The National Hard Crab Derby is held each year in Somerset County during Labor Day weekend. The annual event features crab races, cooking and picking contests, crafts and so much more.
Known by many as “The Crab Capital of the World”, Crisfield, in Somerset County, is home to many seafood restaurants and the Somers Cove Marina, one of the largest marinas on the East Coast. The derby was created in 1947 by Egbert L. Quinn, the editor of the Crisfield Times, to honor the town’s rich crabbing history. The main event of the Crab derby happens on Saturday with the parade down Main Street followed by the crab race and crab picking contests. The event is a homecoming that marks the return of many former Crisfielders to celebrate the holiday.
This year, celebrating the 77th annual National Hard Crab Derby the event will be held August 30, 31 and September 1.
The unique crab themed event will include crab races, crab cooking and picking contests, crafts, live entertainment, beauty pageants, parade, fireworks and more.
For more information on the different festivities of the event visit the National Hard Crab Derby site, or check out their Facebook page.
If you would like your county featured in Fun Facts, please get in touch with Amanda Grosskrueger at agrosskrueger@mdcounties.org.