Unracked

 I pulled in the Annual Annapolis vs. Eastport Tug of War this weekend.

Billed as the “longest International tug of war over water in the world,” 😉 the event was originally conceived by the residents of Eastport, Maryland in 1997 when the City of Annapolis “used the excuse of a public works project” to close the Spa Creek bridge that leads to Eastport from Annapolis.

This “unprovoked act of aggression on the part of the City of Annapolis” cut off residents and businesses of the Eastport from the rest of the city. According to the legend, the “Eastportoricans,” feeling “somewhat emboldened by the generous pouring habits of a local bartender,” declared war against the City of Annapolis and seceded, forming the “micro-nation known as the Maritime Republic of Eastport.” (Are you getting this?)

In the ensuing years, we Eastportoricans have yearly declared a symbolic War of Independence against the City of @Annapolis. The Tug takes place at the “crack o’noon,” features teams like “Annapolis/Eastport” bars, and draws thousands of people to eat, drink, dance and watch.

So, picture this: a crowd of pirates, locals, and beautifully unhinged Eastport characters yelling like we’re storming a medieval fort. I dug my heels in and pulled. I’m proud to say my team took down the Annapolis Police Department in a shut-out (2-0), and we walked through the crowd high-fiving everyone like we just won the Superbowl, or maybe (more appropriately) some kind of regatta.

As you can tell, Eastport has its own energy. Its own culture. Its own unapologetic attitude. This is a neighborhood that also hosts it’s own “.05k Race” and an annual “Sock Burning Festival.” People cross the bridge because Eastport feels different. Gritty. Funny. A little rebellious. Full of waterfront swagger. That’s exactly why the Tug of War works. Eastport doesn’t try to sound like Annapolis. It leans into being the Maritime Republic of Eastport. Pirate flags. Weird traditions. Zero concern for being “polished.”

And many, many people walk across the bridge to our restaurants, bars, and shops because of it. You really shouldn’t leave the area without seeing the Naval Academy from our side of the water.

Here’s the marketing punchline. If you want people to show up, stop sanding the edges off your identity. Stand for something. Own your flavor instead of blending into the “safe” middle. Eastport didn’t build hype with billboards. It built it with personality and tradition. The Tug is a living brand story that drags thousands of people across a bridge every year and every season.

I pulled for Eastport this weekend. And honestly, I get why this place wins. Personality beats perfection every damn time.

Up the republic! 🫡 💪