🍦Can the Blues Make the Playoffs?

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Annapolis. The only bakery on Smith Island just went up for sale. So if you’ve always wanted to leave everything behind and bake Maryland’s delicious state dessert, all that’s stopping you is a $354,900 price tag.

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

• Networking on a Boat

• RennFest Tickets

• Pops in the Park

Let’s get to it.

— Lauren Burke Meyer, Dylan Roche, Duffy Perkins

SPONSORED BY 84 LUMBER

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84 Lumber’s team of experienced professionals are here to help with both interior and exterior home projects. Summer is almost here, and it’s time to start thinking about those outdoor projects to transform your home into an outdoor oasis.

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Visit 84 Lumber at 1690 Balt-Annapolis Boulevard or contact Store Manager, Bill McDonald, at 410-757-4684 or [email protected] for more information.

THE DIGEST

RennFest tickets sold out in record time

Proving that the Maryland Renaissance Festival is taken very seriously in this part of the shire, multi-day tickets to the festival were released at 10 AM on Monday morning and were sold out before the town crier could say, “Hear ye, hear ye.” Seriously, they were gone by noon. We thought the website was broken. If you’ve been fluffing your flower crown and sharpening your scabbard in anticipation of the Festival, don’t fret too much: single-day tickets go on sale August 4 so set whatever historically accurate timer you have for 10 AM and get ready to Fest with the Best.

P.S. Duffy wants to know why it’s called RennFest when there’s only one “n” in Renaissance. Like this isn’t already challenging enough to spell. . .

Thomas Jefferson letter written in Annapolis sells for $90k

In December 1783, a Delegate from Virginia named Thomas Jefferson was living in Annapolis as a member of the Continental Congress. It was a stressful time – he was trying to get the Treaty of Paris ratified – but he found a quiet moment to write a letter to Benjamin Harris, then Governor of Virginia. This letter, preserved for 242 years by private collectors, just sold for $90,000 to a private collector in the Annapolis area.

It was auctioned by the PA-based Raab Collection, who acquired it from an anonymous West Coast family. They purchased it from the heir of a previous owner in 1982, before which its provenance is lost to history. The letter features our third president’s unique slanted script and gives a highly personal perspective into one of America’s greatest founding fathers. ($)

Annapolis Blues keep us on the edge of our seats

After a nailbiter of a season, the Blues pulled off a 3–1 win over the Virginia Marauders on Sunday night. This keeps the men’s team in contention for one of two Chesapeake Division playoff berths. Although three must-win games and a little good luck stands between them and the big dance. The good news is that Saturday night they’re coming up against Charlottesville (currently 5th place) here in town, giving us the opportunity to pack the stands and show our support in this crucial moment. It’s also the last home regular season game.

The brand new women’s Blues team already made the playoffs. But unfortunately, they fell to NC Courage U23 in penalty kicks on Sunday in the conference finals. It was still an incredible first season and we’re already stoked for next year. ($)

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LOCAL BUSINESS

Lilac Bijoux celebrates 20 years

The adorable boutique Lilac Bijoux marks 20 years of making Annapolitans look good with a fancy little shindig this Thursday. Come on down to their chic shop at 180 Main Street for permanent jewelry, a flower station, nibbles by Red Red Wine Bar, and (of course) some bubbles. And congratulations, Fern! We’d be a mess without you. 5 PM onward.

St. Mary’s Parish purchases Annapolis Area Christian School campus

The 9.37-acre Annapolis Area Christian School (AACS) middle school campus has recently been purchased by St. Mary’s Parish for $8.5 million. AACS has been located on the Bestgate Road property for the last three decades, but is moving its middle school operations to Severn, where the upper school campus is located. The Bestgate Road property sits less than a mile from St. Mary’s St. John Neumann Mission Church, and features a 40,000-square foot facility with a gymnasium, 18 classrooms, a large athletic field, and much more. ($)

Networking on a boat: there’s nothing more Annapolis

The Anne Arundel Chamber has a brilliant idea: networking on a boat. Their Midsummer’s Night Cruise brings everything we love about living in this area together for a sunset splash. Come meet other local businesspeople for a fun night of crushes, tasty bites, a professional photo booth to capture you in the best light, and networking icebreakers to get you with the right people. Get your tickets now, though, because they’re selling faster than the Eras Tour (but not quite as fast as RennFest). Thursday, July 10 at 6:30 PM at City Dock. $50 member / $75 non-member.

Nothing in this section is sponsored. They're just the things you need to know. I'll always let you know when something's sponsored.

SPONSORED BY X-GOLF ANNAPOLIS

Four Big Reasons to Visit X-Golf Annapolis This July

There’s always something going on at X-Golf Annapolis — but July’s lineup is next level.

🏌️‍♂️ The Open Challenge (July 13–20): Play The Old Course on the sims while watching The Open live. Top score wins a vintage Portrush hat. Bonus prizes for three random players. Unlimited entries, unlimited glory. Join the challenge.

🎉 1-Year Anniversary (July 17): Celebrate with free merch for anyone who books a 2-hour sim. Hit an eagle or ace July 14–20 and win a free month of premium membership.

