🍦Open air markets

Who made those wreaths, Annapolis pays cyclist, good luck Broadneck...

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Annapolis. Since it’s December 1, the over-under on “I can’t believe this year is almost overs” is 7 this weekend. I’ll take the over.

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

  • Wreaths on the Yard

  • Annapolis pays cyclist

  • Good luck Broadneck 🐻 

Let’s get to it.

— Ryan Sneddon, Rebecca Kraybill, & Lauren Burke Meyer

P.S. Happy early birthday, Nancy! 🎈

Gift Cards are actually a great gift

Gift cards get a bad rap. They're for lazy gifters. You don't know me well enough to know what I really want. Blah, blah, blah. I think gift cards are actually the perfect gift. Here's why.

When I receive a gift card, I can use it whenever I want. And when it's an Atlas Restaurant Group gift card, I can use it wherever I want, too. They don't just own the Choptank on Ego Alley. Atlas has 26 other fabulous restaurants in Maryland and 2 in D.C.

And now they are running a wonderful Holiday promotion: for every $100 you spend on gift cards, you get a free $25 gift card. That's a couple desserts! Or a beer and Choptank’s famous burger.

Gifting an Atlas gift card is the smart choice this season. This promotion runs through December 31st.

THE DIGEST

Top clicks of the week 🏆

Annapolis vs. cyclist officially over

Six years ago, a guy was riding a bicycle on Chinquapin Round Road when his tire wedged in a non-compliant storm drain. He fell off the bike and sustained major facial injuries. The man initially sought $75k in damages from the City of Annapolis. The city offered nothing and fought the case. It went to trial; the man won and the city appealed.

This month, the Appellate Court of Maryland upheld the trial jury’s decision to award the man $300k plus $47k in interest accrued since the decision. The city does not plan to appeal again and will pay the money out of a self-insurance fund. And of course, all city drains are now compliant with state regulations. ($)

Who makes the Naval Academy’s wreaths?

If you’ve ever walked around the Yard during the holidays and wondered this, you’re not alone. The Naval Academy Garden Club doesn’t work in secrecy but that doesn’t mean everyone knows who they are. The Club formed in 1934 and has been sprucing up the grounds ever since. That includes wreaths for the gates and several buildings. Now that we know, thanks, NAGC! And thanks to USNA public works office for hanging the wreaths!

Say goodbye to plastic grocery bags

Back in June, the County passed a bill restricting plastic bags. You might’ve noticed some stores already kicking the plastic habit. If not, you’ll notice it soon. Come January 1, shoppers must bring their own bags or purchase papers ones for 10 cents.

Reminder: Enter the NSFEHJHC! 🎄💡

Your hands are freezing. The lights are tangled. You already dropped a strand of lights and had some choice words. We get it, there are lots of reasons to avoid decorating your house.

But if you haven’t, consider this. Naptown Scoop’s First-Ever Holly Jolliest Home Contest (NSFEJCHC for “short”) is well underway and the prizes are sweet (like $550 in gift cards sweet). You have until December 14 to enter. So maybe grin and bear it and put the lights up this weekend 😉

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@NAPTOWNSCOOP

📸 @boatsonthebay | 📍Spa Creek

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LOCAL BUSINESS

Holiday Block Party 🎉

Come one, come all. The Maryland Avenue and State Circle Association is kicking off December with a neighborhood block party. Join the festivities today (12/1) from 5–9 PM on Maryland Ave. The second block of Maryland Ave between Prince George St. and King George St. (aka the Georges) will be closed. Park for free at the Calvert Street Garage after 6 PM.

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.

