries. Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm.

18th Annual Thunder on the Narrows. Thunder on the Narrows Powerful Hydroplanes. Speeds over 100mph. Family Event. 7 classes of stocks and Modified Engines & Jersey Skiffs. Join the FUN! Remembering 50 years of Hydroplane Racing on Kent Island. Food and entertainment on grounds. No coolers. Admission: $5 adults, under 12 are free. Saturday & Sunday 10 am to 5 pm, Kent Island Yacht Club grounds, Chester Kent Narrows Racing Association.

Blessing of the Combines, Snow Hill, MD. August 2. Annual event celebrating the farming community and our agricultural heritage. Parade, entertainment, tractor pull, food and crafts. 10am-6pm.