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, will take place
the evening of December 2, 2023. This year, the trees will remain lit through mid- January, so
visitors and residents may take their photos with the tree throughout the holiday season.
A holiday-themed event will take place around the tree from
2 p.m.- 6 p.m. the December 2, the day of the lighting. The event
features a holiday arts and crafts fair, hot beverages, and a visit from Santa.
The tree lighting ceremony is scheduled the begin at 6:00 p.m. with the actual lighting taking place at 6:30 p.m.
The
event will be live streamed on QACTV.
For more information on next year's event, to become an event sponsor or vendor contact the QAC Watermen's Association at qawatermen@yahoo.com .
The Holiday Tree Lighting event and vendor fair is Saturday, December 2, 2023.
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.
In 2022 the event has grown and three trees were built.
The arts and crafts fair has grown and more community organizations are involved.
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.
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Every basket has a story of remembrance, honor, celebration, history or holiday spirit.
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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
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2021 memorial baskets are in remembrance of:
Carlton Austin
Snapper Thomas
Ken Phillips
Pat Lee
Warren Butler
Randy Timms
Arthur Jones
Rudolph "Bootie" Green
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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
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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 2021 tree lighting ceremony.
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Preliminary Program for December 2, 2023
(subject to change)
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Queen Anne’s County Watermen’s Basket Tree
Afternoon Program: Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair and More!
2:00-6:00 p.m.
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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.
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2:00-6:00 p.m. Arts and Crafts Fair Opens
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Features locally made items
Performances by the Stevensville Middle School Choir
Cocoa and Hot Apple Cider – Donated by Fisherman’s Inn
Santa Selfies - Santa and Mrs. Clause will be available for photos..
Book Sale and Signings
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Evening Program
6:00
QAC TV Live Broadcast
6:15
Opening Ceremony
Pledge of Allegiance
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
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Location:
Fisherman's Inn/ Crab Deck, next to the Maryland Watermen's Monument
3032 Kent Narrows Way South, Main Street Grasonville, Md. 21338
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PARKING:
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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.
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Park and take the boardwalk trail or foot path toward the Watermen's Monument.
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A PDF copy of the program will be made available soon before the event.
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Click on PDF icon to download the sponsorship registration form
VISITOR INFO
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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.
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The trees will be up until the end of January 2023. So please visit throughout the holiday season.
Trees built in 2021