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Dorchester Chamber of Commerce eNews & Events
December 25, 2025 - January 8, 2026
| | | The Team at the Dorchester Chamber wishes you a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, and a very Safe and Happy New Year. We hope you are able to spend time with friends and family to recharge to get ready for 2026. | | Click on the logo of any of our Corporate Sponsors in the eNews to learn more about them and to thank them for their on going support of the community. | | |
Cambridge Ice & Oyster Festival
January 16 & 17, 2026
5 - 8 pm Friday
11 am to 7 pm Saturday
Downtown Cambridge & Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay
2026 Cambridge Ice and Oyster Festival For our 5th Annual Event we will be Celebrating America's 250th
In addition to many of the crowd favorites like the Ice Slide, Hunting Blind, and Graffiti Wall this year we are adding an Ice Maze. Come out to see how good you are navigating the frozen maze.
Black Water Adventures and the Hyatt will be hosting the synthetic ice rink again this year and there will be a free shuttle between the sites.
This is a great family friendly event that is fun for all ages.
https://iceoysterfest.com
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Dorchester Chamber Foundation Scholarship Applications
Application Process IS OPEN
Calling all Chamber Members that have employees that are age 16-21 or have employees with children or grandchildren that are age 16-21. The awards are not only for high school seniors but anyone looking to continue their education in a certified program.
We have awarded scholarships for a wide variety of programs in the past, including arts, agriculture, cosmetology, computer science, criminal justice, culinary, education, engineering, nursing, physical therapy, physician, marine trades, veterinary medicine, welding, and many more...
Awards range from $1,000 to $4,000. You can learn more and get an application at:
www.dorchesterchamber.org/scholarhips
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National Civics Bee
Do you have a 6th, 7th, or 8th Grade Student?
Any Student in the State of Maryland can participate.
Share your ideas and flex your civics knowledge in the National Civics Bee®.
ABOUT THE BEE
The Dorchester Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to host a nonpartisan civics competition that encourages young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Participating 6th, 7th and 8th graders will flex their civics knowledge for a chance to win recognition and cash prizes. Finalists will be invited to Washington, DC to compete in the National Civics Bee National Championship in Fall 2026.
For more information: www.dorchesterchamber.org/civicsbee
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It Could Be YOU!
If you are a member and you get a business listed in this section of the eNews you get a free admission to a Chamber Business Lunch or Breakfast.
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Suggested Reading:
Quote of the Week:
“When all the dust is settled and all the crowds are gone, the things that matter are faith, family, and friends.”
--Barbara Bush
| | Bronze Sponsors - Part 1 | |
Cambridge Time Machine: The Wallace Building | |
Colonel James Wallace built the Greek Revival building at 301 Gay Street in 1852 to be his law office, and it is one of the earliest surviving commercial buildings in Cambridge. He also used it as a recruiting office when he was commander of the First Regiment of the Eastern Shore Infantry during the Civil War. Later, this was the spot from which he watched the packing operations of Cambridge’s first full-scale oyster cannery, a business he founded. By 1896, his son was one of the foremost packers on the Eastern Shore. It was an insurance office in the early 20th century and the headquarters of the Dorchester Educators in the 1970s.
Courtesy of the Cambridge Spy
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Maple Elementary Students Impress U.S. Education Secretary During Visit | |
Despite a delayed school start, Maple Elementary School in Cambridge welcomed a distinguished group of visitors on Monday for an engaging stop on the U.S. Department of Education’s national History Rocks! Trail to Independence Tour.
U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, joined by Rep. Andy Harris (R-Md.) and his staff, Dorchester County commissioners, Cambridge Mayor Lajan Cephas-Bey, Dorchester County Public Schools Superintendent Jymil Thompson, and members of the Dorchester County Board of Education, toured the school before gathering fourth- and fifth-grade students for interactive educational activities celebrating America’s upcoming 250th anniversary in 2026.
