Find out how to enjoy Bassmaster's visit to Charles County, Maryland from August 11th - 14th.
Takeoff
Anglers will take off at 6:15 a.m. ET at Smallwood State Park. The address is 2750 Sweden Point Rd., Marbury, MD 20658.
Weigh-ins
Weigh-ins will be held daily, Thursday through Sunday, at 3:00 p.m. ET.
On Days 1 and 2, the weigh-in will be held at Smallwood State Park. The address is 2750 Sweden Point Rd., Marbury, MD 20658.
On Days 3 and 4, the weigh-in will be held at Indian Head Pavilion on the Village Green. The address is 100 Walter Thomas Rd., Indian Head, MD 20640.
All Bassmaster events are free to the public.
Events
Discover Quest Schedule of Events
Saturday, August 13
12:00 PM – Festival Begins
12:30 PM – Captain John Smith’s Discover Quest
1:00 PM – Kentkatám
1:30 PM – Sanctuary: The Potomac as a Paradigm
2:30 PM – Beaver Pond Bingo
3:30 PM – Papitám
3:30 PM – Bassmaster Weigh-In
Sunday, August 14
12:00 PM – Festival Begins
1:00 PM – Kentkatám
2:00 PM – Beaver Pond Bingo
3:30 PM – Papitám
3:30 PM – Bassmaster Weigh-In
Captain John Smith’s Discover Quest
Presented by Jim Long, Mattawoman Watershed Society
Indian Head Pavilion
Perhaps the most famous “discover quest” in our region occurred when Captain John Smith explored the Chesapeake Bay – including the Potomac River – in the summer of 1608. This slide presentation will use John Smith’s own words as a guide to some gems of nature that still remain in western Charles County.
Kentkatám
Presented by Living the American Indian Experience
Indian Head Village Green
Kentkatám means, “Let’s Dance!” Join the Living the American Indian Experience team in a fun-filled hour of song, dance, and education. Take a cultural journey through social dances as members of the Piscataway Nation share their history in an interactive way.
Sanctuary: The Potomac as a Paradigm
Presented by Don Shomette
Indian Head Pavilion
A presentation focusing on the Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary initiative, its prospects and problems, and its benefits and utility as a microcosm of the entire Chesapeake estuary system.
Beaver Pond Bingo
Presented by John Allender, Department of Natural Resources
Indian Head Pavilion
An activity for all ages exploring the characteristics of beavers, beaver ponds, and the critters that live in the habitat that beavers create.
Papitám
Presented by Living the American Indian Experience
Indian Head Pavilion
Papitám means, “Let’s Play” in the Piscataway language. Come participate in culturally appropriate local Native American experiences: make-and-take clay pottery, making shell jewelry, practicing safety archery, storytelling by the indoor fire, drumming, and dancing! The Living the American Indian Experience team will guide children and parents alike through these educational and entertaining activities. Space is limited – reserve your spot at the Living the American Indian Experience table!
Partner Events
Sustainable Gardening
Charles County Public Library, Potomac Branch
3225 Ruth B. Swann Drive, Indian Head
Saturday, August 13, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Learn practical steps you can take in your home garden to protect the environment and the quality of our local waterways. Master Gardeners will discuss growing native plants, maintaining your lawn, watering efficiently, mulching and recycling yard waste and more. Learn how your garden can become Bay-Wise!
www.ccplonline.org, 301-375-7375.
Fossil Fun!
Charles County Public Library, Potomac Branch
3225 Ruth B. Swann Drive, Indian Head
Saturday, August 13, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Travel back in time 10-20 million years to when dolphins, sting rays and sharks swam in the warm shallow waters that over time became the Chesapeake Bay. Learn about the changes in the sea and how these ancient creatures became fossils we can find today. Find and identify fossils and keep what you find!
Ticketed Event: Charles County Public Library will begin handing out tickets starting one hour before program begins. Customers must be present in person to receive a ticket and will be distributed on a first come, first served basis.
www.ccplonline.org, 301-375-7375.
Kayak Rentals
Atlantic Kayak, Mattingly Park
Mattingly Ave, Indian Head
Saturday, August 13 and Sunday, August 14, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Single Kayaks - $16 per hour, $25 for 2 hours
Tandem Kayaks - $22 per hour, $35 for 3 hours
www.atlantickayak.com, 301-292-6455
Kayak Tours
Atlantic Kayak, Mattingly Park
Mattingly Ave, Indian Head
Saturday, August 13, 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM and 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
$50/person, Reservation required
Learn the basics of kayaking, and off we’ll go to explore Mattawoman Creek at the most beautiful times of the day. Get up close to the beautiful American Lotus flowers and wild rice plants, and learn about the importance of the tidal freshwater marsh ecosystem.
www.atlantickayak.com, 301-292-6455
Fascinating Birds of Mattawoman Creek
Atlantic Kayak, Mattingly Park
Mattingly Ave, Indian Head
Saturday, August 13, 10:00 AM and 3:30 PM
Free
Discover the birds that make Mattawoman Creek their home, from soaring Bald Eagles to energetic little Red-Winged Blackbirds. Learn how each bird plays an important role in this globally rare, tidal freshwater ecosystem.
www.atlantickayak.com, 301-292-6455
Underwater Wonders
Atlantic Kayak, Mattingly Park
Mattingly Ave, Indian Head
Saturday, August 13, 10:30 AM and 4:00 PM
Free
Meet the live animals and plants that inhabit Mattawoman Creek and discover what they need to live and grow. See how tiny glass shrimp defend themselves and learn about edible wild rice and American Lotus that line the shores of this beautiful creek.
www.atlantickayak.com, 301-292-6455
The Mysterious American Eel
Atlantic Kayak, Mattingly Park
Mattingly Ave, Indian Head
Saturday, August 13, 11:00 AM and 4:30 PM
Free
Take a journey learning about the life cycle and ecology of the mysterious American Eel. Meet a live freshwater mussel, and its fish host, the American Eel, and see different types of eel traps used by watermen.
www.atlantickayak.com, 301-292-6455
Who Polluted Mattawoman Creek?
Atlantic Kayak, Mattingly Park
Mattingly Ave, Indian Head
Saturday, August 13, 11:30 AM and 5:00 PM
Free
Play the hands-on-game “Who Polluted Mattawoman Creek” and learn about water quality, and see how to help keep Mattawoman Creek and other Chesapeake Bay tributaries clean.
www.atlantickayak.com, 301-292-6455
Mallows Bay Kayak Tour
Mallows Bay Park
1440 Wilson Landing Rd, Nanjemoy
Sunday, August 14, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
$75 person, tandem kayaks. Reservation required.
On this unique tour you will explore the largest ship graveyard in the Western Hemisphere as our expert guide shares entertaining stories about the wrecks. Nature lovers will not be disappointed — the area is teaming with wildlife — ospreys and bald eagles fishing, fish jumping, ducks diving, and humans kayaking. The flora is equally fascinating — from towering sycamore trees to an array of edible and medicinal plants such as wild rice, duck potato and pawpaw.
www.atlantickayak.com, 301-292-6455
Other family activities: face painter, balloon artist (stilt walker)
Vendors to date:
KraftsbyKay
Janet's Homemade Candy
Heavenly Delights
Dooley's Backyard BBQ
Three little monkeys ice cream
D&S Stitch N Tie
Michaels Chicken & Ribs
County Manners - So MD cuisine
Wee Bean Roasting Co. - iced coffee and bakery items
