🍦How the shutdown affects Annapolis

Good morning, Annapolis. The Annapolis Powerboat Show drops anchor today. It’s bliss for boaters, but it does make downtown a little more complicated to drive in. Plan accordingly.

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

Let’s get to it.

— Lauren Burke Meyer, Dylan Roche, Duffy Perkins

Timber Pizza Company’s been serving up wood-fired pies and good vibes in Annapolis for over a year now at their West Street spot. But they didn’t stop there. This summer they opened a second location in Edgewater, right around the corner from their friends at Always Ice Cream (who they recently collaborated with).

The Edgewater digs come with more seating, plenty of parking, and TVs ready for game day. Whether you’re grabbing a pie to-go, posting up with friends, or looking for a spot to host a party, Timber’s got you covered.

So after the Boat Show, swing by West Street. Or if you’re dodging the downtown crowds, cruise down to Edgewater and check out the new spot. And if you want the inside scoop (pun very much intended), follow @TimberPizzaCo_AnneArundel on Instagram.

Quick refresher: The federal fiscal year started yesterday. Unless Congress passes an appropriations bill . . . well, there’s no funding. So until Republicans and Democrats can work something out, the government is on break. Not a fun snow day kind of break though.

What it means for us: Federal jobs and spending are a big part of Anne Arundel County’s economy — about 21K people have federal jobs earning a collective $3.4 billion. That’s second only to Montgomery and PG Counties. Elsewhere, state officials say the shutdown could cost Maryland $700K per day.

Governor Moore says federal programs like SNAP, WIC, Head Start, and veterans’ services will continue in Maryland, though that could change if the shutdown drags on without promise of reimbursement. County Executive Steuart Pittman announced resources for local federal workers feeling the effects.

As for the Naval Academy, active-duty service members will serve without pay (they’ll receive backpay when the government reopens), but civilians – about half of USNA’s staff – won’t work. Students will attend all classes, as they may have a sub. If a teacher doesn’t show within 10 minutes, they can leave. Final exams won’t be affected.

🏈 Football fans will like to know that Navy football isn’t affected because the Naval Academy Athletic Association is a private nonprofit. In other words, if you have plans to attend Navy’s home game against Air Force on Saturday — keep them.

Don’t bother saying, “Shhhhhh”. This story is meant to be read out loud! Anne Arundel County Public Library has opened its first permanent StoryWalk, where families can stroll Quiet Waters Park’s Wildwood Trail while reading laminated pages from a children’s picture book. Thanks to community donors including a grant from Medicine with a Mission, the $9,000 project blends literacy with nature and physical activity. Stories will rotate quarterly, starting with Let’s Go for a Walk by Ranger Hamza. The first week of each new tale comes with free park admission.

P.S. Lauren already wants to volunteer to read Charlie STEPs UP to LACROSSE while listeners stroll and cradle. 🥍 ($)

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Maybe the only thing that feels better than a good stretch session is avoiding a long commute. At least, that was the general sentiment the team at Annapolis StretchMed heard from their members living in the Gambrills and Crofton area. So they opened a new location in the Village at Waugh Chapel (2646 Brandermill Boulevard, Gambrills), which is closer to home for that group. StretchMed is open for bookings now, and this first month is offering a special first-visit free introductory stretch along with two free credits added to any membership or package after signing up.

And yes, this is outside of our radius but whenever we talk about StretchMed y’all are interested so we just wanted to let you know.

While the Annapolis Boat Shows are the real sign of fall in downtown Annapolis, fall pumpkin patches offer some of the best fall festivals in the area. But before you load the family up in the car, make sure you grab your tickets in advance, because just like RennFest, some weekends will sell out.

Homestead Gardens in Davidsonville

Davidsonville’s Homestead Gardens offers one of the largest pumpkin patches in the area, with tractor rides, a petting zoo, pony rides, a jump pad, and more apple cider donuts than you could ever possibly eat. Their beautiful greenhouse is open at the same time, so make sure you bring a monstera plant home with your gourds.

Montpelier Farms in Upper Marlboro

As one of the only farms offering weekday fun, Montpelier Farms has a great pumpkin patch and maze along with tons of kids activities, friendly animals, hill slides, and ride-on pig races. Don’t forget to stop in their farmer’s market for some yummy baked goods before heading home. If you’re looking for a spooky evening, their maze is open until 11 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.