The assembly kicked off with an inspiring a cappella performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” by student Katondra Jenkins, followed by remarks from tour organizers. Students eagerly demonstrated their knowledge under the guidance of emcee Dr. Donald Boyd, Director of Teaching and Learning for Dorchester County Public Schools.
One standout moment came when student Rian White confidently answered the question, “What is a quill?” impressing the entire audience.
Read more on the Cambridge Spy
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Kids’ Christmas Wishes Open New YMCA Family Center | |
With a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday afternoon, the Pauline F. and W. David Robbins Family YMCA officially opened a newly renovated space for Cambridge families, before the focus shifted to holiday cheer as children lined up to tell Santa what they hoped to find under the tree.
The opening of the Bob Brannock Family Engagement Center at the Robbins Y was followed by an evening of holiday activities that drew dozens of families from all over Dorchester into the building. Photos with Santa, cookies and cocoa, crafts, and book displays filled the new multi-purpose space as parents and children lingered into the evening.
Santa, portrayed by Jeffrey Hill, listened patiently as youngsters shared their Christmas lists. Nathan Jackson, 6, of Hurlock, said he was hoping for a computer to play video games and an electric dirt bike. Nairobi Murray, 5, asked for a nail kit and a bracelet, while her brother Brandon, 6, had video games at the top of his list.
Friends Amira Greene and Alani Johnson, both 7, arrived with ambitious requests. Alani asked for skincare products, a vanity set, and an electric motorbike. Amira, a Lilo & Stitch enthusiast, requested plane tickets to Maui for her family – including their dog – along with a cosmetics kit and an electric motorbike to roll through town with Alania. Isla Weglarz, 6, of Woolford, who attended with her mother, Lauren, and asked Santa for a Gabby’s Dollhouse toy and a puzzle.
Read more on the Cambridge Spy
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Baywater Animal Rescue and Cambridge Rescue Fire Company partner to get shelter dogs adopted | |
CAMBRIDGE, MD - Some lucky people in Cambridge brought home new furry friends just in time for Christmas.
On Dec. 14 and 20, the Baywater Animal Rescue brought some shelter dogs to the Rescue Fire Company train garden for the second year.
The rescue brought adoptable shelter dogs to the beloved Christmas attraction, in hopes to find the pups owners.
Rescue officials say last year was such a success with every dog brought to the train garden being adopted, that they decided to return twice this season.
Read more on WBOC
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Dorchester in Focus: East New Market | |
Dorchester County is a place where history, heritage, and natural beauty come together. Its small towns invite visitors to slow down, explore, and connect with a way of life deeply rooted in the past yet alive in the present. This video series continues your tour through these communities.
East New Market is a small town with deep roots and a remarkable story. Born along a Nanticoke Indian path and shaped by trade, education, and faith, it grew into an important crossroads on Maryland’s Eastern Shore before changing transportation patterns reshaped its role. Today, East New Market’s quiet streets and well-preserved architecture reflect centuries of history, offering a glimpse into the people and events that helped define the region.
In this 4-minute video, you can see scenes from modern East New Market while hearing the broader history of the town.
Watch the segment on the Cambridge Spy
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Frosty’s Holiday Village Brings Repeat Visitors and Newcomers | |
This year’s Frosty’s Holiday Village event, presented by For All Seasons and taking place at Anchor Church in Easton, featured over 50 inflatables and a larger resource tent featuring 12 resource partners who provided fun games and important resources for local families.
All activities were free and included favorites such as professional photos with Frosty and friends, holiday crafts, Letters to Santa, Cascading Carlos the Juggler, face painting, complimentary cocoa and sweet winter treats, and a continuous showing of "Frosty's Winter Wonderland" on the big screen. Participants got their photos with Frosty as well.
