Maryland
Is the Tawes crab feast losing its luster? – Maryland Matters
Former Gov. Larry Hogan (R) and Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D) flocked with their entourages to the southernmost town on Maryland’s Eastern Shore Wednesday for a cherished ritual of state politics, the J. Millard Tawes Crab and Clam Bake in Crisfield.
The nominees for U.S. Senate said they wouldn’t have missed it.
“I come here every year,” Alsobrooks said. “It’s just the time for Marylanders to come together from everywhere. It’s a bonding experience where we gather for crabs and conversation.”
Hogan, the two-term governor and candidate, has attended the event since he worked on his father’s congressional campaigns. The trip is as much political muscle memory as it is about campaigning.
“It’s just a great place to be,” said Hogan. “It’s sort of like the Super Bowl of politicking. There’s just wonderful people on the Shore and from all over the state. And it’s just a tradition. That’s what I like about it.
“But I’m not sure if people are winning votes here actually. It’s just a great time to bring people together and to bring some attention and some money to the Shore,” he said.
What did the two candidates encounter on a mild but drizzly autumn day?
Hogan was trolled by members of AFSCME, a state employees union that frequently butted heads with the former governor. Union members carried red placards reading “Larry Hogan stole my wages”— a reference to recently settled cases with the U.S. Department of Labor to settle millions of dollars in overtime wage theft claims.
Another group — sent by the Maryland Democratic Party — dressed as judges and carried signs quoting Hogan praising former President Donald Trump’s Supreme Court picks. The signs also attempted to tie Hogan to the 2022 Supreme Court ruling curtailing abortion rights.
Tawes has rarely, if ever, been host to such political counter-programming.
“It was kind of ridiculous,” said Hogan. “It’s the typical toxic politics that everybody’s sick and tired of, and quite frankly, it’s embarrassing for them to do it.”
But Alsobrooks, asked about a new attack ad that a political action committee aligned with Hogan began airing about her on radio Wednesday, also dismissed political attacks.
“The MAGA Republicans have put $18 million in to try to help their friend,” she said of the ad, which references a recent report that Alsobrooks took property tax credits she wasn’t entitled to.
‘It’s the place to be’
Hundreds of members of the state’s political tribe were gathered at the Somers Cove Marina for the annual event, along with civic leaders from the Lower Shore. Hundreds of everyday citizens were also there, enjoying a midweek respite, with all the seafood, beer and soda they could consume for their $75 ticket – 67% more than in 2017.
But the crowd size seemed way down from previous years, begging the question of whether the Tawes crab feast is still the must-do event for Maryland’s political class — not to mention for seafood lovers — that it once was.
“If you love Maryland politics, it’s the place to be,” said Paul Ellington, a Republican strategist.
“It’s a cool location,” he said. “The Lower Shore is beautiful. This is our political hotbed. It’s political nirvana. It’s political mecca, one day out of the year.”
And Ellington has made the pilgrimage many times over the last three decades.
But he acknowledged a change.
“I think it had its heyday, if you will, probably 10 years ago,” Ellington said.
Privately, other longtime attendees were more pointed. One questioned if the event Wednesday marked a turning point for the political relevance of the event. The crowds are down, the “vibe is off,” said one attendee.
The lighter-than-usual crowds at the food stalls mirrored what was going on in the private tents.
Annapolis lobbyist Bruce Bereano has a tent that rivals a circus big top. The power lobbyist begins sending updates on the event in February.
Inside, new-era pols break crabs with veterans and former elected officials of days gone by. The tent is typically packed with people shoulder to shoulder as they navigate tables. This year the traffic in the tent wasn’t nearly so congested.
It is too soon to write a political obituary for the crab feast. Some regulars believe the event has been hamstrung by external forces — weather and the pandemic and the economy — but will regain its footing.
“Don’t all things like this, ebb and flow and wax and wane?” asked Gene Ransom, CEO of MedChi, The Medical Society of Maryland, and a former Queen Anne’s County commissioner. “I mean, it looks like it’s a pretty good crowd. I’ve seen a lot of people running for office here.”
Now 47 years old, the crab feast, named for a former governor and state comptroller who hailed from Crisfield, has for decades been a popular destination for political leaders — especially in election years — and regular folks. But events have changed Tawes in countless ways recently.
Until 2021, the crab feast was a mid-summer event, and beastly hot. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the Crisfield Chamber of Commerce, the sponsor, moved it to early autumn.
While this decision made the experience more comfortable for festivalgoers, it may have also cut the crowd size, because it’s often easier to take time off during the summer than it is in the fall.
