MRE PRESS RELEASE
Oct. 5, 2001
Contact:
Elvia Thompson, Deputy Minister of Propaganda
Maritime Republic of Eastport
410 990-9025
elvia@stellarpresentations.com
or
Chris Kellogg, Premier
Maritime Republic of Eastport
410 216-9800
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MRE SUBMARINE MAKES PORT VISIT
The Navy of the Maritime Republic of Eastport announced today that one of its vessels, the MRE Submarine, is making a port visit to the City of Annapolis. MRE Submarine is occupying dockage space on the roof of the Fleet Reserve Club.
The visit, coinciding with the two boat shows being held in Annapolis, is timed to bring attention to the Fourth Annual International Tug of War to be held on November 3, and adds to the number of "firsts" attributed to the sub.
MRE Submarine is now the first and only Submarine to be moored atop a commercial building in Annapolis. While firsts come and go in every kind of human endeavor, it's a good bet that this one will stand for a while. Until recently the Sub has been kept in virtual hiding at the Annapolis Maritime Museum in Eastport, awaiting orders for her next mission.
At the crack of noon on November 3, the Tug of War will commence with its usual pomp and circumstance and some new surprises. This year's lineup features as many as 10 tugs including one pitting the Annapolis Police Department against the Annapolis Fire Department-the Heroes Match (also known as the Guns and Hoses Tug). All proceeds will go to local charities and to the families of victims of the recent terrorist attacks on America. Last year the Tug of War raised over $18,000 for local charities.
The Tug of War, now in its fourth year, draws on the rivalry between Eastport, the maritime neighborhood across Spa Creek from downtown Annapolis, and the city itself, with civic pride on both sides of the creek making this zany event more than a community fun day. It's also a fund-raising event benefiting primarily local charities.
The Coast Guard closes the Gulf of Eastport (Annapolis Harbor) for several hours while the teams on either side of the water tug away on a specially built 1700-foot-long rope stretched across the harbor. Downtown Annapolis and Eastport are transformed, with a festival-like atmosphere that includes food vendors, face-painting, clowns, cheering crowds, and all sorts of local color. Teams consisting of all men, all women, and coed have traditionally been the anchor teams for the tugs, earning the Maritime Republic of Eastport bragging rights for the first three years over its "citified" cousins across the Spa Creek. Local businesses also sponsor tug teams.
The Tug organizing committee has selected 10 local charities as the recipients of this year's Tug proceeds. However, given the recent terrorist attack on America, MRE citizens voted to add assistance to the families of victims as an 11th charity. The exact organization to receive the funds and the proportional amount will be determined closer to the event itself.
MRE sponsors the event as part of its commitment to make the entire community a better place to live. With the financial backing of other private groups and businesses, the Tug is an outstanding example of how to supplement local, state and federal government activities.
The MRE is recruiting tuggers for both sides of the 1/4-mile competition. Tuggers are asked to raise $50-$100 each for charity by obtaining pledges from friends and neighbors.
This year's Tug of War, a family-friendly annual event, will be preceded by an early display of seamanship and sportsmanship on the part of the Naval Academy Crew teams (the real Navy, that is).
More information about the Tug is available on the official MRE website at www.themre.org, or by calling Mike Raab at 410 991-5997.
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