POCOMOKE CITY — The circuit of boat docking competitions that runs through several cities on the Eastern Shore is about to grow another leg.
The inaugural Pocomoke City boat docking contest, dubbed “Racin on the River,” kicks off this weekend.
“A couple of the watermen around here came up to me (to put this event on) because they’re trying to do a little circuit,” said organizer Mike Shannon. “They had Cape Charles, and then they skip a couple of weeks and they’re in Crisfield and St. Michaels and Deal Island and Tilghman Island, so they’re all over the place
“They asked if I could pull this together, and the people here in town — and in other towns — have been very gracious in donations.”
That generosity means more than $12,000 will be given to the winners of the competition.
Shannon, who also organizes the town’s Christmas parade, established the Pocomoke Boat Docking Association to help raise funds and accept sponsors.
“There’s a lot of red tape that the government has now,” he said. “I had to do everything for the parade, so I went ahead and did everything for both at the same time. That was rough.”
Twenty-five boats can compete in the competition by contacting Shannon at 410-726-5777. There is no fee for registration.
“Everyone has to have the right documentation, but these guys know all of that,” Shannon said. “They’re not new to this by far.”
Boat docking has a loyal — and vocal — following on the Shore, and Shannon expects several thousand people at the inaugural event.
“The more we have and the more they cheer, the faster they go,” he said. “It’s just something to do on a Sunday afternoon on the river out here.”
Bleachers and seating will be provided, and food and beverages will be sold by host Riverside Grill. The gates open at 10 a.m., and the competition begins at 1 p.m.
Opportunities for sponsorships are still available.
“I won’t turn anybody away,” Shannon said. “If they want to donate $50 or $100, that’s great. Every little bit helps. We’ll also have a VIP area for people who donate more than $500
“Pocomoke is a great town, and it’s trying to grow. We have great events all year long. It’s one thing after another that we’re trying to do to put Pocomoke on the map, and I just want everybody to come check out the new restaurant and downtown, and just take a look at a great little town.”
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