Wow of a Weekend!

We have an abundance of riches here in Chesapeake Country.  There are sports events celebrating our natural resources as well as our cultural history and heritage.  From the boxing ring in Salisbury to the ice rink in Laurel, there are spectator sports and recreational tournaments.  Let's take a look at what's happening in Maryland this weekend.

OPENING DAY OF TROPHY ROCKFISH SEASON, April 17.

If you think you were gnashing your teeth during all those blizzards, you have no idea what it was like for all those outdoorsmen (and women) just waiting to board the boats and cast their lines.  Tomorrow is Opening Day of Rockfish season, and the head boats will be out at dawn. 

With all our emphasis on spectator sports and games, we tend to overlook the economic importance of the field and stream community that support the hunting and fishing industry in Maryland.  This includes marinas and lodges and all the equipment shops that service and supply them. 

Bay fishing will really take off now.  You can follow the events and learn more about the sport at Maryland Saltwater Sportsfishing Association.

On another front, Salisbury fighter Fernando Guerrero heads into the ring at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center on Friday when he defends his North American Boxing Organization interim middleweight title against Michael “The Midnight Stalker” Walker.

Guerrero is a hometown favorite, and undefeated in the middleweight ranks.  His continued success takes him out of his adopted state, so the opportunities to see him here are becoming fewer.

This is a televised event (Showtime) which we always like to see here in Maryland.  The excitement, though, is seeing it live.  Tickets are still available to get in on the action in Salisbury tonight.

An entirely different challenge will take place on the campus of St. John's College in Annapolis, where the annual St. John's-Naval Academy croquet match will take place Saturday.

For the 28th year, the Imperial Wickets of the two colleges will rally their teams on the battlefield of the third oldest college in the country.  Though separated by only a wall, the two institutions are about 180 degrees apart in philosophy and decorum. This one Saturday in April, however, they come together  for a day of croquet, dancing, and great merriment in the Historic District of Annapolis.  (And yes, there is tailgating for this event.  As I have said previously, people in Annapolis tailgate before meetings of the City Council and rallies at the State House.  It's a part of the culture.)

The croquet match is a genuine tourist attraction, and St. John's College invites all to visit.  If you go, be sure to visit the many other attractions within walking distance.  The State House, City Dock, and US Naval Academy are only a few blocks away.

Back to healthy recreational activities.  This is the weekend of the St. Charles Half-Marathon, which begins in Waldorf and incorporates the 13 mile Indian Head Rail Trail in its course.  The half-marathon is more than one event on one day.  It showcases the county's tourist attractions, which also includes Regency Furniture Stadium.

Events Saturday and Sunday will include a half marathon (13.1 miles), a 5K run/walk, one-mile fun run and a runners expo.

The half marathon is part of a 15-city nationwide series sponsored by the U.S. Runners Association, and is expected to raise at least $5,000 for the United Way of Charles County. 

This is the first of what will hopefully be an annual event and attraction for those eventers who try to do at least one race in every state every year.

(The thought of such fitness is mind-boggling, but I their commitment is admirable and financially beneficial, so let's hear it for them.)

Of course, tomorrow is also the Smart-Link "Day of Rivals" here at M&T Bank Stadium. We're expecting over 20,000 (with a few noisy guests zooming overhead.)  I was just surveying the stadium and the ESPNU guys have their festival area well underway.  I sincerely hope the weather is as beautiful tomorrow as it is right now, but no matter the elements -- we know these four teams will be down and dirty in their respective grudge matches.

In addition to the pagentry and tradition that accompanies every Army-Navy encounter, you can anticipate a hard-fought struggle between two "home" teams (Maryland and Johns Hopkins) who are both nationally ranked, and who both expect to be back in on Memorial Day.

Marylanders have a lot of action to enjoy this weekend, and quite a few visitors to welcome.  And speaking of welcome -- Terry comes back from Columbus tonight and will have all sorts of tales from the hustings to share with us over the weekend.

We'll be reporting throughout.  Tweety is heading for Waldorf; Blogue will be floating between Baltimore and Annapolis.  Stay tuned for the latest and greatest.