Courtesy photo. The nation's oldest continuously running hydroplane boat race, Hampton Cup Regatta, will celebrate its 84th Anniversary Aug. 13-15.

Published on: Wednesday, August 11, 2010

National Park Service to waive entrance fees

Aug. 14 - 15

 The National Park Service will waive entrance fees on Aug. 14 and 15 to encourage all Americans to visit our national parks.

Courtesy photo. Come by land or sea to Rock Hall's Pirates and Wenches Fantasy Weekend Aug. 14-15.

“This fee-free weekend provides an opportunity for individuals and families alike to take an affordable vacation or to explore a nearby park they have never visited before,” said Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar. “I encourage everyone to take advantage of the free admission to visit not only our greatest natural wonders but also our nation’s historic and cultural icons.”

There are 392 national parks located across the country in 49 states, many of which will hold free events on Aug. 14 and 15. A complete list by park or state is available at www.nps.gov.

The entrance fees being waived at the 146 sites usually charge $3 to $25 for admission. There are 246 other parks that do not have entrance fees, so you can plan a free visit year-round. The fee-free waiver does not include other fees collected in advance or by contractors—such as fees charged for camping, reservations, tours and use of concessions.

84th Annual Hampton Cup Regatta: Heating Up the Creek!

The nation’s oldest continuously running hydroplane boat race, Hampton Cup Regatta, will celebrate its 84th Anniversary Aug.13-15.

The competition, taking place on Mill Creek at the entrance of Fort Monroe in Hampton, Va., will boast more than 70 hydroplanes and Jersey Speed Skiffs from across the United States and Canada!

Featuring speeds in excess of 150 miles per hour, the Hampton Cup will play host to some of the fastest watercraft in the entire world. At 20 feet long, these nautical rockets can often reach speeds of 150 miles per hour, setting both national and world records. Best of all, the Hampton Cup Regatta is one of the last remaining boat races in the country free of charge!

Other weekend festivities include food and beverage vendors, souvenir programs, a children’s area, a very special Bash at the Bridge Friday night party, and racing-enthusiast clothing and collectibles. Race contestants will be also on-hand participating in autograph sessions throughout the duration of the weekend.

Lawn chairs are highly encouraged as bleacher seating is extremely limited. Attendees are also encouraged to bring pop-up tents or umbrellas for shade; however coolers, pets, bikes and skateboards are not permitted.

The races start at noon and end at 5 p.m. daily in Mill Creek, located at the entrance of Fort Monroe from the East Mercury Boulevard bridge in Hampton, Va.

The bridge opens to the public at 9:30 a.m. and boat checks will take place before the races begin. The Bash at the Bridge begins at 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 13 and will feature live musical entertainment. The bash is free and open to the public (food and beverages can be purchased on-site).

For information, check out www.hamptoncupregatta.org or call 757-727-8311.

30th Annual Havre De Grace Seafood Festival

Over 20 vendors serving more than 100 different foods, arts and crafts, live entertainment and silent auction Aug.14-15.

Walk the promenade and visit the Concord Point Lighthouse. Tydings Park, Havre de Grace; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Free admission. For information, visit www.hdgseafoodfestival.org.

Rock Hall’s Pirates and Wenches Fantasy Weekend  Aug. 14-15

Come by land or come by sea to the Town of Rock Hall on the Isle of Delmarva located on the Upper Chesapeake Bay for a two-day townwide theme party you will not forget!

This is a wonderful opportunity to bring your boat – anchor out or raft up with your mates.  There is plenty of anchorage, dockage and raft-up space available – as well as plenty of parking for those arriving by land.  Rock Hall is less than a tank of gas from Philadelphia, Baltimore, Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C.

 Arrive early on Friday evening and join the Sea Shanty Sing Along at Bay Wolf Restaurant. Dine in at one of the award-winning restaurants, settle in and enjoy the night’s live entertainment or just relax under the stars. 

All weekend, the whole town will be in the pirate spirit as businesses, residents, re-enactors, musicians and other performers take you to the Golden Age of piracy on the high seas. 

There will be plenty of grub and grog for all, and public parking and transportation will make getting around safe and worry free. 

On Saturday night, The Grand Buccaneer’s Ball will take place at Waterman’s Crab House where pirates will find music, contests, prizes and excellent crabs and seafood.  

On Sunday, be sure not to miss the townwide treasure hunt, the kids and pet costume contest and the live pirate encampment. There will be fun all weekend for the whole family!  As Graybeard says, “Nice pirates live here.”

For information, log onto www.rockhallpirates.com or www.rockhallmd.com.

For more information on Mid-Atlantic travel destinations, visit www.tripsandgetaways.com.