Facts:
202 baskets were used to make the tree.
This marks the first year that the Queen Anne's County Watermen have coordinated the efforts to make the tree happen.
Every basket has a story of remembrance, honor, celebration, history or holiday spirit. The Watermen’s Association honored those watermen, past and active, who passed away this year with 12 baskets painted with a red heart for each of them.
There is a basket in honor of Capt. Warren Butler, the oldest, active watermen in Queen Anne’s County at the age of 91. There are baskets with workboats, lighthouses, snowmen, waterfowl, crabs, fish, scenes from the Grinch and Charlie Brown and so much more.
Baskets were painted by local citizens, both adults and children.
Proceeds from the project go to help local watermen and families in need.
The Crab Basket Holiday Tree is Up at Fisherman's Inn
The Basket Tree was constructed by the Queen Anne's County Watermen's Association, its members and community members. It is located on the corner of Wells Cove Road and Rt. 18 on the Fisherman's Inn Property.
The tree will be officially lit up on Saturday, December 5th around dusk. Stay tuned for details! The tree will remain up until the first week in January.
Queen Anne's County TV will cover the tree lighting. Those who wish to participate are encouraged to view the lighting on QAC TV.
Due to COVID a large scale event is not planned for this year, but a larger event is in the works for next year.
Please practice social distancing when visiting the tree.
The Queen Anne's County Watermen's Association benefits from the baskets sold on this tree.
Stay tuned for more photos of the building and lighting of the tree.
The Virtual Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on December 5. It will be hosted through QAC TV and will be aired live through the QAC Channel and through Facebook.
The coverage will begin a 4:45 p.m.
The formal program begins at 5 p.m.
With remarks by representative of the Watermen's Association followed by a blessing of the fleet and reading of the names of the watermen and women who passed in 2020.
The official lighting will occur around 5:30.
When visiting the tree please be sure to follow social distancing and mask wearing guidelines.
Project Background
Watermen Association Members, Joey and Karen Sadler initiated and lead the implementation of the tree program along with Watermen's Association President Troy Wilkins, his wife Christy and Brooke Horney.
Assistance was provided by Gigi Windley, Kent Narrows Foundation and Heather Tinelli, Queen Anne's County Economic Development and Tourism.
A special thank you goes to Rock Hall and to Beth Councell, Ziggy Carter and Sheila Lingerman who gave early advice on the project.
The Queen Anne's County Chamber helped with information distribution.
Other individuals and businesses that made this project possible include :
Bay Tree Service
Delmarva Fisheries Association, Inc.
Delmarva Power
John and Jean Duty
Fisherman's Inn
Fishergate Graphic Design
Harrison Yacht Sales' Inc.
Tj and Sherri Hunter
Kentmorr Marina
Kentmorr Restaurant and Crab House
Kent Narrows Foundation
Queen Anne's County Tourism and Economic Development
Queenstown Bank
Ruth Brothers Septic
Shore Lumber and Millwork
Shore Sign Company
Shore United Bank
Talbot Watermen's Association
VFW Post 7464
Tree Builders:
Dennis Anthony
Charles Thomas
John Coursey
Missy Coursey
James Thomas
George Thomas, Jr.
Joey Sadler
Karen Sadler
Brooke Horney
Troy Wilkins, QACWA President
Christy Wilkins
Billy Benton, QACWA Vice President
Beverly Benton
Joey Horney
Phil Dumenil, QAC Commissioner
Michael Ruth, QACWA Treasurer