Celebrate the Festival of Lights

Experience the magic of Chanukah on Thursday, December 7th, at 5:30 PM at Westfield Annapolis! This joyful celebration is open to everyone and offers a fantastic opportunity to experience the spirit of the holiday with the entire Jewish community. Enjoy a variety of activities, including hot latkes and doughnuts, a menorah lighting, special magic show, Chanukah crafts for kids, a raffle, and more. RSVP to ensure a delightful experience. And for those looking to contribute, volunteer or sponsor opportunities are available. Click here to know more and be part of this community celebration.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Wildberry’s Vintage Christmas Market

Wildberry Farm’s Field Market is always a good time. But the Vintage Christmas Market adds a festive remix that puts Hallmark to shame. First, it starts later (2–6 PM) so you can bundle up and get cozy. Then, there’s a beer garden, roaming Santa, lots of local vendors, live music, and warm soup. Convinced yet? Stop by this Saturday (12/2) at 1047 Saint Stephens Church Road, Crownsville, MD.

Open-air Markets You Won’t Want to Miss

Aside from Wildberry’s Vintage Christmas Market, there are five other markets to visit this weekend.

Saturday (12/2)

🍪 Quaker Holiday Market: Homemade baked goods, plants, crafts, clothing, books, and more. 9 AM–2 PM at 351 DuBois Road in Annapolis.

Sunday (12/3)

🛍️ Local Coast Market: Vendors joining the veteran-owned coastal apparel company include: Lila Pants, Parlay Pickleball, Gray Wolf Spirits, Kimberly James Jewelry, and Wishlist Boutique. Held at 537 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd in Severna Park from 10 AM-4 PM.

🍝 Italian Christmas Market: Cozy vibes only at the Sons and Daughters of Italy lodge – 620 Ridgely Ave in Annapolis. Stroll through the bazaar for Italian foods and unique products from local artisans. 10 AM–4 PM.

🍫 Annapolis Chocolate Binge Festival: Anything with the words “chocolate” and “binge” sounds like a sweet time to us. Held at 55 West St in Annapolis from 11 AM–4 PM. Tickets are $5.

🍳 Heroes Holiday Market: Shop 35 local vendors while you enjoy breakfast sammies and specialty cocktails at the popular pub located at 1 Riverview Avenue in Annapolis. Plus, photo ops with Santa and his crew! 8-11 AM.

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

County Council meeting

On the agenda for Monday’s County Council meeting:

  • Parking spaces at workforce housing

  • Master plan for Odenton Town Center

  • See full agenda

The meeting is Monday (12/4) at 7 PM at the Arundel Center - 44 Calvert Street Annapolis, MD 21401. View all public meetings and agendas here. Watch online or submit testimony here.

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WEATHER

Friday

50 🌡️ 46 | 🌧️ | 70% | 💨 S 7 mph (6 knots)

Saturday

58 🌡️ 52 | 🌧️ | 33% | 💨 S 5 mph (4 knots)

Sunday

56 🌡️ 47 | 🌧️ | 44% | 💨 ENE 7 mph (6 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 50ºF
Temperature readings taken from the mouth of the Severn River the night before publication.

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

Friday

49 West | Tom Mitchell | 8–10:30 PM
Annapolis Smokehouse & Tavern | Dave Chappell | 9 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Michael McHenry Tribe | 9 PM
Brian Boru | Ray Wroten | 7–10 PM
The Choptank | Kieran Lally | 8 PM
Great Frogs | Josh Kachura | 5–8 PM
Jalapeños | Tom Lagana | 7:30–10:30 PM
Killarney House | Levi Stephens | 7–10 PM
Middleton Tavern | Noelle & Jeff Band | 10 PM
Mother's Peninsula Grille | Loose Ties | 9PM–12 AM
Old Stein | Dan Heely Band | 8–11 PM
Pirates Cove | Joe Hickey | 7–10 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Dirty Grass | 8 PM | Tickets
Rams Head Roadhouse | Michael K | 8 PM
Rams Head Tavern | Kristi Allen | 5 PM
Rams Head Tavern | Josette & Bill | 10 PM
Reynolds Tavern | Mike Heuer | 7 PM
Romilo’s Restaurant and Bar | Scorpion Rose | 7 PM
Stan & Joe’s Saloon | Tommy McGee | 9 PM

