Celebrate the Patuxent River on Saturday, October 10 and Sunday, October 11, as Patuxent River Appreciation Days – locally known as PRAD – returns to Solomons. Started in 1978, PRAD is one of the longest running festivals in Southern Maryland with this year promising to be better than ever.  

On Saturday and Sunday the ‘Green Village’ features scores of non-profit groups that celebrate the river in a wide variety of ways. See exhibits, demonstrations, displays, and educational activities about ‘green’ products, recycling, oyster restoration, native plants, wildlife, restoration efforts, and more.  

The juried arts and craft fair and local food vendors will be located in the museum’s parking lot. The music stage will host live performances by local musicians including Joe Norris, Patuxent Voices, Joey Tippett and the California Ramblers, Fortune’s Turn, and Some Assembly. Enjoy free boat rides on the Wm. B. Tennison and the Nathan of Dorchester; toy boat building and rowing in the boat basin; and free admission to the Calvert Marine Museum. Across the street there is free parking, pony rides for a nominal fee, and pet adoption opportunities.  

New this year on Saturday only, the Bounty of the Patuxent will be featured in the Corbin Nature Pavilion. Local wineries will offer wine tasting, locally grown produce from the farmer’s market, and other tasty treats will be available to sample and buy. Sample good food in a café style seating with musical entertainment.  

The annual PRAD Parade with a one mile route along Solomons Island Road begins on Sunday, October 11 at 2:00 p.m., followed by a concert by the Southern Maryland Concert Band at the museum. This year cash prizes are being offered for the “Best Float” entry.  

For more information, including a complete schedule of events, visit http://www.pradinc.org, or call 410-326-2042 x41.