Welcome to Charlestown Riverfest in Historic Charlestown, Maryland
Engage in the planning, development and implementation of community programs to benefit the children and families of
The History of Riverfest
Members of The Riverfest Committee are all volunteers and residents of the area. They saw a need to help local children benefit from after school programs and worked hard to bring Riverfest in Historic Charlestown from dream to reality. The town, the neighbors, year-round and seasonal, all contributes in their way to make Riverfest a success. Charlestown is a place where children and family values are honored and value is placed on a good education. It does take a village.
Historic Charlestown - Home to Riverfest
Charlestown, Maryland, located on the Northeast River where it empty's at the head of the Chesapeake Bay, began hosting popular annual fairs in the 1700’s, drawing everyone from miles around to come have a good time and sell their goods, the historic name of Peddler’s Creek at the entrance to town gives testimony to these days.
One of the first Englishmen to discover what would be the port of Charlestown was Captain John Smith. Revolutionary officers and George Washington himself routinely stayed in Charlestown, a convenient half-way point on the colonial post road between Baltimore and Philadelphia. Teddy Roosevelt and Calvin Coolidge were members of The Wellwood Club and joined other political elite duck hunting and fishing from Charlestown’s docks.
Generations of some Charlestown residents have made a living on the waters of the Northeast River and the upper Chesapeake Bay. Crabber’s, fishermen, duck hunters and guides, known as “Watermen”, work the water for their livelihood alongside summer vacationers. Inviting walks past colonial homes in the historic district, waterfront parks, marinas and a fishing jetty are popular. Dramatic Long Point is used frequently as an unforgettable wedding location.