NORTH BEACH, Md. – End Hunger In Calvert County (EHCC) hosted its 13th annual Dragon Boat Festival on June 8 in North Beach to raise money and awareness for people facing food insecurity in the Southern Maryland region. This event was possible in partnership with Chick-fil-A Prince Frederick. Other event sponsors included Exelon, Bob’s Discount Furniture Charitable Foundation Inc., Steve Brien of Hometown Realty, Bay Capital Mortgage, Rotary Club of Calvert County, Vaughn Cheese, National Ink and Stitch, Greg Beckman, SkipJack CrossFit, Town of Chesapeake Beach, The Barn at Pleasant Acres, Bay Wine and Spirits, Whiteford Systems, Crow Entertainment, Bob Hall, Town of North Beach, and Guardian Marine LLC.
The 2024 Dragon Boat Festival had a large attendance by families of all ages. Along the North Beach Boardwalk, there were local food and craft vendors, free face painting, a live DJ by Crow Entertainment, and decorated team tents. There was something fun for everyone to enjoy while cheering on their favorite Dragon Boat team. Megan Rollins, Executive Director of End Hunger In Calvert County, remarks on this staple event in Southern Maryland—”Every year, this event marks an incredible day where our community comes together for one mission – to end hunger for their neighbors. It’s beautiful to see the support from everyone who participates, and it’s a day we look forward to every year. This year was no exception!”
Seventeen teams raced to end hunger locally and win Grand Champion. One of the trophies was the #GiveWhereYouLive Award for the team that fundraises the most money to support the mission of EHCC. The 2024 winner of the #GiveWhereYouLive award was Unauthorized Brewing. The Grand Champion of the day of SkipJack Crossfit. In addition to team races, there were also five Cup Races, creating some fun, friendly competition for local businesses. Bay Wine and Spirits won the Tipsy Cup, The Barn at Pleasant Acres won the Hospitality Cup, Honduras Compassion Partners won the #Allin Cup, SkipJack CrossFit won the Fitness Cup, and Team North Beach won the Town Cup.
The Dragon Boat Festival is one of EHCC’s biggest fundraisers of the year. Overall, more than $28,000 was raised to support families struggling with food insecurity in Southern Maryland. The 14th annual Dragon Boat Festival will take place on June 14, 2025.
