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Leonardtown to host 'Raiders & Invaders' weekend June 6–8; county, town and businesses promote regional kickoff to Chesapeake campaign
Summary
Organizers described a multi-day historical and entertainment event June 6–8 centered in Leonardtown and countywide activities on Sunday. Organizers emphasized free concerts, historic programming, a child-focused passport program and local-business participation.
County commissioners were briefed on Raiders & Invaders Weekend, a three-day festival scheduled for June 6–8, 2014, that organizers said will kick off Maryland’s Chesapeake Campaign and combine War of 1812-themed historic programming with family entertainment, concerts and countywide site access on Sunday.
Carolyn Ray, who led the presentation for the event, said the weekend is a collaboration among the town of Leonardtown, St. Mary’s County and numerous local organizations and businesses. She described Friday and Saturday programming concentrated in Leonardtown, followed by countywide activities on Sunday. Ray said the festival will feature re-enactments, historical boats, music on three stages, children’s programming, street theater, waterfront events and a large evening concert that is free to the public.
Event organizers will distribute a limited run of 10,000 "Little Raiders and Invaders" passports; passports can be picked up in Leonardtown and will provide free admission to participating historic sites on Sunday and entry to a sweepstakes with a chance to win $1,000. Ray said the passport distribution and sweepstakes are part of an effort to encourage visitors to spend the whole weekend in the county and support local restaurants and shops.
Ray highlighted partnerships across county departments: the libraries have run children’s contests; Recreation and Parks is providing tents and picnic support; Land Use and Growth Management and Public Works are helping with logistics; the county PIO is assisting with marketing. She also described activity at the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) and involvement from historical groups, theater performers, the 501st (Star Wars costuming group) and others.
Organizers said the event website, raidersandinvaders.com, contains full schedule and planning information. Ray distributed printed rack cards and a regional visitor guide that connects the festival to a broader War of 1812 regional program scheduled to continue statewide through the summer.
Commissioners asked how local businesses could participate; organizers said small businesses should use the county tourism website (visitstmarysmd.com) and the event site to list activities and promotions. They also described themed offerings from local vendors, including a rum tasting and a special "Raiders red" wine blend.
Organizers asked the commissioners to help promote the event; tourism staff created a clickable email signature graphic for county employees to attach to messages and asked commissioners to use it in communications. No action or funding decision was taken; the presentation was informational and promotional in nature.
