On the Chester river lies the town of Chestertown, MD. On this weekend the town was filled with folks that enjoy tall ships, music and good food. Demonstrations, book talks, antique boats and motors. Along with lots of maritime lure and watermen related items. Ships on hand we’re the KALMAR NYCKEL,PRIDE OF BALTIMORE II,VIRGINIA, LYNXSULTANA, SIGSBEE. They sailed from the marina and back with a canon show reenactment of the War of 1812.

The musical stage was booming with action also. Friday night with rain in the area, the music was hot. Kid Davis and Company opened up with The Jakobs Ferry Stragglers next on stage. Meanwhile the tall ships were illuminated and the fireworks were soon to start. Next up Tom Mindte and Friends and finishing up the night was No Part of Nothin’.

Saturday morning opening with the stars of the weekend, the tall ships. The smell of food filling the air while The High and Wides opened the music village. Next up was Wicked Sycamore, these three seem to get better every time I hear them. Then up was IBMA award winning Danny Paisley and the Southern Grass. Colebrook Road followed Danny and then another favorite Mile Twelve was next. Then Danny Paisley and Colebrook Road did a second set with the US Navy’s bluegrass band Country Current playing next and Mile Twelve finishing up a big day of music.

I was heading for home past the illumination of the ships and vowed I would definitely be back next year. There were more festivities on Sunday around the ships and more music to close the fest.All this to support the Sultana Education Foundation scholarship fund and the non-profit organizations that operate the vessels that participate in the festival which is a great reason to attend this event. Enjoy these photos from the weekend festival.