Kent Island Day Returns May 16 with America’s 250th Birthday Celebration

​Kent Island Day returns Saturday, May 16, bringing a full day of family-friendly activities to Historic Stevensville while also celebrating America’s 250th birthday.

Hosted each year by the Kent Island Heritage Society, the event honors the history, culture, and heritage of Kent Island — recognized as the first permanent English settlement in Maryland. The tradition began in 1977 following a proclamation signed by then-Acting Governor Blair Lee.

This year’s festivities will take place in Historic Stevensville and will feature historic site tours, local vendors, food, kids activities, live entertainment, authors, artists, and demonstrations from a working blacksmith.

The opening ceremony begins at 10:15 a.m. and will include the National Anthem, a salute to the flag, and a reading of the original Kent Island Day proclamation.

The annual parade steps off at 10:30 a.m. from Kent Island Elementary School and will travel down Main Street through downtown Stevensville. Organizers say the parade will include classic cars, boats, music, scouts, civic groups, horses, fire trucks, and local elected officials.

Additional attractions include military reenactors, gardening exhibits, a model train display, a mini farmers market, and children’s activities including games, crafts, face painting, and bounce houses.

Live entertainment begins at 11 a.m. in Stevensville Pocket Park and continues throughout the day.

A major highlight this year will be the grand opening of the new Kent Island Heritage Center at 1 p.m., which will feature exhibits showcasing Kent Island’s history.

Organizers say the event offers a full day of history, food, entertainment, and family fun.