Southern Maryland’s rich natural beauty and maritime heritage take center stage Saturday, Sept. 26, when the 19th annual RiverFest returns to the grounds and waterfront of Historic St. Mary’s City, offering a full day of free family activities celebrating the St. Mary’s River.
“RiverFest is our favorite way to bring the community together on the St. Mary’s River,” said Emma Green Ewing, executive director of the St. Mary’s River Watershed Association, which hosts the event. “It’s an opportunity for people of all ages to experience the river, learn about its importance, and celebrate the natural and maritime heritage that makes our community special.”
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., admission and activities are free. Visitors can take advantage of free kayak rentals with expert guidance from Team River Runner of Southern Maryland, listen to live music under the pavilion from the Eastport Oyster Boys — known for island-rhythm tunes and Chesapeake Bay humor — and traditional performer Janie Meneely, and get up close with wildlife including a barred owl and diamondback terrapins, along with seining demonstrations to examine fish and other river critters.
the value of play. Stop by with your little ones to explore, create, and discover.
RiverFest. This tradition demonstrates how water clarity is linked to water quality and
honors the late Senator Bernie Fowler.
The day’s centerpiece is the annual River Wade-In at 2 p.m., held in honor of the late Maryland state Sen. Bernie Fowler. Fowler, a longtime environmental advocate, held a similar wade-in on his own home river, the Patuxent, for more than three decades to draw public attention to water clarity as a simple, visible measure of overall water quality. SMRWA has continued that tradition on the St. Mary’s River, inviting participants to gather under the pavilion and walk together to the waterfront, wading in until the water reaches a depth where their shoes are no longer visible — Fowler’s Sneaker Index. Those who’d rather keep their feet dry can build their own Secchi disk, a scientific tool used to measure water clarity, instead.
Younger visitors can jump into open-ended play with Pure Play Every Day, or enjoy free balloon animals, face painting, and hands-on crafts throughout the day.
RiverFest also unlocks free admission to Historic St. Mary’s City’s living history exhibits. The St. Maries Citty Militia will hold its annual muster concurrently with the festival, with re-enactors recreating a 17th-century militia assembly preparing to defend the colony, including weapon firings at 10:30 a.m. and roughly 1 p.m.
Along the path from the pavilion to the State House, visitors can browse 20 vendors and exhibitors from across Southern Maryland, or stop for lunch at the newly opened Angelika’s Kitchen, serving gourmet pub comfort food.
RiverFest has grown into one of St. Mary’s County’s most established annual traditions; last year’s 18th annual event drew the same rain-or-shine, all-ages format now in its 19th year. More information is available at SMRWA.org/RiverFest or by emailing info@smrwa.org. The event is held at Historic St. Mary’s City, 47414 Old State House Rd, St. Mary’s City.