Knightongale Farm in Harwood

This 82-acre working farm offers something for everyone. Located conveniently off Route 2, Knightongale Farm offers great pumpkin picking along with face painting, a corn maze, tractor rides, and of course fluffy animals to pet. There’s a pony ride and even an apple cannon for an extra fee (we recommend the latter), along with brewery and vineyard offerings for adults.

Maryland Corn Maze in Gambrills

The Maryland Corn Maze is much more than a corn maze, if the thought of a labyrinth gives you immediate anxiety. The great activities are appropriate for younger kids and involve a petting zoo, fun slides, zip lines, a bounce pad, and pony rides (for an extra fee). Get your sugar high off some apple cider donuts while the kids tackle the corn pyramid, and then go tackle the corn maze. It’s really fun.

Y Worry Farm in Davidsonville

If you’re looking for a chill, worry-free experience choosing your annual pumpkins, Y Worry Farm is the kind of place that makes for a peaceful afternoon outdoors. The farm has five acres of pumpkin patch, along with goats and chickens, and a corn maze. On Saturday, they’re offering a free scarecrow-making workshop (please bring your own clothes for the scarecrow if participating).

In Annapolis: Friends of the Lighthouse Shelter’s Pumpkin Patch

When you don’t feel like driving, the local pumpkin patch at St. Martin’s Church on Spa Road offers one of the best pumpkin patches around. All purchases support the Friends of the Lighthouse Shelter, a homelessness prevention and support center.

Nothing in this section is sponsored. They're just the things you need to know. I'll always let you know when something's sponsored.

When precision counts — whether on the field or in your business — you need a team that knows the playbook. That’s Yates Insurance Agency.

This family-owned, local agency helps Annapolis businesses design coverage programs for their organization. From liability and property to vehicle fleets and beyond, Yates has the plays to help ensure the win for your business!

Skip the basic plays and get real, boots-on-the-ground guidance from a team that treats insuring your business like a championship game. And of course, Go Navy Beat Air Force!

Call Yates Insurance today to make sure your business is protected.

FRIDAY

Children’s Theatre of Annapolis Fall Festival | 1661 Bay Head Road, Annapolis | Kid-friendly fun with live performances, vendors, and food trucks for the whole family | 5 PM to 9.

Food Truck Friday | 275 Harry S. Truman Pkwy, Annapolis | This week’s menu features tacos and BBQ, donuts and crabcakes | 4 PM to 7:30.

SATURDAY

Fall Plant Sale | Edgewater | Historic London Town and Gardens has some of the best gardens around - and makes them available for you to bring home | 8 AM (Members only), 9 AM to 1 PM (General public).

Barktoberfest | Annapolis Town Center | Bavarian food, German beer, and a doggy costume contest | 10:30 AM to 6 PM.

Pirates Cove “A Decade on Deck” Celebration | Galesville | Close out summer with fresh oysters, cold drinks, and more at this great dock party | 11 AM to close.

Navy vs. Air Force Football | Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium | There are still decent tickets available at reasonable prices, and the forecast looks phenomenal | Noon kickoff.

OPEN MARKETS

Fall Field Market at Wildberry | Crownsville | After last week’s weather kept us home, we’re looking forward to all things Wildberry this weekend | Saturday, 9 AM to Noon.

SP Farmer’s Market | October’s veggies along with artisan bread, fall-inspired creations, and so much more | Saturday, 8 AM to Noon.

Honey’s Harvest Farm | Lothian | More than 30 vendors are signed up for this lovely barn market | Sunday, 11 AM to 3 PM.

Annapolis Vintage Market | 40 Hudson St., Annapolis | This funky corner of Annapolis has become our favorite place to spend an afternoon thrifting | Sunday, 11 AM to 5 PM.

First Sunday Arts Festival | Downtown Annapolis | More than 150 vendors close down West Street for this great, monthly event. Last Sunday is in November (next month!) | Sunday, 11 AM to 5 PM.

Anne Arundel Farmer’s Market | All the fresh produce in season make this our favorite place to spend a weekend morning | Saturday, 7 AM to Noon; Sunday, 9 AM to Noon.

Wait! Hang on! It’s not bowling - it’s college football! The annual face-off between the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and the American Conference will be played at 11 AM on December 27 at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Organized by the Military Bowl Foundation, the Bowl’s mission is to support current and former service members and their families. Tickets start at just $30 and have historically jumped once the teams are announced so if you just love football in Annapolis, we recommend snagging tickets now.

