Annapolis Vs. Eastport Tug Of War Returns This Fall

ANNAPOLIS, MD — The annual Annapolis versus Eastport tug of war will return Nov. 6 at noon. Organizers canceled last year's event during the thick of the coronavirus pandemic.

The tradition pits the communities against each other in a battle of strength. Each neighborhood gathers on its side of Spa Creek and yanks at a 1,700-foot-long rope draped across the waterway.

The tradition started in 1998 after officials temporarily closed the Spa Creek Bridge for maintenance. The crossing connects downtown Annapolis with the Eastport peninsula.

Eastport residents jokingly called the construction an "unprovoked act of aggression" and declared war, a tug of war that is, against its neighbors. Locals then formed the Maritime Republic of Eastport to promote businesses on its side of the creek during the bridge project.

The group, also known as the MRE, now raises money for charity. Its other main event is The 0.05k Bridge Run. This year's virtual sprint across the Spa Creek Bridge raised $500 for Feed Anne Arundel, a nonprofit that pays restaurants to feed locals in need.

The Maritime Republic of Eastport is still planning this year's tug. Leaders will release more details as they become available.

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RELATED:

• Eastport Bridge Run Returns In Virtual Format
• Annual Tug-of-War Unfolds Nov. 2 Pitting Annapolis Vs. Eastport

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