TOGETHER WITH
Good morning, Annapolis. Nearly 200 years ago, a young P.T. Barnum arrived in Annapolis with Aaron Turner’s traveling circus. The next morning, he bought a new suit and strolled around town. Unbeknownst to Barnum, Turner told a few men at the bar that it looked like the infamous murderer Ephraim Avery was walking around. A mob formed that nearly killed Barnum before Taylor explained his joke.
After the mob dispersed, Barnum asked Turner what he was thinking. To which Turner replied, “All we need to ensure success is notoriety [. . . ]. Our pavilion will be crammed tomorrow night.” So it was for the circus’ entire stay in Annapolis. And now I want to watch The Greatest Showman.
In today’s Naptown Scoop:
Baltimore Banner takes over City Dock billboard
Y’ollk Bakery
Local Oktoberfest beers
Let’s get to it.
— Lauren Burke Meyer, Dylan Roche, & Duffy Perkins

SPONSORED BY 84 LUMBER
This Labor Day, 84 Lumber proudly celebrates the hardworking associates who make everything we do possible. Our team is built on grit, determination, and a passion for helping customers bring their home projects to life. At 84, we don’t just recognize hard work - we live it every day.
Our associates know what it means to roll up their sleeves and get the job done right. Whether you’re a homeowner tackling a DIY project or a contractor with a big build, our Annapolis location is here to support you with expert advice, reliable service, and a commitment you can count on.
Stop by the store at 1690 Balt-Annapolis Boulevard, where our associates takes pride in helping you succeed.
This Labor Day, we thank our team for their dedication, and we invite you to see just how much that passion can do for you.

THE DIGEST
What would you change about Annapolis?
We’re hesitant to admit just how much time Scoop writers spend on Reddit. But a recent post about become the mayor and a genie granting three wishes blew up our Slack, so we thought we’d ask our own question.
What does Annapolis need that other cities have?
USNA Class of 1900 photo album for sale on eBay ⚓️
Who still has their college yearbook? No judgment. Yours probably wasn’t worth almost $10 grand. We got bored yesterday and looked up the most expensive thing involving Annapolis on eBay. You’ll probably be pretty impressed (we were) to hear a photo album from the U.S. Naval Academy’s class of 1900 is listed for $9,000 (or best offer) on eBay. Yes, as in the graduating class from 125 years ago. The album was compiled by Robert Morris, who went on to serve as a U.S. navy captain. The pictures give a glimpse into what life was like at the Naval Academy at the turn of the 20th century.
There’s typical student life, like watching football games, as well as pictures from aboard the USS Annapolis and even the Navy’s participation in the annexation of Hawaii. All of the pictures are marked with handwritten captions, including one from the “Blizzard of ’99,” which might make some of us in the modern era pause as we realize he’s referring to 1899, not 1999.
There’s typical student life, like watching football games, as well as pictures from aboard the USS Annapolis and even the Navy’s participation in the annexation of Hawaii. All of the pictures are marked with handwritten captions, including one from the “Blizzard of ’99,” which might make some of us in the modern era pause as we realize he’s referring to 1899, not 1999.

Anne Arundel County awarded $9 M to expand student behavioral and wellness services
County kids will soon benefit from a massive grant aimed at addressing students’ mental health needs. The Maryland Community Health Resource Commission and Maryland Consortium on Coordinated Community Supports recently approved $9 million in funding for the 2025-26 school year, which will offer counseling, crisis intervention, substance use disorder services, and conflict resolution training to students and families. This is a huge collaboration between the county’s Local Behavioral Health Authority, the school system, and 13 community-based health providers, all focused on addressing the area’s youth mental health crisis.
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NAPTOWN SCOOP LOCAL BUSINESS IS POWERED BY. . .

Photo: Pamela Wood/Baltimore Banner
For five years, the only billboard at City Dock (or in Annapolis proper for that matter) featured an upturned, deceased cockroach and the admitted brilliant slogan, “We don’t like bugs, either.” It was a lovely (sarcastic) sight to behold while enjoying Annapolis’ third best crabcake at the Choptank. Then the cockroach was gone, briefly replaced by a distracted driving ad featuring a shark. Then Historic Annapolis rented it with a rather pretty welcome to Annapolis message. And now the Baltimore Banner has it as part of its push into Anne Arundel County.
Ironically, this won’t be the last time you see that billboard in today’s newsletter.
Car crashes into Eastport Barbershop