Read more HERE
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Nicholas Bradley Jr Attains Professional Engineering License | |
Davis, Bowen & Friedel, Inc. (DBF), is pleased to announce that Civil Engineer Nicholas S. Bradley Jr., P.E., is officially a licensed engineer in the State of Maryland following the successful completion of the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) exam from the Maryland Association of Professional Engineers.
Nicholas began his career with the firm as an intern in December 2020 and joined full-time after completing his civil engineering degree at the University of Delaware. He joined the firm as a project engineer at its Salisbury, Maryland, office under the guidance of principal Jason P. Loar, P.E.
Read more HERE
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Virtual Tour of the RFC Train Garden | |
The Cambridge Rescue Fire Company Train Garden is marking its 91st holiday season, continuing a tradition that began in 1934. This beloved display blends nostalgia with modern touches, inviting visitors on a miniature journey through time.
From a 1950s drive-in movie theater to scenes inspired by today’s world, the winter wonderland is filled with trains winding past Ferris wheels, bus stations, and even a football field. One of the centerpiece attractions is an exact replica of Cambridge’s iconic drawbridge.
Look closely and you’ll spot delightful surprises throughout the display — the Beatles performing in a bandstand, Marty McFly straight out of “Back to the Future,” and a detailed model of the old City Hall glowing with Christmas lights.
Read more on the Cambridge Spy
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CWDI Selects Broker, Takes Stock as Year Closes | |
At its December 18, 2025, meeting, the Cambridge Waterfront Development Inc. (CWDI) board announced that it has selected a commercial real estate broker to market properties at Cambridge Harbor.
CWDI Board President Angie Hengst said the broker’s identity will be revealed once the contract is finalized, adding the presence of a broker marks a significant step toward attracting private developers for the infrastructure and public amenities envisioned for the project.
The board also used the year’s final meeting to review finances, discuss a proposed operating budget, and note renewed federal interest in the project.
Financial Review and Approvals
Board members approved updated financial statements for audit, showing the project remains primarily grant-funded with total grant income just under $2.4 million. Key funding includes a nearly $1.8 million federal Economic Development Administration grant, a state appropriation as local match, and about $297,000 from the state Rural Economic Development Fund for infrastructure design.
Earlier property sale proceeds offset a reported loss of roughly $75,000. CWDI is holding about $109,000 in retainage payable (10 percent withheld from contractor invoices until closeout), with half already released.
Read more on the Cambridge Spy
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Nalesnik joins TidalHealth Urogynecology in Berlin - Read more HERE
Stella named TidalHealth Peninsula Regional’s December 2025 Sunshine Awardee - Read more HERE
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The Maryland House of Delegates elected Del. Joseline Peña-Melnyk as the next speaker during a special legislative session.
Democrat Peña-Melnyk has been a member of the State House of Delegates since 2007, representing Anne Arundel and Prince George's counties.
Links to upcoming local meeting agendas
City of Cambridge
Town of Hurlock
Dorchester County Council
Here is link to Town Hall Streams where you can watch Dorchester County Council, City of Cambridge, Town of Hurlock, and Dorchester County School Board meetings live or recording of prior meetings: TOWN HALL STREAMS
This section of the weekly eNews is designed to provide updates to various legislative topics we think are of importance to our members. If there is any legislation we do not mention that you believe is important please reach out to us via email or call 410-228-3575.
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November 1, 2025 - February 13, 2026
Dorchester Chamber Foundation Scholarship Applications are being Accepted
Click Here for more information and to donate: www.dorchesterchamber.org/scholarships
January 16 & 17, 2026
5-8 p.m. on Friday
11 a.m. - 7 p.m. on Saturday
Cambridge Ice & Oyster Festival
Downtown Cambridge & Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay
https://iceoysterfest.com
Click Here for Sponsor Info
Click Here to Volunteer
January 21, 2026
12:00 p.m.
Ribbon Cutting: 7Brew
2733 Dorchester Square, Cambridge, MD 21613
Save the Date
January 29, 2026
12:00 p.m.