“I think when they moved it after COVID, you lost some people,” Ellington said. “If anything, you lost a lot of the casual attendees — the people that could take time out of their summer and it was worth the trip to them.”
The state’s political calendar also changed a few election cycles ago. When the state had a September primary, several candidates from both parties would come to Crisfield in July to press the flesh. But now primaries take place in early summer in gubernatorial election years, so there would be fewer statewide candidates on hand by the time the crab feast rolled around.
Post-pandemic habits and inflation may also be playing a role for the deflated crowd size. The cost of a crab feast ticket in 2017 was $45, compared to $75 now. And while many politicians still come to Tawes, they don’t circulate around the marina grounds as much as they once did.
For politicians, Bereano’s tent has over the past several years become the focal point of the crab feast. Politicians and their guests gather there to socialize and get access to special food and drinks not available to average festivalgoers, often delivered by young runners who Bereano hires from the Crisfield area.
As a result, the pols are not moving around the marina grounds as much as they did in years past — and this year more than two dozen interest groups, from area colleges and businesses to political organizations and local governments had tents of their own, far smaller than Bereano’s.
Politics have also changed.
“Now, back in the day before we were so polarized, everybody would come here to campaign,” said Ransom. “The world has changed. I don’t know what that means for Tawes in the long run, because this part of the state is very red. The rest of the state is blue. It makes you wonder how sustainable all of this is in the long run.”
‘Politics is all about relationships, right?’
And yet, they come, political leaders from all over the state, some driving as much as five hours each way, to mostly spend time in Bereano’s tent, to reconnect and gossip with colleagues and operatives.
“It’s a great opportunity to see a lot of friends,” said Baltimore County Councilmember Julian Jones (D), who was wearing an Alsobrooks T-shirt. “I know where they’ll be. It’s good to take a day off.”
Del. Jon S. Cardin (D-Baltimore County) said he likes to come to Crisfield “to connect with people who are politically inclined.”
“It’s great to see what the pulse is around the state,” he said. “Good food, good friends. Coming here is always a happy occasion.”
Other Baltimore-area leaders said they were there to network.
Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council, was there squiring Andrew Cushnir, the new president and CEO of The Associated Baltimore Jewish Federation, to connect with elected officials who aren’t from the Baltimore area. Representatives of Shomrim of Baltimore, a Jewish volunteer neighborhood watch agency, were on hand to talk public safety issues with state leaders.
“I look forward to it all year,” said Tzvi Skaist, an EMT and director of operations for the group.
Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly (R) said sharing a beer in Crisfield can pay political dividends in the future.
“Let’s face it, politics is all about relationships, right?” he said. “It’s an opportunity to build those essential relationships that you need. So when you see someone the next time, it’s friendly.”
Sen. Mike McKay (R-Allegany) may have had the longest trip, five hours one way — “a long way to come for crabs when crabs are delivered to Allegany County,” he said.
“The reason that I do come — and I don’t want to call it the mecca of political events — is that the interim is so important for relationships. That’s my biggest thing. So I can at least say hello to a chairman of a committee,” he said.
“I was just talking to the Comptroller [Brooke Lierman],” McKay said. “Really, if I get 5 seconds with 15 people, I will say that it’s worth the 9 1/2-hour round trip that I will take for spending three hours here.”
Del. Kym Taylor (D-Prince George’s) gestured to the clutches of Hogan and Alsobrooks volunteers waiting for their candidates to arrive and declared the scene “so cool.”
“It’s a chance to see both political factions,” she said. “This is democracy in action.”
Lower Shore officials believe the visits from their counterparts across the state are invaluable.
“The fact that they would make the effort to come all the way to Crisfield speaks for itself,” said state Sen. Mary Beth Carozza (R-Lower Shore), whose district includes Crisfield. “This is a can’t-miss event. The fact that a can’t-miss event is in Crisfield is a real honor.”
Crisfield Mayor Darlene Taylor told Maryland Matters last year that she was sorry more of the crab feast visitors didn’t spend extra time seeing the rest of the town. But Carozza, who had a tent of her own at the crab feast across from Bereano’s, said she could still talk to colleagues about the town’s needs and make funding and policy requests during legislative sessions.
“It’s an opportunity when they come by, I can talk about all the efforts to improve our communities,” she said. “This event keeps our priorities front and center with them.”
When Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller (D), standing in for Gov. Wes Moore (D – who was in Annapolis meeting with the king of Jordan – greeted Carozza and the delegates from District 38, a heckler yelled, “Does she even know where the Eastern Shore is?”
But Carozza wouldn’t acknowledge the critic.
“I thanked [Miller] for taking the time and effort to make the trip,” she said.
