On Saturday, Nov 3rd, the longest tug-of-war over a body of water will be going down between longtime rivals: Eastport and Annapolis. The charitable event has been drawing crowds to their rivalry for decades. With a 1700 foot rope, 450 tuggers and 1,000 spectators this Tug-o-War XV between the rebels is sure to be a hit! Meanwhile downtown Annapolis and Eastport become festival-atmospheres starting as early as 11am. The tug-of-war challenge starts at noon.

You can participate and sign up for the Eastport side or the Annapolis side. Another option would be to just be a spectator and save your palms the bruising.

Here’s a video from the Tug that took place 2 years ago:

Also, during the Tug-of-War XV festivities the Mason Dixon Chili Pod of the Chili Appreciation Society International will be having a CASI Sanctioned Chili Cookoff on the Eastport side.

The 2012 Tug will be benefiting a number of charities/organizations: MainStreet Annapolis, Eastport Girls Club, Save the Coconuts, The Bernie House, Eastport Elementary School, We Care and Friends and Maryland Wing.

The second weekend of October is going to be a fun and exciting time since the 22nd Annual Arts and Music Festival will be taking place in Quiet Waters Park. On Saturday and Sunday enjoy Art in the Park, local musicians, Irish dancers, specialty foods, free antiques appraisals and live demonstrations by artists! More than 60 artists will feature their work in the art show. The 2012 Arts and Music Festival of Annapolis is October 13th and 14th between 10am and 5pm both days.

Art at the Park Art & Music Festival features:

• Art sales from more than 60 artists
• Free Antiques appraisals
• Jambalaya, crabcakes, oysters & other specialty foods
• Live demonstrations by painters, spinners, potters and more
• Live concerts by Ashley Forrest, Anthony Clark, Mike Noonan and more
• Irish Dancers
• Nancy Hammond’s newest designs

Admission to the fall event is only $6 and all proceeds benefit the Friends of Quiet Waters Park, which is a non-profit that supports park programs. Quiet Waters Park is located at 600 Quiet Waters Park Road and parking is Free!

Join the City of Annapolis and the rest of American in celebrating the US Navy’s 237th birthday! For five days get your patriotic party on at various establishments in historic Annapolis. Enjoy Navy Birthday specials along West Street’s Gallery Row, Maryland Avenue and Main Street. The celebration weekend kicks off with a parade on October 10th at 4:00pm. This Formal Dress Parade of the U.S. Naval Academy midshipmen at Worden Field will be on Naval Academy grounds. The US Navy Birthday Celebration is free to the entire public. You’ve never seen a birthday party quite like this! Head down to historic downtown Annapolis for this grand celebration taking place between October 10th through October 14th.