A brief history of Annapolis' Tug of War

The history

About 25 years ago, Annapolis closed the Eastport Bridge for “repairs.” Eastport residents, ever mischievous, promptly marched to City Hall, “seceded” from Annapolis, and declared war. Tug of war that is. There’s been a tongue-in-cheek reenactment (and awesome fundraiser) ever since.

Every November (for now), teams of 33 line up on the Eastport side against teams of 33 on the Annapolis side and try to pull the land masses a little closer together with a giant rope.

Eastport pretty much always wins but in 2022, Annapolis did earn a rare victory.

Is this the final tug?

It’s possible that with the upcoming City Dock construction, this may be the last-ever tug. Cherish it just in case.

The schedule

9:30–11:30 AM: Eastport pre-game party (O’Learys parking lot)
‍10 AM: Registration opens for the Tug
10 AM–5 PM: Music and festivities at Susan Campbell Park
12 PM: Tugging begins

Eastport side music schedule

Eastport Elementary School | 10–10:15 AM
Naptown Sings and Plays | 10:30–10:45 AM
D’Vibe & Conga | 11–11:45 AM
Naptown Brass Band | 11:45 AM–1:15 PM
Eastport Oyster Boys | 1:15–2 PM
A Classic Case | 2:15–3 PM
The John Frase Project | 3:15–4 PM
Area-301 | 4:15–5 PM

How to join

I want to volunteer → Volunteers are still needed and you can sign up here.

I don’t have a team yet, but I want to tug → Arrive at 10 AM. Registration tables are at City Dock (Annapolis) and near Chart House (Eastport).

I just want to watch → Eastport tugging happens on Third Street near Bread and Butter Kitchen. Annapolis tugging happens at Susan Campbell Park.

Tugger checklist

✓ Rubber-soled shoes
✓ Gloves
✓ Grunts & groans for flourish