Take a tour of the Old City Hall and Firehouse in downtown Salisbury
Mayor Randy Taylor gives a tour of the Old City Hall and Firehouse that is back under city ownership.
From egg hunts to craft shows, there are plenty of fun-filled Easter events hitting the Lower Shore of Maryland in March and April.
Here’s a look at this year’s lineup.
Easter Jeep Hop at Salisbury Zoo
WHEN: March 28, 1 to 4 p.m.
Join the Salisbury Zoological Park for its Easter Jeep Hop, a free, family-friendly Easter celebration and fundraiser. The event will feature food trucks, music, raffles and ambassador animal appearances. The Easter Bunny will also be making a special appearance for photos and greetings.
Admission to the event is free. Decorated Jeeps will be stationed throughout the zoo for guests to visit, creating a candy-collecting experience similar to a traditional trunk-or-treat event. Participants can gather treats and more from participating vehicles, and vote in the Jeep Decorating Contest.
Easter Egg Hunt at SweetFrog
WHEN: March 28, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
A free Easter Egg Hunt will be held at sweetFrog at 2721 North Salisbury Boulevard in Salisbury. The first 48 little froggers, age 10 and under, for a free Easter Egg hunt will get to hunt the store for their egg and turn it in for a sweet treat. Parents are required to supervise their children at all times.
Trimper’s Opening Weekend Easter Egg Hunt
WHEN: April 4 at 12 p.m.; April 5 at 5 p.m.
Join Trimper Rides as it kicks off its 2026 season in Ocean City with a weekend full of family fun. Doors will open on the weekend of April 4-5 with two special Easter Egg Hunts for kids of all ages. Meet the Easter Bunny and enjoy a plethora of rides with a $25, 4-hour wristband.
Easter Egg Hunt at Northside Park
WHEN: April 4 at 11 a.m.
Children ages 2-10 and their families are invited to join the Easter Bunny for an egg hunt and treats at Northside Park in Ocean City. The cost to attend is $8 per child, and $6 per child for Ocean City residents. Advanced registration is encouraged as a limited number of participants is accepted.
Easter Art & Craft Show and Kids Fun Fair
WHEN: April 3, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; April 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Enjoy some fun at this year’s Easter Kids Fun Fair and Art & Craft Show at Ocean City’s Roland E. Powell Convention Center. The event will feature live entertainment, games, contests and a special appearance of Beanny the Easter Bunny. Admission cost is $6 for adults, $4 for seniors, and $4 for students.
Berlin Spring Celebration
WHEN: April 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Join Berlin for its free Spring Celebration featuring an Easter Egg Hunt at The Taylor House Museum, a colorful Easter Bonnet Parade and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Kids can search for hidden eggs at The Taylor House Museum, show off their creative bonnets and enjoy local artisan vendors.
SonRise Church Easter Eggstravaganza
WHEN: April 4, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Join SonRise Church at 10026 North Main Street in Berlin for its upcoming, family-friendly Easter Eggstravaganza. The event, free to attend, will feature animals, food, face painting, inflatables, Egg Scrambles and much more for children of all ages.
Bubba Almony’s Easter Giveaway
WHEN: April 4, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Bubba Almony will host an Easter giveaway for children at the Salisbury Moose Lodge #654 at 833 Snow Hill Road in Salisbury. The event, free to all who attend, will offer kid-friendly giveaways, free food to guests, and free haircuts for children courtesy of Primo Barber Shop.
Olivia Minzola covers communities on the Lower Shore. Contact her with tips and story ideas at ominzola@delmarvanow.com.
Maryland lawmakers, like many of the rest of us, are motivated by deadlines, and a major one comes at midnight.
Monday is the 69th day of the General Assembly’s 90-day session. Known as Crossover Day, it’s the deadline for bills to pass one chamber — the Senate or the House of Delegates — and cross over to the other for the best chance of full passage.
This being politics, exceptions can always be made for a late-emerging, high-priority issue. But most bills that fail to make the crossover deadline will be left in the legislative dust for the year.
Senators and delegates have spent long hours in session over the past week, advancing hundreds of bills. During multiple hours’ worth of sessions Saturday, the House of Delegates churned through long lists of bills, fueled by pizza that was brought into the delegates lounge.
So which of the 2,653 bills and 16 resolutions are charging ahead, and which ones are hanging in the balance? Here’s a quick rundown.
Fighting federal immigration enforcement
Even though state lawmakers have limited ability to respond to ramped-up federal immigration enforcement, Democrats are floating seemingly every option possible.
They have already passed a law banning local jails from having formal cooperation agreements with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Gov. Wes Moore signed that law a month ago.
Since then, lawmakers have considered a raft of actions, though none has yet fully passed.
