The latest version of the Maryland Bay Game, a staple of summer beach trips for nearly a decade, makes its debut today.
The game, which features puzzles, trivia questions, and photos of bay icons, is produced by the state Department of Natural Resources. In the past, the booklet was available to all vehicles crossing the Bay Bridge. But because so many families are now using E-Z Pass and not stopping at the toll booth, agency officials decided this year to make the game available in all state libraries, a DNR spokesman said.
The booklets will also be available at state parks, rest areas and at the Bay Bridge's police station.
First lady Katie Curran O'Malley will be at City Dock in Annapolis today with agency officials for the grand introduction of the book.
This year, the cover features Capt. John Smith, the noted bay explorer. DNR spokesman Mike Grant said officials wanted to honor Smith because of the 400th anniversary of Jamestown and because federal legislation creating the Capt. John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Water Trail was signed in December.
The DNR spends about $100,000 - all of it from private donations - to print the booklet. This year, Grant said, the agency will print 300,000 copies.
The booklet has broadened its scope. In the past, Grant said, the book dealt mostly with landmarks along the road between the Bay Bridge and Ocean City, encouraging children to follow along in their books. Now, Grant said, the book will feature landscapes and animals from across the state.
Grant said the booklet is worth the effort and cost because children are learning about the bay and how they can help to clean it up.
"Without question, it makes a difference," he said. "Kids always look forward to it. It's a wonderful tool."
rona.kobell@baltsun.com