From bleak-lit skies to whipping rain on Saturday to Sunday’s sunbursts and sheering wind, The Chestertown Downrigging weekend events persevered with many a sailor’s story yet to be told.
The weather may have convinced many to stay home, but hundreds of stalwart adventurers made their way from gallery to gallery, the restaurants were so busy they were turning people away, and at least a thousand toured the tall ships even though they were unable to sail.
“It certainly wasn’t as many as we wanted, but we still had great crowd for all our events and ship tours despite the inaility to sail, “ said Drew McMullen, President of Sultana Education Foundation. “These ship captains knew the weather before hand and still wanted to come. They know the risks, but Chestertown is one of their favorite ports and although the weather presents a financial challenge, they all plan to be back.”
With full-house audiences reported at the Bookplate and Garfield for their maritime related authors, and good turnouts Sunday for music, oysters and wine under tents at the public dock, it goes to show that no matter the severity of the weather, Chestertown is a strong draw for those who want to celebrate our town events.
The Art Tour reports steady foot-traffic throughout the weekend although not quite as strong as its opening the previous weekend.
Cindy Fulton, Co-Chair of the Arts Tour said that, although she hadn’t made a final tabulation, she thought that most of the 60 artists in the tour made sales. “What I hear from everyone is that they have never seen so many visitors from out of the region, and that’s a good sign for the arts scene in Chestertown, “ she said.
A little torrential rain and typhoon-like wind can’t slow Chestertown’s momentum of becoming one of the East Coast’s great arts destinations.
Our hat’s off to everyone involved!
A bleak Saturday greets us.
Finally, sunlit Sunday
Write a Letter to the Editor on this Article
We encourage readers to offer their point of view on this article by submitting the following form. Editing is sometimes necessary and is done at the discretion of the editorial staff.