Ribbon Cutting: My Daughters & Me
421 Race Street, Ste 100, Cambridge, MD 21613
Save the Date
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Ongoing
Maryland ROPTA Classes
Workshops in Mental Health First Aid for Adults, Adults who work with Youth, Connection between problem gambling and substance related disorders. For the schedule and if virtual, webinar or in-person, go to:
https://marylandropta.org/
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Tuesday Mornings, 2025
Grief Support Group - Dorchester
Coastal Hospice invites you to become a part of our ongoing grief support groups that occur weekly. Our groups are offered at no cost and are open to all members who continue experiencing pain due to death, whether or not Coastal Hospice supported you. Our goals are grief education, emotional support, and expanding your circle of connection and support.
*You will be notified by the Facilitator, Nicole, if there are any group cancelations.
To register, please email Nicole Long, Coastal Hospice Bereavement Counselor and Community Educator at nlong@coastalhospice.org or call 410-742-8732 ext 621
If leaving a message, please state the grief support group you are interested in attending.
For more information about support we offer, please visit www.coastalhospice.org/grief-support
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Fridays, 2025
9:30 a.m.
Vets Helping Vets
Meets Fridays at 9:30 am at American Legion Post 243, Hurlock, MD. Free coffee and Donuts. EVERYONE INVITED that cares about Veteran issues or cares about a Veteran. Young adults interested in the military should attend and ask questions.
American Legion Post #243, 57 Legion Drive, Hurlock, MD 21643 facebook.com/HurlockAmericanLegionPost243
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Thursdays
5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Kidz Clef Club
Join The Salvation Army of Cambridge for Kidz Clef Club every Thursday for Music that Builds character and Community for Life. For Kids ages 6-16.
Dinner will be provided for all kids.
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED PRIOR TO ATTENDANCE. Call for more info. 443-225-7332 or Email katelyn.paul@uss.salvationarmy.org
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Fridays - 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Saturdays 2025 - 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Sundays 2025 - 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Synthetic Ice-Skating Rink at Hyatt Chesapeake Bay
Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina and Blackwater Adventures are celebrating the holiday season with an on-site synthetic ice-skating rink providing magical winter moments on the Eastern Shore. The synthetic ice-skating rink will be located next to the resort’s Regatta Pavilion. The adjoining Winter Village will provide skate rentals, a refreshment station serving hot chocolate and cozy cocktails, and fire pits for warming up and roasting marshmallows to make s’mores. New this year, the Winter Village will also provide a holiday-themed miniature golf course, lawn games, and pop-up shops from local area businesses ideal for unique gift opportunities. The synthetic ice-skating rink and Winter Village is open on Fridays between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., on Saturdays between 12 p.m. and 8 p.m., and on Sundays between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. The rink will have extended hours during Christmas week and post-holiday hours will be announced in the new year.
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December 25 - 31, 2025
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. every day except Christmas Day
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
91st Annual Rescue Fire Company Train Garden
The Rescue Fire Company Train Garden returns in 2025 for its ninety-first consecutive year! Housed in the Old Firehouse on Gay Street, the Train Garden is a Cambridge Christmas tradition like no other.
Gaze in wonder at the displays, seek out hidden fun on the layouts, and enjoy our locally famous popcorn. Then get some holiday shopping done in the many wonderful Downtown Cambridge shops and dine at the restaurants who support the Train Garden, too!
We're open every evening in December other than Christmas, with daytime openings on Saturdays and Sundays.
