Labor Day PlannerCrisfield Hard Crab Derby and Fair

The Labor Day holiday weekend is upon us and there are a boatload of activities along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. Throughout the week, floatline will review upcoming Labor Day special events, beginning today with one of the region' oldest and most unique Labor Day traditions: the Crisfield Hard Crab Derby and Fair. 


The idea of racing crabs for sport, and then building a massive event around the contests, might strike some as bizarre but what started 60 years ago as a funny idea has evolved into Crisfield's signature event. More than 10,000 people will be on the scene over the weekend. The activities include a boat docking contest, beauty contests, crab cook and picking contests, a parade, and plenty of fun for the family but the centerpiece are seven racing heats of 50 crabs each. Three-hundred fifty hard crabs are on the scene, each with its own cheering section. "You have never seen a more excited crowd than you will at this event," says Valerie Mason of the Crisfield Chamber of Commerce. Find a schedule and details at www.crisfieldchamber.com.