The Maritime Republic of Eastport

The MRE logo was created by Cindy Fletcher-Holden in 1998

The Maritime Republic of Eastport (MRE) is a nonprofit organization that holds several charity events each year. Created in 1998, the MRE has distributed over $500,000 to local charities and organizations from funds raised at events including the annual .05K Bridge Run and Tug of War.

2020 is know as the "Year Without a Tug" because or the COVID-19 pandemic. The Bridge run was also cancelled that year.

The .05K Bridge Run resumed on May 7, 2022. Participants braved the stormy weather and $3500 was donated to the SPCA of Anne Arundel County.

The 2022 Tug of War resumed on November 5, 2022. Over $30,000 was donated to local charities.

Origins

Seccession!

Faces of the Eastport Revolution

When the Maryland State Highway Administration announced plans to close the Spa Creek Bridge connecting Annapolis to the community of Eastport for three weeks of repairs, residents and business owners started talking about revolution.

On January 25, 1998, the day before the bridge closing, Eastport patriots declared "secession" from the City that had annexed the community in 1951. At 1 pm, Revolutionary War re-enactors fired volleys from muskets and cannon across Spa Creek. This was followed by the launch of the Eastport Aerial Reconnaissance Patrol (EARP), consisting of The Yellow Dog - a small yellow blimp controlled by "Generalissimo" Mike Raab. There was a "quick retreat" to Leon's Barbershop on Fourth Street where a Declaration of Independence was read and Leon Wolfe was sworn in a Prime Minister of the MRE by former Annapolis Mayor Al Hopkins.

• Photos by Mike Miron
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• Media Coverage
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Following the ceremonies and performance of the new Eastport National Anthem by the Eastport Chamberpot Orchestra and the Eastport Crabernacle Choir led by Them Eastport Oyster Boys, there was a benefit concert at the Chart House restaurant.

Dog Day Afternoon

A few weeks later, on February 8, the first annual Dog Day Afternoon was held at Eastport Elementary. Canine contestants were given MRE bandanas and "celebrity" judges awarded prizes for clever dog tricks. The official mascot of the MRE was a marina retriever.

• Photos by Mike Miron
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After the contest, the Paw Crawl took place. Eastport businesses welcomed pets and pet-owners into their establishments.

• Photos by Mike Miron
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Reunification

The Spa Creek Bridge reopened on Friday, February 13, 1998. A ribbon cutting by MRE Prime Minister Leon Wolfe was met with cheers from both sides.

That evening, the Reunification Ball sponsored by the Daughters of the Eastport Revolution (DER) was held at The Clipper restaurant. The Unanimous Declaration of Independence was signed by MRE ministers and dignitaries during a musical celebration.

Unanimous Declaration of Independence

• Photos by Mike Miron
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First Bridge Run

After a night of celebrating Reunification, the MRE managed to pull off another event that made headlines. On February 14, 1998, residents of the new republic "invaded" Annapolis with a .05K run over the repaired Eastport Bridge. Registrants were given t-shirts with artwork designed by Cindy Fletcher-Holden, Minister of Fine Arts & Aerobics. All runners wore the same number - 21403 (Eastport's zip code). Cups of water were handed out at the halfway point.

• Photos by Mike Miron
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An awards ceremony followed that evening. Hamilton Chaney was declared the winner.

• Photos by Mike Miron
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MRE Naval Maneuvers

On May 28, 1998, the Republic took to the waters with 26 vessels. Spa Creek was declared "The Gulf of Eastport" and the flotilla paraded down "Ego Alley" as bewildered tourists looked on.

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Declaration of War

The 1st Tug of War contest between Eastport and Annapolis took place on November 14, 1998.

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