Events

Sock Burning and Boating: The Classic Rites of Spring

Boaters in Annapolis uphold tradition on March 20, 2006

The first day of spring traditionally brings people in Annapolis together for a rather unusual rite - the burning of the socks. It signifies that spring has arrived and that soon it will be time to don those boat shoes sans socks. Ah, that feel of raw wet leather against winter-smoothed skin.

On Monday March 20, members of the sailing community in Annapolis MD took winter’s woes out on your feet’s apparel as they joined in the sixth annual Sock Burning ceremony on spring’s debut. This year, the weather wasn't exactly cooperating, and flurries were forecast for Tuesday. The less than springlike conditions had some participants admiting to holding back a few of their socks pending more favorable weather forecasts. Word was that standing downwind of the socks bearers (or 'barers') was not a great idea.

It’s a tradition begun by the manager of the Annapolis Yacht Yard in the mid-1980s, when winter blahs from spending the season working on other peoples’ boats caused him to burn a pair of socks rich with metal filings, bottom paint grindings, sawdust, fiberglass fibers and globs of paint (I wonder how long he wore them to develop this history?). He then toasted spring with a long-neck beer.

Even wealthy boat owners delight in throwing socks on the flames in this town, whose residents have a special disdain for socks. Bare ankles are a mark of pride even at pricey restaurants and at work. Locals joke that socks constitute formal wear around here. The most hard-core sock haters refuse to wear them from the spring equinox until the first day of winter. "The uniform is deck shoes and khaki pants in winter. The uniform is deck shoes and khaki shorts in summer," said one participant with a chuckle.

The ceremony was held at Annapolis Maritime Museum’s McNasby Building in legendary Eastport. It was accompanied by a feast of oysters and brew, and lots of talk about the coming season. At 7pm, Them Eastport Oyster Boys performed their annual Ode to the Sock Burners at the Boatyard Bar & Grill.  Let the 2006 season begin!