The Maritime Republic of Eastport: Difference between revisions
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[[File:Mrelogo.png|thumb|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 [http://themre.org/ '''MRE'''] has distributed over $500,000 to local charities and organizations from funds raised at events including the annual .05K Bridge Run and [[Eastport Tug of War|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 ==
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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.
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After the contest, the Paw Crawl took place. Eastport businesses welcomed pets and pet-owners into their establishments.
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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.
[[File:1998-03-01 Capital - Republic of Eastport reunifies with Ball.jpg|thumb]]
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.
[[File:1998-01-25 Unanimous Declaration of Independence - signed.jpg|thumb|Unanimous Declaration of Independence]]
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=== First Bridge Run ===
[[File:1998-02 Bridge Run poster.jpg|thumb]]
[[File:1998-02-19 Washington Post on Bridge Run.jpg|thumb]]
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.
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An awards ceremony followed that evening. Hamilton Chaney was declared the winner.
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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 ===
[[File:1998 Challenge broadside.jpg|thumb]]
[[File:1998 Call for Volunteers.jpg|thumb]]
The 1st Tug of War contest between Eastport and Annapolis took place on November 14, 1998.
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