They include measures to protect noncitizens from enforcement at sensitive locations such as hospitals, prevent personal data from being used for enforcement, and require state and local law enforcement to document federal immigration enforcement.
Lawmakers also are considering bills to require local zoning approval for private detention facilities, and to set standards and oversight for conditions in those centers.
Attacking energy issues
The House of Delagates approved a bill on energy policy that cobbles together multiple ideas — including about $150 annual savings on electric bills — last week. It’s expected to be considered in the Senate after the crossover deadline.
The bill would also require data centers to submit plans showing how they would employ local labor and use battery storage to lessen their impact on the electric grid.
Senate Democratic leaders and Moore are on board with the plan, so the bill shouldn’t face trouble reaching final passage before the end of session.
The bill is called the Utility RELIEF Act, with RELIEF standing for Reducing Energy Load Inflation for Everyday Families.
$70B budget moving forward
The Senate signed off on a roughly $70 billion state budget last week, sending it to the House of Delegates, where it will be debated this week.
There are no tax or fee increases in the budget, though it includes more than $1 billion of spending cuts and fund shifts to cover a gap between revenue coming in and anticipated spending.
Among the most difficult cuts is $127 million sliced from the Developmental Disabilities Administration, which is slightly less than the governor’s original proposal of a $150 million spending cut.
Senate President Bill Ferguson noted that this is the fastest the budget has moved — at least since the coronavirus pandemic-shortened session in 2020.
“This is something that we really wanted to make sure that we got the Senate product done early, so that we wouldn’t have this at the end of session,” said Ferguson, a Baltimore Democrat. “So we could deal with all of the other issues.”
Criminal and juvenile justice reforms
Lawmakers have advanced a bill to ban the sale of Glock handguns and facsimiles because their trigger design allows them to be easily converted into machine guns.
And, on juvenile justice, they are working to reduce the list of crimes for which minors are automatically charged as adults.
Lawmakers are also advancing a version of a bill intended to push the state to carry out plans to build a prerelease and reentry center for incarcerated women. The version in the Senate removes a requirement to put the facility in Baltimore, raising concerns among some advocates.
Lawmakers have yet to vote on a bill that would reform the process through which people can seek criminal charges through a district court commissioner with no input from police or prosecutors. A Baltimore Banner investigation documented how the process can be easily abused.
Foster care improvements
The House of Delegates approved three bills Saturday aimed at improving the troubled foster care system, including creating a foster care ombudsman and banning the state from placing foster children in hotels or keeping them in hospitals when not medically necessary.
One of the bills is called Kanaiyah’s Law for Kanaiyah Ward, a 16-year-old girl who died by suicide last fall in a Baltimore hotel where she was supposed to receive one-on-one supervision.
House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk praised delegates for their unanimous votes on the bills.
“When you go home, each and every one of you has to feel proud of these three bills that just passed, because they are really important,” she said.
Governor’s priorities
Most of the Democratic governor’s priorities are moving forward in some fashion, including legislation to limit grocery stores from rapidly changing prices for different customers, facilitate housing construction around mass transit stops, promote economic development and set a process for the state health secretary to make vaccine recommendations.
Moore put forward a bill on energy policy, which is not moving, but he was involved in developing the larger energy bill.
Symbols and commemorations
The House of Delegates is moving forward with a bill to designate megadolon as the state shark.
Another bill is progressing in the House that would require the governor to proclaim January as Muslim American Heritage Month and May as Jewish American Heritage Month.
The House is also advancing legislation banning state and local governments from using Confederate names on government property such as streets, parks and buildings.
The Senate, meanwhile, passed a bill setting Jan. 13 as Korean American Day and another designating the Natural History Society of Maryland as the state’s natural sciences museum.
Redrawing congressional districts
A hot issue early in the session was whether to redraw Maryland’s congressional district boundaries to give Democrats a chance at a sweep of all eight seats in this fall’s election. The state currently has one Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Moore championed the plan, which sailed through the House of Delegates before stalling in the Senate. The proposed map has remained parked in the Senate Rules Committee, where it’s expected to stay.
Moore’s team floated the idea that it was working on a “Plan B” for redistricting — possibly pushing a new map for the 2028 election — but nothing has been put forward publicly.
Next steps
After the crossover deadline, lawmakers have three weeks to finalize the bills they intend to send to the governor. Each bill must be approved in the exact form by both the House and the Senate by midnight April 13, and the final days can be marked by wrangling over fine details.
If lawmakers fear Moore will veto any bills, they could present them to the governor early to give themselves time for veto override votes. Typically, veto overrides are taken up in the next scheduled legislative session. There is no session planned before the election.
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