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December 25, 2025
Christmas Day
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December 25, 2025
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Christmas Day Service
Christmas at Christ Episcopal Church
Christmas Day Service with Holy Communion
https://christchurchcambridge.org/
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December 27, 2025
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Guided Birding Tour at Blackwater NWR
Enjoy the Sights and Sounds of Fall at Blackwater NWR with Ron Ketter
Come experience the changing of the seasons at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) by participating in one of our Guided Birding tours in the fall of 2025. Fall birding tours at the refuge highlight the returning migratory waterfowl. Don’t miss the opportunity to observe our diverse array of feathered friends, from woodpeckers and wading birds to numerous species of waterfowl and raptors, including the bald eagle. Prior bird knowledge is not required! Expert birders Terry Allen and Ron Ketter will help you identify and learn about the many species of birds that inhabit the refuge.
Participants will meet at the Blackwater NWR Visitor Center at 8:00 a.m. Tours may last 3 to 4 hours. The birding party typically tours via personal vehicle, stopping at various hotspots around the refuge’s Wildlife Drive. Binoculars and field guides are highly recommended for an enjoyable experience. There is no fee or advanced registration required. For further information, please call the Blackwater NWR Visitor Center at 410-228-2677 or visit our website at www.fws.gov/refuge/Blackwater.
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, protects over 33,000 acres of rich tidal marsh, mixed hardwood and pine forest, managed freshwater wetlands and cropland for a diversity of wildlife. To learn more, visit our website at http://www.fws.gov/refuge/blackwater or @BlackwaterNWR.
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December 27, 2025
8:00 - 9:00 a.m.
Yoga with Patty
Embark on a journey of tranquility and strength with our gentle yoga class. Designed for all skill levels, this class offers a harmonious blend of postures and breathing techniques to rejuvenate both mind and body. As you flow through the sequences, you'll find a nurturing environment that encourages personal growth and inner peace. Concluding with a serene meditation, you'll leave feeling centered and refreshed, carrying the calmness of the class with you into the world.
Please Call/Text to Reserve Your Space: 410-463-8393 $15/session/person
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December 27, 2025
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Joe Bryan @ Old Salty's
Head down to Old Salty's for a relaxing evening at Old Salty's Restaurant with Live Music by Joe Bryan and delightfully delectable menu.
www.oldsaltys.com
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December 28, 2025
9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Christmas Lessons & Carols
Christmas at Christ Episcopal Church
Join us for Lessons and Carols with Holy Communion
https://christchurchcambridge.org/
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December 30, 2025
5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Yoga with Patty
Embark on a journey of tranquility and strength with our gentle yoga class. Designed for all skill levels, this class offers a harmonious blend of postures and breathing techniques to rejuvenate both mind and body. As you flow through the sequences, you'll find a nurturing environment that encourages personal growth and inner peace. Concluding with a serene meditation, you'll leave feeling centered and refreshed, carrying the calmness of the class with you into the world.
Please Call/Text to Reserve Your Space: 410-463-8393 $15/session/person
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December 31, 2025 4 p.m. - January 1, 2026
New Year's Eve Package at Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay
Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay is offering a special New Year’s Eve celebration package. Guests who book the overnight celebration package receive exclusive access to a variety of family-friendly festivities for the holiday. On New Year’s Eve, the resort will welcome overnight guests with a holiday dinner buffet at Water’s Edge Grill. The menu will feature a variety of holiday classics, Eastern Shore favorites, and extravagant desserts. The overnight package also provides access to a holiday party complete with a live broadcast of the countdown from Times Square, a DJ, party favors family game rooms, and a teen lounge with several of the latest gaming consoles. The resort also provides waterfront skating at its on-site synthetic ice-skating rink and “dive in” movies at its Winter Garden pool complex. At midnight, the resort will feature a champagne or sparkling cider toast to officially welcome 2026. For more information or to book a New Year’s Eve stay at Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina, please visit hyattregencychesapeakebay.com, or call (410) 901-1234. An additional New Year’s Eve fee will be applied to the reservation.
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December 31, 2025
5:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.
New Year's Eve - Blue Ruin
Join Blue Ruin for a New Years Eve Dinner. Enjoy a Four Course Meal for $140/person. Make Dinner Reservations between 5 - 10 p.m.