Saturday

49 West | Solid Sender w/ Big Joe Maher | 7:30–10:30 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Keiron Brian Raphael | 8 PM
Brian Boru | b.en | 7–10 PM
The Choptank | Timothy Bracken | 8 PM
Dark Horse | Starbelly  | 9 PM
Great Frogs | Noah Booz | 5–8 PM
Killarney House | Dave Tieff | 7–10 PM
Middleton Tavern | Michael McHenry Tribe | 10 PM
Mother's Peninsula Grille | Grilled Lincolns | 9 PM
Pirates Cove | Larry Turner | 7–10 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Motown & More | 5:30 PM | Tickets
Rams Head On Stage | Motown & More | 8:30 PM | Tickets
Rams Head Roadhouse | Major Company Band | 9 PM
Rams Head Tavern | Keith & Coster | 10 PM
Reynolds Tavern | TBA | 7 PM
Romilo’s Restaurant and Bar | Stillbound | 7 PM
Severna Park Taphouse | Jack Rimel | 8 PM
Stan & Joe’s Riverside | Richard Haywood | 5–9 PM
Stan & Joe’s Saloon | Honey Sol | 9:45 PM
Sullivan’s Cove | Sparks & McCoy | 7:30–10:30 PM

Sunday

Annapolis Chocolate Binge Festival | See Lineup | 11 AM–4 PM
Brian Boru | Finbar's Flight | 3–6 PM
The Choptank | Jon Zorn | 8 PM
Dark Horse | West Street Revival Band | 7:30 PM
Galway Bay | Richard Hayward | 4–8 PM
Harry Browne’s | Wake Zone | 6 PM
Killarney House |  Adam Forbes | 3–6 PM
Pirates Cove | Aaron Hawkins | 3–6 PM
Rams Head On Stage | A Peter White Christmas feat. Mindi Abair & Vincent Ingala | 4:30 PM | Tickets
Rams Head On Stage | A Peter White Christmas feat. Mindi Abair & Vincent Ingala | 7:30 PM | Tickets

SPORTS

NEW: Anchors Aweigh Podcast 🎙️⚓ 🏈

It is almost Army-Navy week and what a week that will be. New England Patriots president Jonathan Kraft said ticket demand is greater than any AFC Championship Gillette Stadium hosted and even greater than Taylor Swift’s three nights at the stadium in May.

With all that hype, it’s no surprise the game has a huge economic impact. Navy athletics insiders Pete Medhurst and Bill Wagner talked to Jon Starrett, Navy’s Associate Athletic Director for Corporate Sales, about the sponsorships that make the game such a premier event. They also chatted with Derric Turner, a former Navy basketball player who represented the Academy at this week’s press conference in Foxborough. Click here to listen!

Broadneck headlines Friday night football championships 🐻

We want to wish a heart good luck to Broadneck High School tonight. They’re playing perennial powerhouse Dr. Henry A. Wise, Jr. High School in the Maryland 4A State Football Championship. The game is at 7:30 PM at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium so let’s pack the stands with Bruins fans and give the team all the screaming help we can. Tickets are $10 and only sold online. Click here to buy.

Past Navy results

Women's Basketball (3-4)
11/30 @ Wagner College | L 69–67

Upcoming Navy games & matches

Women's Basketball (3-3)
12/3 vs. William & Mary | 11 AM

Men's Basketball (1-4)
12/3 vs. Coppin State | 1:30 PM

Men’s Hockey (4-11)
12/2 vs. Army | 5 PM

Men's Squash (7-2)
12/1 vs. Wesleyan | 6:30 PM
12/3 vs. MIT | 10 AM

Women's Track & Field
12/2 vs. Navy Invitational I | 9 AM

Men's Track & Field
12/2 vs. Navy Invitational I | 9 AM

Wrestling (4-0)
12/1-2 vs. Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational | Noon

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THANKS!

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