Nothing in this section is sponsored. They're just the things you need to know. I'll always let you know when something's sponsored.

Join us for the Fish for a Cure Shore Party on Saturday, November. 1, 5–9 PM, at Safe Harbor Annapolis. Celebrate fundraising winners from the F4AC Tournament and Paul C. Dettor Captain’s Challenge while enjoying live music, delicious food, drinks, and the camaraderie of our incredible community. Tickets are $175 (complimentary for registered captains and anglers). Every dollar raised supports the Geaton and JoAnn DeCesaris Cancer Institute at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center, providing care, hope, and support to more than 2,000 cancer patients and their families each year. Get your tickets today before they sell out!*

*indicates sponsored advertising content.

69 🌡️ 56 | 🌤️ | 4% | ENE 8 mph (7 knots)

70 🌡️ 55 | ⛅ | 7% | 💨 SSE 6 mph (5 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 73ºF
Temperature readings taken from the mouth of the Severn River the night before publication

49 West | Gio Hidalgo & Nate Stanley | 7:30–10 PM
The Annapolitan | Bridgette Michaels | 1:30–2:20 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Andrew Bell | 6–9 PM
Brian Boru | Ted Garber | 6:30–9:30 PM
Dark Horse | Skribe | TBA
Fleet Reserve Club | Michael K. | 2 PM
Killarney House | Aaron Hawkins | 6–9 PM
Market House | Suzy Lenox Music and Shaun | 6–9 PM
Mother’s Peninsula Grille | Hayes | 7–10 PM
Pirates Cove | Jason Bishop | 6–9 PM
The Point | Bryan Ewald | 5–8 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Yasmin Williams w/ Tre. Charles | 8 PM | Tickets
Rams Head Tavern | Fred & Wilma | 4:30 PM

49 West | The Solid Sender Trio | 7:30–10:30 PM
49 West | First Fridays w/ Tom Mitchell- Blue Rhythm Boys | 8–10 PM
Annapolis Smokehouse & Tavern | After Five Funhouse | 8:30 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Dana B | 4–7 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Michael McHenry Tribe | 9–12 PM
Captain’s Daughter | TBA | 5–7 PM
The Choptank | J Time Acoustic | 8 PM
Coconut Joe’s | Dave Tieff | 5–8 PM
Coconut Joe’s | Sister Midnight | 9 PM
Galway Bay | Richard Hayward | 7–10 PM
Great Frogs | Katie Fisher | 5:30–8:30 PM
Killarney House | The Backburners | 7:30–10:30 PM
Libbey’s Coastal Kitchen | Chris Sacks | 5–8 PM
The Lodge | Brandon Capo | 8–11 PM
Market House | SVV Duo | 6:30–9:30 PM
Market Space | Hurricane Kevin | 6–9 PM
Mother’s Peninsula Grille | Brody Wingate | 5–8 PM
Old Stein Inn | Frank "Elvis" Raines in the Biergarten | 7–10 PM
Pirates Cove | Viands & Co. | 7–10 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Greg Hawkes w/ Eddie Japan | 8 PM | Tickets
Rams Head Tavern | Bob Quinlan | 5 PM
Romilo’s Restaurant and Bar | The Shore thing | 7 PM
Severna Park Taphouse | Ryan Keith | 6 PM
Stan & Joe’s Riverside | Kevin Lee | 3–7 PM

The undefeated Midshipmen are facing the 1-win Air Force Falcons at home on Saturday in the sold out first matchup in pursuit of the Commander-In-Chief’s Trophy. Navy’s won the trophy 12 out of 13 times after beating Air Force so the stakes are sky high. Especially since Navy hasn’t bested Air Force at home in 6 years.

Navy leads the nation in rushing with 352.3 yards per game and third down conversions (62%). They’re top 10 in other key stats like red zone TD percentage, sacks allowed, time of possession, tackles for loss per game, and passing yards per completion. But Air Force won’t fly home easily.

They lead the nation in passing yards per completion and sophomore QB Liam Szarka is red hot. And although they rush for about 100 yards less per game than Navy, that’s still good enough for 7th best in the country.

Long story, short: Don’t underestimate the Falcons. If you don’t have a ticket, watch on CBS at noon, listen on WNAV 1430 AM, or grab a resale ticket (expect to pay $90 or more).

Women's Soccer (8-4-1)
10/1 vs. Lehigh | T 2-2

Women's Volleyball (5-8)
10/3 @ Lehigh | 7 PM

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