🧘 Flow to Fairway (July 19): Free yoga, Rise Up coffee, sim time, and exclusive discounts. Only 30 spots—bring your own mat! Register here.

🌮 Sip & Snack Specials: Mojito Day (July 11), Hot Dog Day (July 16), and Tequila Day (July 24) with themed food and drinks.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Theater Talk Tuesday 🎭

If you love theater, summer is the ultimate time to get involved — there are plenty of shows to see, plus plenty of workshops and auditions as many companies gear up for their next season.

Watch. . .

🪦 Talent Machine presents The Addams Family July 11–20. Teens ages 14–18 perform this madcap musical featuring everyone’s favorite kooky and spooky family.

🎵 Annapolis Opera presents Stories Through Music Dates/times vary. Annapolis Opera is on tour this summer with family-friendly presentations. Upcoming performances at a branch near you include Edgewater on July 29 at 6 PM and Busch Annapolis on July 30 at 6 PM.

👠 Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre presents The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas Through July 19. The Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre season continues with this bawdy but wholesome crowd-pleaser. Don’t be intimidated by the name.

⚗️ Classic Theatre of Maryland presents The Imaginary Invalid Tuesdays 7:30 PM. Enjoy this outrageous comedy about a hypochondriac’s rebellious love-struck daughter, in the outdoor courtyard of Reynolds Tavern.

Learn. . .

💡 Colonial Players Workshops Learn all aspects of the theatrical arts — from directing to lighting to set design — in these adult workshops led by the experienced volunteers at Colonial Players.

🏫 Compass Rose Theater Summer Camps Every week this summer is a new chance for budding thespians ages 5 and up to learn different skills and tackle new challenges. Upcoming sessions include:

• Create A Play Camp

• Fairytales Onstage Camp

Audition. . .

🧛‍♂️ Auditions for Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors at Colonial Players July 27–28. Colonial Players is seeking 5 performers who can play a variety of characters in this hilariously absurdist riff on the story of Dracula. Performances Oct. 24–Nov. 5.

🦁 Auditions for Narnia the Musical at Pasadena Theatre Company July 26 and 28. Singers, actors, and dancers ages 8–99 are invited to step through a magical wardrobe and audition for this musical version of CS Lewis’ classic fantasy. Performances in November (dates TBD).

Pops in the Park: the ultimate end-of-summer bash 🎶

Okay, we know it was just the Fourth of July a few days ago and nobody is really thinking about the end of summer yet, but it’s not too early to make plans for the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Pops in the Parks. Described as the ultimate end-of-summer bash, this outdoor concert takes over Quiet Waters Park on Sunday, August 31, at 5:30 PM (there’s also one on Saturday, August 30, at 11:30 AM at Downs Park for those who don’t mind the drive up to Pasadena).

So, what do the pops include? You’ll hear classical music, pieces from Broadway and Hollywood, and high-energy symphonic hits. The best part is that it’s free and geared toward all ages. So you can get the entire family together, pack up the picnic blankets or folding chairs, and go enjoy a night of live music outside. More info.

Nothing in this section is sponsored. They're just the things you need to know. I'll always let you know when something's sponsored.

CIVIL NEWS

Buiniskis joins register of wills race 🗳️

Ahead of the 2026 election, Courtney Buiniskis has entered the race for Anne Arundel County register of wills, challenging Jasmine Jackson, who was appointed last summer. Buiniskis currently serves as legislative aide to Councilwoman Lisa Rodvian and formerly served as community engagement officer for County Executive Steuart Pittman. She previously ran to represent District 30B in the House of Delegates. ($)

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NAPTOWN SCOOP WEATHER IS POWERED BY. . .

Tuesday

89 🌡️ 74 | ⛈️ | 65% | 💨 SSW 10 mph (9 knots)

Wednesday

85 🌡️ 74 | ⛈️ | 47% | SSE 9 mph (8 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 82ºF
Temperature readings taken from the mouth of the Severn River the night before publication

NAPTOWN SCOOP LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN IS POWERED BY. . .

Tuesday

49 West | Seth Mitchell & Friends | 7:30–9:30 PM
The Point | Aidan Ewald | 5–8 PM
Pirates Cove | Soren Mattson | 6–9 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Canned Heat | 8 PM | Tickets
Rams Head Roadhouse | Kieran Lally | 6 PM

Wednesday

49 West | Pam & Paula Classical Duo | 5–7 PM
Coconut Joe’s | Jordan Franks | 5–8 PM
Dinner Under The Stars | D'Vide and Conga | 6–9 PM
Galway Bay | Irish Trad Music Session | 8 PM
Killarney House | Jason Bishop | 6–10 PM
Middleton Tavern | Johnny Poulos | 6–9 PM
Pirates Cove |Chris Diller | 6–9 PM
The Point | Jordan/Pressing String | 5–8 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Fantastic Cat w/ Jake Thistle | 7:30 PM | Tickets
Stan & Joe’s Saloon | Chris Dean | 9 PM

THANKS!

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