PRESS RELEASE
Mayor Gavin Buckley
Public Information Office
160 Duke of Gloucester Street
Annapolis, Maryland 21401
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Media Contact: Mitchelle Stephenson, 410-972-7724 or mwstephenson@annapolis.gov
The Tug of War on Saturday, Nov. 2 Will Pit Reigning Champions Annapolis Against the Maritime Republic of Eastport
ANNAPOLIS, MD (October 29, 2019) – The City of Annapolis will face off against the Maritime Republic of Eastport (MRE) at the annual "Tug-of-War," on Saturday, November 2, 2019 at the crack of noon at City Dock (on Second Street for the Eastport side).
The residents of the MRE stormed Annapolis City Council Chambers on October 14 where they threatened to secede from the municipality. Mayor Gavin Buckley accepted the challenge of the “Tug of War: Slaughter Across the Water” and told residents of the City of Annapolis, “Don’t Give Up the Ship!”
This is the 22nd annual Tug of War, which raises funds for The Bernie House, Eastport Elementary, Annapolis Elementary, Civil Air Patrol, Seeds 4 Success, Severn River Association and the Eastport Volunteer Fire Company.
At the tug of war, a rope, which Eastport claims is 1,700 feet long, weighing 300 lbs., is ferried across Spa Creek. Teams on one side tug against teams from the other side.
“We’re going to crush them,” said Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley. “Just like we did last year.”
Alderman Ross Arnett responded, “the Tug is a great and unique annual event with the joint purposes of having some fun and raising a considerable amount of money for charity. It really doesn’t matter who wins or loses.” He continued, “that said, check out the record over all years to who is the best – up the Republic!“
The tug of war represents philosophical differences more than geographic ones. For example, the most common introduction in Annapolis is, “where are you from?” while the most common introduction in Eastport is, “what are you drinking?”
Annapolis is | Eastport is |
Historic | Laid back |
Navy | Pirates |
No socks | Burning socks |
Smart and charming | Witty and biting |
AYC | EYC |
The Annapolis Harbormaster reminds boaters that, due to the Tug of War, boat traffic will not be permitted through Spa Creek from 10:45 a.m. through 2 p.m. No boat traffic, except for authorized vessels, from Eastport to Annapolis across the creek. The United States Coast Guard will open the reek after the event. For more information, use Channel 16 or call the Harbormaster at 410-263-7973.
See the attached map for the nautical location of the tug of war.