Crisfield Soft Shell Fair

"The best of life is found in the simplest of things."

More photos from the 2010 Soft Shell Fair held at the city dock.

Breading the crabs...

 This lady was enjoying her crab sandwich.

 Volunteers keep the lines moving...

Vendors from around the area set up shop on the city dock.

Festival-goers took home a variety of gifts and souvenirs purchased at the fair.

 It was a nice day for ice cream...

And a stroll on the dock...

Crabby Crab posed with Little Miss Crustacean.

 And "Cheeseburger" from Gordon's.

He gave his seal of approval to the quality and freshness of the soft shell crabs.

Yum!

There was plenty of "kid food".

And sweets...

The mayor chated with locals and visitors.

Members from the Crisfield Chamber of Commerce strolled through the crowd, offering up our friendly Eastern Shore smile.

Visitors sit on the dock, awaiting the Waterman Hall of Fame inductions, an annual event at the fair.

I have to stick in a black and white photo...

The Coast Guard stopped in for our famous soft shell sandwiches.

Charlie Wells, a legend around Crisfield.

After enjoying the activities, this family leaves with take-out. You can't get enough of fresh soft shell crabs!

"Cheese!"

A happy festival-goer!

Enjoy the following photos with no captions. They speak for themselves.

Back to captions:  Each year, the Crisfield Lions and Lionesses, along with the Crisfield Chamber of Commerce,  induct several deserving waterman into the Waterman Hall of Fame. These waterman work long, hard hours in extreme heat and cold to bring you fresh crabs and oysters. They all deserve a big thank you. 

Miss Crustacean poses onstage with the waterman.

Preparing for the induction. 

Delegate Page Elmore, seated, speaks to the crowd. Also shown from left, Somerset County Commissioner Paul Ward, Crisfield Mayor P.J. Purnell, and Chamber president John Phoebus.

I don't have the names of the waterman in order but the recipients were: Barry Williams of Tangier,  with 60 years on the water, Bill Charnick of Crisfield,  with 55 years on the water, and Ed Landon of Smith Island with 54 years on the water. The woman pictured is accepting the award for her husband. Presenting the award is Morris Marsh, a 55-year veteran on the water.

Marsh, who has helped each year with the presentations, received a surprise induction into the Hall of Fame. Presenting the award is Paul Emely.

Congratulations to everyone! You don't find this kind of flavor in the big city, do you? 

Please remember these waterman next time you dig into a plate of crabs or oysters. And especially take note of the next soft shell crab sandwich you eat. It most likely came form this area.

We hope to see you next year at the 19th Crisfield Soft Shell Spring Fair!