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 the annual .05K Bridge Run and Tug of War events.

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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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.

• 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. An awards ceremony followed that evening.

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