You don't need a reason to visit historic Havre de Grace, ideally located at the confluence of the Susquehanna River and the Chesapeake Bay, but it doesn't hurt if the reason involves seafood. Lots of it.
The "jewel" of Harford County has alligator nuggets, creole fish and crabmeat fritters this weekend, all part of the Havre de Grace Seafood Festival, Now in its 30th year, the festival features more than 150 types of food, 100 craft vendors, free admission and parking, and is continually growing.
"We just keep trying to make the festival bigger and better each year," said Lori Maslin, festival coordinator. "We do this as a benefit for Haven House and we like to bring people into town."
Maslin, 48, and her husband, Chuck, 53, took over the seafood festival in 1985, and as promoters of special events in Harford County, it was the perfect fit for them.
"We were asked to take the event over," Maslin said. "We had been responsible for bringing George Carlin, Phyllis Diller, the Beach Boys [and] a variety of big name acts to the area so that's what we do."
The festival was founded in 1980 by the Harford County Teachers Association and benefits the Haven House, Inc., a non-profit company created to address alcohol and drug addition. Haven House offers a halfway house program that can treat up to 10 men and provides outpatient programs and counseling.
In addition to supporting a good cause, the festival is an opportunity for visitors to experience the maritime culture of the area. Visitors may notice the prevalence of decoys and model ducks in Havre de Grace and a tour of the Decoy Museum shows the history of the folk art.
Nearby the museum is the Concord Point Light, built in 1827 and the oldest continually operated lighthouse in Maryland. If it's a sailing sidetrip you have in mind, check out the Skipjack Martha, which offers educational and environmental cruises.
The bayfront town is also known for its many antiques shops. Take a stroll along Washington Street, Union Avenue, or Market Street.
The festival's craft vendors, all 100 of them, provide another big attraction.
"There are people who come every year just to do their Christmas shopping," Maslin said.
But the main course of the festival is the food. Featuring everything from conch to alligator skewers, this festival has it all seafood-wise. Maslin's catering company, Laughing Crab Catering, will also have a booth open, though for her food, it's best to get there early.
"The longest lines have traditionally been at Laughing Crab Catering and also at the vendor that sells the alligator," she said. "People like to try that."
Other catering companies come from as far south as Florida, offering a wide variety of seafood. For those, who as Maslin put it, are "dragged along with family," but don't like seafood, there are plenty of classic vendors as well, advertising hot dogs, funnel cakes, and more festival-like food.
It all takes place in Tydings Park, adjacent to the wooden promenade that borders the north end of the Chesapeake Bay, offering walkers a scenic view.
The festival will also have 17 hours of live entertainment, ranging from past favorites, such as Jack Foreaker's puppet shows, to acoustic and rock music. From the silent auction, featuring a sports memorabilia, to the face painting and charity raffle, the seafood festival has a variety of events.
kaycross@tribune.com
If you go
The Havre de Grace Seafood Festival is this Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There is free admission and parking, and the festival will take place in Millard Tydings Memorial Park, on Commerce Street. For more information, go to http://www.hdgseafoodfestival.org.
Getting there
Havre de Grace is located about 40 miles north of Baltimore, less than a one-hour drive.
Lodging
The Vandiver Inn, 301 S. Union Ave., Havre de Grace, 410-939-5200, vandiverinn.com. This historic bed and breakfast is well-known among locals and visitors alike for it's romance and elegance. The inn is comprised of three buildings, the Vandiver Mansion, the Kent House and the Murphy House. All rooms feature wireless internet, cable TV, a private shower and bath, and a full breakfast every morning. Rates start at $125 per night.
Attractions
Bomboy's, 329 Market St., Havre de Grace, 410-939-2924. For some of the best chocolates in Maryland, stop in at this family-run business on Market Street. Skip lunch, but don't miss Bomboy's.
The Steppingstone Farm Museum, in Susquehanna State Park, 410-939-2299. The museum, open 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., offers demonstrations of turn-of-the-century crafts, from weaving to blacksmithing.