By Rachel Ravina, Staff Writer

(July 4, 2019) Berlin residents and visitors can take advantage of the eve of the United States of America’s 243rd birthday with a picnic on the lawn at the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum.

The second annual event will take place from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday on the museum’s lawn on 208 N. Main St. in Berlin.

While the picnic began in 2018, Hope Palmer, vice president of the museum’s board of directors, said the idea fits well into the fabric of Berlin.

“It incorporates the entire town by us offering our lawn, which is such a beautiful piece of land right in the middle of downtown,” Palmer said.

Palmer also said the event is appropriate for families, and children can participate in a scavenger hunt, play lawn games and sign a representation of the Declaration of Independence during the event.

“I think it’s a great activity and a great event for families,” Palmer said.

Palmer added live music will be provided.

Additionally, event organizers will be selling slushies and lemonade.

Guests can bring their own food and drinks to the picnic, but people can also take advantage of the Street Kitchen food truck, which will sell a variety of foods ranging from barbecue to tacos.

While the exact attendance numbers were unclear, Palmer said she was pleased with the museum’s first picnic, and hopes for more people this year.

“Hundreds of people enjoyed it for the first event so we’re just hoping to grow it this year,” Palmer said.

Palmer recalled how a patriotic photo booth set up on the museum’s front porch during last year’s picnic was also a big hit.

“To watch the kids and the families come and the kids taking pictures and enjoying [themselves], to me that stood out,” Palmer said. “It was fun to watch them be silly, but also just having a good time.”

On the eve of the nation’s most historic date, Palmer said participants could experience a taste of Berlin’s history. She also hopes the introduction will keep them coming back for a future tour or activity.

To learn more about the picnic on the lawn at the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum, visit taylorhousemuseum.org or call 410-641-1019.

Palmer noted how the day’s schedule compliments well to the town’s main event later that evening: fireworks at Berlin Falls Park.

“[Families can] enjoy a picnic outside on the lawn, and then stay for fireworks,” she said. “It’s just a great evening event in the Town of Berlin.”

The town-sponsored fireworks will begin around 9:15 p.m. at the park on Old Ocean City Boulevard in Berlin.

Ivy Wells, community and economic development director for the Town of Berlin, said she hopes people will enjoy the night’s festivities.

“I think there’s no better way to celebrate your community than to actually be a part of it, and to come out, and have a good time,” Wells said in a June interview.

For more information, about the July 4 fireworks, visit berlinmd.gov.