Interesting Facts:
202 baskets were used to make the first tree that was erected in Kent Narrows in 2020. That year QAC Watermen's Association thought it wa important to create an event that would provide for a safe outdoor holiday gathering space so people could still celebrate the holiday even through the pandemic.
Because there was so much interest in the project two trees were built in 2021 and an outdoor Arts and crafts fair was added.
This year, in 2022 the event has grown and three trees were built.
The arts and crafts fair has grown and more community organizations are involved. This year the Shore Update has photos of every basket available on their website for people to see. The event was moved to be closer to the Maryland Watermen's Monument, but it is still located in the Fisherman's Village Complex and visible form the Kent Narrows Bridges and Rt. 18.
Every basket has a story of remembrance, honor, celebration, history or holiday spirit.
MEMORIAL BASKETS
Each year the Watermen’s Association honor those watermen, past and active, and those who have passed away this year with baskets painted with a red heart for each of them.
2022 memorial baskets are in remembrance of:
Sonny Hampton
Billy Darrell
Billy White
Charles Butch Lewis
Guy Edwards
Bill Joyce
2021 memorial baskets are in remembrance of:
Carlton Austin
Snapper Thomas
Ken Phillips
Pat Lee
Warren Butler
Randy Timms
Arthur Jones
Rudolph "Bootie" Green
2020 memorial baskets are in remembrance of:
Eddie Hoxter
Norma Jean Ringgold
Brother Collier
Jimmy Timms
Don Tryan
Bobby Timms
Bobby Adron
Stephen Ruth
Ronnie Golt
Baskets were painted by local citizens, both adults and children.
Proceeds from the project go to help local watermen and families in need.
click here to watch the 2022 tree lighting ceremony on December 3 at 6:00.
The Tree Lighting event and vendor fair is Saturday, December 3, 2022.
All About the Queen Anne's County Watermen's Association Basket Trees
A ceremonial tree lighting, hosted by the Queen Anne’s County Watermen’s Association, took place
the evening of December 3, 2022. This year the tree will remain lit through the last week in January so
visitors and residents may take their photos with the tree throughout the holiday season.
A holiday-themed event also took place around the tree from
2 p.m.- 6 p.m. the day of the lighting. The event
featured a holiday arts and crafts fair, hot beverages, and a visit from Santa.
The tree lighting ceremony was at at 6:00 p.m. with the actual lighting taking place at 6:30 p.m. The
event was live streamed on QACTV.
For more information email on next year's event or to learn how you can participate contact the QAC Watermen's Association at qawatermen@yahoo.com .
Program for December 3, 2022
Queen Anne’s County Watermen’s Basket Tree
Afternoon Program: Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair and More!
2:00-6:00 p.m.
The event features a holiday arts and crafts fair, hot beverages, and a visit from Santa.
Afternoon Program
Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair and More!
2:00 - 6:00 p.m.
2:00-6:00. Arts and Crafts Fair Opens
Features locally made items: Wreaths and Signs by Bridget, 143 More, LLC: Custom wood art,
A-Door-Able Creations: Custom, Wreaths, Annie’s Creations: Stained Glass and Shell Mosaics,
Brent Lewis: Local Author and Storyteller, K2 Fabricators: Metal Designs, Mother Shucker:
Oyster Shucking Devices, Jay Fleming: Author and Photographer, Chesapeake Bay
Environmental Center: Books and Animal Demonstrations, Fish Tales: Holiday and Nautical
Home Décor, Judith Tucker, Tres Chic: Shell and Driftwood Art, Susan Hale, Chesapeake
Scenes: Photography and Photographic Gifts, Glimpses of the Eastern Shore: Photographic
Prints and Cards, Local Children Book Author, Dylan’s Custom Creations: Custom Wood
Designs, Kenton Kilgore: Author of Novels and Children’s Books, Queenstown Lions Club:
Crafts and Face Painting
Performances by the Stevensville Middle School Choir
Cocoa and Hot Apple Cider – donated by Fisherman’s Inn
served by Boy Scout Troop 152 and Girl Scout Troop 159
Santa Selfies - Santa and Mrs. Clause will be available for photos.
Face Painting by Creative Friends Face Painting.
Book Sale and Signings
• Photographer Jay Fleming will exhibit and sign books and scenic calendars.
• Local writer Brent Lewis will be on hand to celebrate the publishing of his book “Stardust by
the Bushel: Hollywood on the Eastern Shore”.
• Vicki Paulas, Executive Director of the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center will be here
with her Children’s Book “A Foxy Way to Learn Your ABC’s”.
Evening Program
6:00
QAC TV Live Broadcast
6:15
Opening Ceremony
Pledge of Allegiance
Cub Pack 129 Centreville
Blessing of the Fleet
Bob Timms Captain Buck Lynch
Pastor, Community Outreach “Stephanie III” Head Boat
Kent Island United Methodist Church
6:25
Santa Arrives for the Tree Lighting
6:30
Countdown for the Tree Lighting
Location:
Fisherman's Inn/ Crab Deck, next to the Maryland Watermen's Monument
3032 Kent Narrows Way South, Main Street Grasonville, Md. 21338
PARKING:
Overflow parking available under the eastern span of the Rt. 50/301 bridge lot.
Lot located off of Kent Narrows Way North. Take Exit 42 to reach.
Park and take the boardwalk trail or foot path toward the Watermen's Monument.
Click here for a PDF copy of the program that will be made available at the event.
Click on PDF icon to download the sponsorship registration form
Q&A
How do I purchase a basket?
Baskets can be purchased and dropped off at the
The Chesapeake Heritage and Visitors Center
425 Piney Narrows Road
Chester, Md 21619
October 3- November 23 (last day for drop off)
M-F from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
You don't have to drop off your basket at the same place that you picked it up. All baskets must be turned in by November 23.
How my organization be an event sponsor?
Please contact the QAC Watermen's Association. Click on the PDF for a Sponsorship form and more info.
VISITOR INFO
For more information on the tree and the associated events visit Queen Anne's County Watermen on Facebook or email qawatermen@yahoo.com.
For up-to-date visitor info in including info on hotels and restaurants within walking distance of the trees, visit Kent Narrows Waterfront on Facebook or stay on this website: Kentnarrowsmd.com. For info on Queen Anne's County attractions and events go to visitqueenannes.com.
The trees will be up until the end of January 2022. So please visit throughout the holiday season.
