Annapolis’ Tug of War Returns for 23rd Edition!

Returning after last year’s pandemic cancellation, The Maritime Republic of Eastport’s Tug of War will pull locals and visitors alike into Annapolis. Tug of War XXIII will be held on Saturday, November 6, 2021 in the Eastport district of Maryland’s capital city.

Rival residents of Annapolis and Eastport will go head to head in a unique tug of war spanning a waterway. Numbering up to 33 members, each team tugs on a rope on opposite sides of Spa Creek, the border separating Annapolis from Eastport, which was a town of its own until being annexed by Annapolis in 1951.  

After Annapolitans or Eastporters are declared the victors, there will be a celebration of food, drink, music, and dancing on both banks of Spa Creek. The Maritime Republic of Eastport has also officially sanctioned a hot chili cookoff that will warm cold tuggers during a crisp autumn day.

Tug of War proceeds raised from tugger fees, beverage & food sales, and sponsorship will fund local charities. Since the first Tug of War was held in 1997, more than $500,000 has been raised.

Tongue-in-Cheek History

The Maritime Republic of Eastport describes their annual event as the longest tug of war over a body of water in the world. The contest was motivated by vengeance when it was first conceived by isolated Eastport residents in 1997 when the City of Annapolis used the flimsy excuse of a “public works project” to close the Spa Creek Bridge that connects Eastport to Annapolis.

This act of aggression committed by Annapolitans cut off peaceful Eastport residents and businesses from the rest of the city. Reeling from this sting of rejection and emboldened by the generous libations from a local bartender, Eastporters declared war against the City of Annapolis and seceded. Rallying cries of “Up the Republic!” were raised, and the micro-nation christened “The Maritime Republic of Eastport” was born.

FYI: Tug of War 2021

Red Hot & Blue Annapolis Highlights

Red Hot & Blue Annapolis is your full-service, casual restaurant and caterer featuring delicious award-winning ribs, Memphis-style barbecue, smoked wings, and Southern sides and desserts.

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Serving your community since 1988, we’re just part of the family.