Eastport Tug Of War Canceled, Leaders Worry About Coronavirus

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Event organizers on Tuesday canceled the annual Annapolis-Eastport tug of war. The event was scheduled for Nov. 6 at noon.

Planners at the Maritime Republic of Eastport are worried about the current spike in coronavirus cases. Organizers also canceled last year's tug during the thick of the pandemic.

"There’s just no way to have 2,000 people in such a confined space safely, even outdoors," Maritime Republic of Eastport Premier Harry Lockley said in a press release. "And nobody wants to tug with masks on."

In normal years, the contest pits the communities against each other in a battle of strength deemed the "Slaughter across the Water." Each neighborhood gathers on its side of Spa Creek and yanks at a 1,700-foot-long rope draped across the waterway. The Maritime Republic of Eastport called it the longest over-water tug of war in the world.

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 their neighbors. Locals then formed the Maritime Republic of Eastport to promote businesses on their 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 residents in need. Altogether, the Maritime Republic of Eastport has collected $500,000 for local charities since its creation.

"We, in the MRE know the importance of events like this to maintain the character of Eastport, support local businesses and raise money for areal charities," Lockley added. "While these traditions are important, they’re not worth risking the health of our fellow Eastportoricans. The tug will be back when we can do it safely."

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RELATED:

• Annapolis Vs. Eastport Tug Of War Returns This Fall
• Eastport Bridge Run Returns In Virtual Format

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