The Bar is open after dinner for the local ball Drop from 10 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Come celebrate the start of 2026 with us.
www.blueruinbar.com
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December 31, 2025
6:00 p.m.
New Year's Eve Party with Chuckie Hayward & Buffet @ Old Salty's
Old Salty's Restaurant is the place to be for New Year's Eve with Chuckie Hayward and a buffet that is sure to please any pallet.
www.oldsaltys.com
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December 31, 2025
6:30 p.m.
New Years in the Neck
Neck District Volunteer Fire Company Doors open at 6:30 with light apps, including crab dip, for an hour or so then dinner will be served. See our Facebook post for some pics of the very appetizing entrees that Chef Sean of Doco Eats has planned. How about onion straw topped cedar plank salmon, bacon wrapped pork tenderloin medallions with a maple glaze, steak and ale braised beef in a puff pastry or the grilled chicken with garlic herb goat cheese? Sound incredible? Dinner includes salad and dessert. We will provide bottled water, ice and mixers all evening.
DJ Buddy Bloom will be spinning the discs (yeah some of us remember those) for us from the time the doors open throughout the evening, then culminating with a complimentary midnight champagne toast as the ball drops to welcome in the New Year.
We are limiting seating to a comfortable 80 tickets at $50 each. Get a group together, the tables seat 8 people. Tickets need to be pre purchased and are on a first come first served basis via payment. Payment can be made by check (payable to NDVFC) either mailed or dropped into our lock box next to the front door of the hall, PayPal (at neckdistrictvfc@gmail.com) or by credit card. For credit cards, please call our Treasurer Diana Gray at 410-330-9933. Entree selection must be made by Saturday December 20th, and we would certainly be OK with your entree choice being included at time of payment.
We have had a great time the past 7 years so help us sell this event out ! Hope to see you on New Year's Eve.
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December 31, 2025
7:30 p.m.
New Year's Eve BASKET DROP - Cambridge Main Street
The 2nd Annual New Year's Eve BASKET DROP, at the Cambridge Maryland Crab Basket Christmas Tree.
Wednesday, December 31, beginning at 7:30 p.m.
There'll be music by BP Productions, followed by the Basket drop at 9 pm
We hope you'll join us as we ring in 2026 in Downtown Cambridge
#welove21613md
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December 31, 2025
8:00 p.m.
Jimmy Charles at Suicide Bridge Restaurant
New Years Eve Party at Suicide Bridge Restaurant with Jimmy Charles Full Band / Boots, Bandanas & Bubbly. 9 pm-midnight plus Live DJ
21+ / Doors open 8 pm
Waterfront Banquet Hall
https://suicidebridge.com/
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December 31, 2025
8:30 p.m.
New Years Eve Dance with Hot Dog Gravy
Join the Cambridge Elks Lodge #1272 for New Years Eve. Hot Dog Gravy will play 8:30 - 12:30.
$25.00 a person included party favors.
Lit hors d'oeuvres, breakfast and shampagne toast at midnight.
Tickets available at the bar or contact Kim Harrison 410-200-8585. Tables of 6 or more can be reserved.
For members ad guests of members.
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January 1, 2025
New Years Day
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January 2, 2025
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
The Role of Women in Community Volunteering: Education, Entertainment, Health & Religion
A panel of community leaders will present and engage in discussion with attendees regarding how women can effectively serve our community as volunteers!
Please join us at The Cambridge Woman's Club for this FREE presentation that is open to all.
cambridgewomansclub.com
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Detailed Information for each event can be found on our website: www.dorchesterchamber.org/events/calendar/
With the current COVID conditions and CDC Guidelines, Please always check with the organization holding the event to make sure the events are still being held. Please be safe and take necessary precautions.
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Please take the time to send your community events to us at:
robinmarie@dorchesterchamber.org
Events can be submitted on our Public Submission Event Page
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306 High Street
Cambridge, MD 21613
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