A soft, gentle breeze blows. It’s neither too cold nor too hot. The sound of birds chirping fills the air. Trees begin to bud and flowers blossom. Wait…what’s that smell? Is that…burnt socks?!
The decades-long tradition of sock burning began in the 1970’s by a local Eastport shipwright (a carpenter skilled in ship construction and repair), George Turner. According to Annapolis Maritime Museum President and CEO, Alice Estrada, one day, George was fed up with winter – he cracked open a couple of cold beers around the spring equinox with a small group of friends and threw his socks into the fire. This simple action caught on and has now turned into a ritual – a rite of passage in the Spring. Getting rid of your socks for the Spring also has an important purpose – so you can wear your docks (i.e., boat shoes) barefooted and welcome boating season, a glorious time of year for Annapolis.
This year, the Annapolis Annual Oyster Roast and Sock Burning will continue at the Annapolis Maritime Museum on March 21, 2026. The event is already sold out (as it has been for the last 9 years), but it’s always a blast to celebrate one of Annapolis’ most unique waterfront tradition. It’s a BYOS (Bring Your Own Socks) family-friendly event, featuring some delicious oysters and a recitation of “Burn Your Socks”.
Photo courtesy of Annapolis Maritime Museum
Burn Your Socks at the Annapolis Maritime Museum
Composed by: Heidi Estrada and Michael Hughes
Ahoy ye sailors, it is the season,
Come hear the tale of the Maritime Museum.
T’was long ago McNasby’s, whose history we’re tracking,
With Rockfish and crabs and great Oyster packing.
And watermen came from around the bay
A beacon of Eastport, back in her day.
But the times they changed, and she started to waiver,
Then came the Museum who said “We will save her!”
The community rallied and with great affection,
Paid homage to watermen, our Maritime direction!
That wasn’t the end, oh no, just the start,
The Museum grew strong and state of the art,
Teaching our children, cleaning the bay,
Starting grand concerts, & the best one they say,
Is the first of the season, at the Spring equinox,
A rightful tradition to burn all our socks.
So pull up those pantlegs, and take off your shoes,
Pull off those socks and break out the brews,
Burn your socks my friend, the winter is done,
‘Tis time for boating, crabbing, and fun.
Goodbye to winter, only deck shoes we wear!
Though the socks we are burning leave a stink in the air!
Light them on fire, yes let them burn,
A promise that warm water is soon to return.
And so the tale ends and the sock smoke shall rise
Long live our tradition, an Annapolis pride!
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