‘The food is delicious:’ Soft Shell Crab Festival makes big comeback in Crisfield, honors local waterman

CRISFIELD, Md. – Crisfield is considered the ‘Crab Capital of the World’ which makes it no surprise that the Soft-Shell Crab Festival brings out quite the crowd. The event made its return Sunday.  It’s a tradition that stretches over a span of more than three decades.

“If you haven’t been here before, the food is delicious,” Crisfield Mayor Darlene Taylor said.

Fries, crab cakes, fish, and of course the area’s delicacy soft shell crabs were up for grabs and bites. “This is the kickoff of the summer, it’s the soft-shell crab. It just started coming out and now they’re fresh and right off the boats from this week,” Festival Chairman Erik Emely said.

Although the food was the star of the day, Mayor Taylor says the event also showcases what the town has to offer. “Once you get a taste of the seafood here, you’re going to come back and you’re going to look for those local businesses and other opportunities. So, this is a big deal to have this foot traffic in Crisfield,” Mayor Taylor said.

There was also a presentation for this year’s Waterman Hall of Fame, putting the spotlight on eastern shore waterman. Some of those watermen have spent more than 5 decades in the water feeding families in their communities. “I love to do it. I started when I was a young boy with my father, and I just learned to love it,” Waterman Harvey Corbin said.

“I’m a 3rd generation hall of famer. My grandfather was the first one, then my father and now myself. I’ll try to carry the legacy on,” Waterman Mark Crockett said.  

The famous crab may be what gets you into town, but it won’t be the reason you stay. “You will feel the environment and the ambiance of what it means to be in a small, amazing waterfront town,” Mayor Taylor said.

Organizers tells 47 ABC they hope this weekend’s turnout is a good indicator that the summer season will be strong for the area.