Millions of visitors will attend the Star-Spangled Sailabration in Baltimore this weekend.
2012 marks 200 years since the United States took on Great Britain in the War of 1812, protesting Britain's attempt to restrict our trade and prevent our efforts to expand. There were many costly defeats for our young country, but we sucessfully repulsed British invasions in the key ports of New York, Baltimore and New Orleans.
During the battle for Baltimore, Francis Scott Key penned a poem that became lyrics of our National Anthem as he watched "the rockets red glare, bombs bursting in air" over Fort McHenry. Baltimore's Star-Spangled Sailabration celebrates the 200th birthday of our National Anthem and kicks off Maryland's Star-Spangled 200, a three-year state-wide commemoration of the War of 1812, a war that has been dubbed "Our Second War of Independence."
Birthdays and anniversaries come and go, but each is a "once in a lifetime" event. There won't be a repeat if you miss this weekend's excitement, so come to Baltimore in the next few days to enjoy festivities planned for the Star-Spangled Sailabration.
Air Show - Watch five high-precision aviation acts from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday over the Middle Branch of the Patapsco River, including a 45-minute performance by the Blue Angels. Fireworks and musical performances will follow the air show. Who will enjoy this more... your kids or you?
Tall Ships - Tour more than 40 ships from nations around the world, through June 18. Ships berthed at the Baltimore Inner Harbor and Fell's Point are open for tours from 11-6 p.m. Vessels berthed at North Locust Point will be open for tours from 1-5 p.m. This photo of the Pride of Baltimore arriving in the Baltimore Harbor was taken yesterday by my husband from a window overlooking the harbor. (Click to view map)
Festival Villages - Enjoy everything from live entertainment to hands-on fun for kids throughout the festival in these Star-Spangled Sailabration Villages: Inner Harbor, Fell's Point, Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, and the Martin State Airport.
Concert - Attend the world premier performance of a Star-Spangled Symphony on June 17, 2012 at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. The 90-minute musical celebration includes the world premiere of Overture for 2012, composed by Philip Glass and performed by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra under the direction of music director Marin Alsop. Tickets are only $15, thanks to the sponsorship of PNC Bank.
Star Spangled Banner Maryland Byways - If you prefer a less hectic weekend without all the crowds downtown, you may want to travel a scenic 100-mile trail that takes you through the final days of the War of 1812 - From Solomons to Benedict to Baltimore, with stops in Prince Frederick, Bladensburg, and St. Leonard. (PDF brochure)
I'm guessing that traffic in Baltimore will be a nightmare and parking will be nearly impossible, so why not take rail transportation to the Star-Spangled Sailabration? For Crofton residents, the closest place to board the Light Rail is BWI - just follow the signs when you get to the area. Before you head downtown, though, be sure to check out the official website of the Star-Spangled Sailabration for details about events, schedules, and more.
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