Accokeek, MD— In July, the Pride of Baltimore II takes center stage for a weekend of activities on the Potomac River commemorating the bicentennial of the War of 1812. Presented by the Accokeek Foundation and the Potomac River Heritage Tourism Alliance, “Celebrating with Pride on the Potomac” begins at the National Colonial Farm in Piscataway Park on Saturday July 12 with a full day of activities that include deck tours of this reproduction Baltimore Clipper, the topsail privateers that played a critical role in the War of 1812. On Sunday July 13, the Pride will set sail on the Potomac, saluting with cannon fire, Fort Washington’s War of 1812 Encampment.
“2014 is the first year in many that Pride will remain in local waters—traveling to as many Maryland ports as possible, celebrating the 200th anniversary of our National Anthem, and sharing the story of Baltimore privateer’s role in the War of 1812,” states Rick Scott, the Pride’s Executive Director. “We are thrilled to be participating in Celebrating with Pride on the Potomac and are grateful to our sponsors for giving Pride the opportunity to make her first ever port stop in Prince George’s County,” he continues.
Besides deck tours of the Pride, the ten-dollar admission fee on July 12th will cover shoreside captain talks, hayride tours of the park, living history performances, and music by the east coast’s premier Celtic fusion band, Jennifer Cutting’s OCEAN. For an additional fee, adventurous visitors can embark on a War of 1812 kayak tour through the Atlantic Kayak Company or reserve a sail on the Pride. The event will feature offerings from local food vendors, but visitors are also welcome to bring a picnic.
When asked about the significance of this event, Lisa Hayes, President of the Accokeek Foundation and co-chair of the Potomac River Heritage Tourism Alliance, said, “This event providesan extraordinary opportunity for our alliance to showcase the amazing natural and cultural heritage of Southern Prince George’s County, and demonstrate what an important role heritage tourism can play in the economic development of the region.” The Accokeek Foundation stewards 200 acres of Piscataway Park, a national park created through a unique public/private partnership to preserve the view from George Washington’s Mount Vernon. In addition to the Accokeek Foundation, the Potomac River Heritage Tourism Alliance includes Prince George’s African American Heritage Preservation Group, the Broad Creek Conservancy, the Maryland Indian Tourism Association, the National Park Service, and many others.
Support for this event was graciously donated by Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation; MGM National Harbor; Susan Gage Caterers; Prince George’s County Committee on the War of 1812; the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Department of Parks and Recreation; Maryland Tourism; Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, NPS; Richard Krueger; African American Heritage Preservation Group; Alice Ferguson Foundation.
Calendar Listing:
Saturday, July 12, 2014, 11 am – 5 pm. Celebrating with Pride on the Potomac, a family-oriented event featuring deck tours of the Pride of Baltimore II, living history performances, hayrides, exhibitors, food, kayak tours, and music by Jennifer Cutting’s OCEAN. National Colonial Farm at Piscataway Park, 3400 Bryan Point Road, Accokeek, MD 20607. General admission is $10 per person; 10 and under free. Tickets for the kayak tours are $25 per person and can be purchased at the Visitor Center during the event. Reservations for an evening sail aboard the Pride are $65 per person and can be made in advance at http://www.pride2.org/comeaboard/. Call the Accokeek Foundation at 301-283-2113 for more information about the event.