The Maritime Republic of Eastport’s festive annual Tug of War will once again rope in visitors and locals alike into Annapolis. Like the Super Bowl, Roman numerals christen each event. Tug of War XXIV will take place on Saturday, November 5, 2022, in Eastport, a unique neighborhood in Maryland’s capital city.
Eastporters will take on their rivals who live in Annapolis in an unusual tug-of-war. Teams made up of more than 30 members tug on a rope on opposite sides of Spa Creek, the border between Eastport and Annapolis.
Proceeds from Tug of War XXIV team fees and sponsorships will fund local charities. More than $500,000 has been raised since the first Tug of War of 1997.
Humorous History
The Maritime Republic of Eastport calls this yearly contest the longest tug-of-war over a body of water in the world. The motivation for this competition is revenge. To this day, Eastport residents accuse the City of Annapolis of using a flimsy excuse when it closed the Spa Creek Bridge connecting Eastport to Annapolis in 1997 for a public works project.
Eastport considered this an act of aggression by Annapolitans because their peace-loving residents and businesses were cut off from the rest of the state capital. Embittered by their exile and bolstered by beer at a local bar one evening, Eastporters formally declared war on the City of Annapolis and seceded. The rebels shouted, “Up the Republic!”, and the neighborhood nation of The Maritime Republic of Eastport was born.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, November 5, 2022
Time: High Noon
Where: Eastport & Annapolis City Dock
Admission: Free
For More Information: Tug of War XXIV
Make sure to enjoy a great meal at Red Hot & Blue Annapolis before or after going to watch Tug of War XXIV!
Red Hot & Blue Annapolis Highlights
Founded in 1988, Red Hot & Blue Annapolis is a full-service, casual-themed restaurant chain and caterer featuring delicious award-winning ribs, Memphis-style barbecue, smoked wings, and Southern sides and desserts.
The atmosphere is steeped in legendary and contemporary blues music and delivers a large dose of Southern hospitality in a fun and entertaining dining environment. Bring your friends and family to our warm and friendly Annapolis location today!