Out and About Loving Davidsonville
Each spring since 1998 Annapolis has burst into bloom with beautiful hanging flower baskets and overflowing flower pots. This urban beautification project was the brainchild of local and downtown business owners including Don Riddle of Homestead Gardens and Steve Samaras of Zachary Jewelers. Over the years it has expanded to include Maryland Ave, West Street and over into Eastport along the Spa Creek Bridge. These beautiful hanging baskets have made Annapolis a role model for other cities and municipalities across the nation. And it's safe to say that these flowers have had a huge part in the City of Annapolis being selected by Forbes Travel Magazine as one of America's prettiest towns for 2 years in a row.
But did you know that every night from May to October between the hours of 3am and 6am a two person team waters, weeds and cares for these baskets and pots. And with over 200 hanging baskets and oversized flower pots adorning our City streets and Spa Bridge thats a lot of watering and weeding. Over the years funding for the Bloomin Annapolis Flower Program has been a private- public joint venture between the City of Annapolis, its businesses and the community. But alas like many programs during the last few years the economy has forced many contributors to scale down their yearly donations
This year to help raise donations for the care and upkeep of these beautiful baskets and pots the First Annual Chesapeake Chili Cook Off will be held at Homestead Gardens ( Corner of Rt. 214 and Birdsville Rd in Davidsonville) during their 2nd Annual Tomato Festival on August 28th 2010 from noon to 6pm. The proceeds from the Chili Cook Off will go to the Annapolis Flower Program to help pay for the hanging flower baskets and pots in downtown Annapolis we have all come to love and cherish each spring and summer. 
But wait....there is more. The 2nd Annual Salsa Contest and a Pizza Eating Contest featuring Ledo Pizza of Edgewater will be taking place as well. And...there will be tomato tastings, cooking demonstrations, kids activities, and local vendors too. Plus live music performed by the Andy Poxon Band. I had the pleasure of hearing this 16 year old Crofton native play at 'Eastport A Rockin' and he is sensational.
This fun filled family event will certainly be the place to be. I know I will.
Tickets:
$10 each
Family of 4: $25
Children under 10 free
Tickets may be purchased at Homestead Gardens or call 410.798.5000 for more information.
So mark your calendar for August 28th and plan to attend a fun filled day. To find out more about the hanging baskets and pots and to make a donation visit Bloomin Annapolis. For more information on the festivities visit Homestead Gardens.
Martha Brown CRS
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc
Your Certified Residential Specialist for Annapolis Area Home Sales or Purchases
Martha Brown of Long & Foster Real Estate.
Every effort has been made to assure that the information in this blog is as accurate as possible. Martha Brown of Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. disclaims any implied warranty or representation about it's accuracy, completeness or appropriateness for any particular purpose. This includes but is not limited to any information provided by third parties which is accessed through this blog via a hyperlink.
Martha, what a great cause for a rund raiser. Do you guys put crabmeat in your chili?
This gives me another reason to love Annapolis. What a great project. Good luck with the fundraiser.
Pat- Crabmesat in chili. Well we will see. Personally I do not but who knows someone may and I will be the first to give it a try.
Ellie- I just love the hanging baskets as you can see from where I had my picture taken. LOL. Come on down if you are not busy and enjoy the festivities on the 28th.
I would have re-blogged this, but alas... no re-blog button. Great job with this, Martha (and I did suggest it for a local feature). You're right, I don't think many people do know what's involved in this, including who pays for it.
Thanks Margaret- I am honored yoy would have reblogged it so I will adjust that right now. It does take more than I even realized to keep the baskets and pots looking the way they do. It is not only a labor of love for our city but one that needs financial assistance as well.
Martha - A Chili Cookoff - What a GREAT way to support a beautiful project. I love communities that have basketfulls of flowers.
Gardening is not a strong suit, but I can manage it. I'd have to be making some big bucks to get up and tend to flowers (no doubt from a ladder...another of my least favorite things) between 3am-6am. God bless the people who enjoy doing this. They make the city enjoyable for all.