Photo: Annapolis Fire Department
A car drove into the Eastport Barber Shop at 907 Bay Ridge Avenue yesterday. No injuries were reported but the building inspector condemned the building and seven residents were displaced from the second floor.
Darling Charters celebrates three years on the water ⛵
Darling Charters is celebrating their third anniversary, but instead of sending them a gift, they’re offering Scoop readers a great (unsponsored) deal! Between now and November 3rd you can receive 20% off any charter of your choice! Just use the promo code NAPTWN20 when booking - that’s $175 off a Weekend Sunset Cruise for a family of four! And don’t worry about the weather, because they offer a full 100% weather refund policy (and luxurious cashmere blankets for those chilly nights, too). Book now and get celebrating!
Where to get Oktoberfest beers 🍻 🇩🇪
“Prost” is the German equivalent of cheers. We’re sending a “Prost!” to these four spots where you can grab an Oktoberfest brewski.
🍻 Rams Head Oktoberfest Lager Beer Release Party: Thirsty Thursday vibes ahead! Celebrate the new Oktoberfest beer tonight (9/4) from 4–7 PM. This traditional Marzen-style Lager, crafted from eight German malts and three hops, delivers smooth caramel notes and crisp bitterness. Get a commemorative pint glass and your first pour for $5. Refills are $3.
🍻 Forward Brewing: Eastport’s sixth annual Oktoberfest is a BIG deal. Grab a Stein and brat and enjoy music on September 19–21.
🍻 Chessie’s Wharf: Oktoberfest is already flowing. And, that mug? 💯 P.S. West Annapolis’ Oktoberfest (equally BIG) is September 28, 11 AM to 4 PM, along Annapolis St.
🍻 Garten: If you’ve never joined a Stein Holding competition . . . What are you waiting for? Flex those muscles, enjoy live music, and savor Schweinshaxe, pretzels, and beers.
Coming soon to Severna Park: Y’ollk Bakery 🥐
Inspired by the egg yolk (a baking essential) and a playful nod to “y’all,” Y’ollk Bakery is a new biz joining Severna Park’s bakery scene soon. The artisan French-inspired patisserie blends traditional European techniques, approachable flavors, and community. Expect buttery croissants, handcrafted pastries, brioche doughnuts, quiches, custom cakes, sandwiches, and perfectly brewed coffee — all made fresh daily for every occasion. Whether you’re after a simple treat or something refined, Y’ollk will make life a little sweeter (and flakier).
📍 Y’all will be welcome soon at 489 Ritchie Hwy, Ste 101.
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.

SPONSORED BY THE BALTIMORE BANNER
The News You Need in Anne Arundel County.
The Baltimore Banner is your trusted, independent newsroom covering the people, issues, and events shaping life in our community.
Whether it’s school updates, community events, or news about your neighborhood, we go beyond the headlines to bring you relevant news you can use. The local news that matters to Anne Arundel County.
Your neighborhood. Your news.
TheBaltimoreBanner.com.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’
Weekend Preview
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5
DTA | Naptown Brass Band Cruise | Set sail with Watermark while enjoying a live music performance | 6:30 PM
Maryland Hall | Arts Alive | NYC comedian Allan Fuks performs for this fundraiser to benefit Maryland Hall | 5:30 PM
Parole | Food Truck Fridays | Get dinner from any of a variety of local food trucks gathered at the Annapolis Farmers Market | 4-8 PM
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
Crownsville | Fall Field Market | Join Wildberry and other local small businesses for an outdoor market on the farm | 9 AM-noon
DTA | Tango Reo Quintet at Annapolis City Dock | Bring your dancing shoes to this evening of live tango music by the water | 8 PM
Admiral Heights | Navy football vs. UAB | Navy football is back and this weekend’s game is against UAB. Check out our Navy football gameday guide for all the details you need to know. | 3:30 PM
Gibson Island | Chesapeake Windsurfing/Wing Festival | Experienced racers and newbies take to the Chesapeake Bay for windsurfing and other competitions | 9 AM
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
West Street | First Sunday Arts Festival | Browse over 100 vendors at this premier arts festival along West Street | 11 AM-5 PM
Lothian | First Sunday Market | Over 30 vendors set up shop at Honey’s Harvest Farm’s historic barn | 11 AM-3 PM
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.

EXTRA SPRINKLES
Seafood. Skipjacks. Sun. Pure Maryland Joy.
Join us Saturday & Sunday, September 13–14 at Sandy Point State Park for the 57th Annual Maryland Seafood Festival! Savor steamed crabs, crab cakes, oysters, and more Maryland favorites. Cool off with local brews and enjoy live music on the Bay. Bring the family for Skipjack Heritage Days — featuring 15 historic skipjacks together for the first time in 35 years. With chef demos, contests, and waterfront fun, it’s a weekend you can’t miss. Kids under 12 free — grab tickets today! 🎟️*
*indicates sponsored advertising content.

NAPTOWN SCOOP WEATHER IS POWERED BY. . .
Thursday
82 🌡️ 68 | 🌤️ | 24% | S 16 mph (14 knots)
Friday
85 🌡️ 71 | ☀️ | 15% | 💨 SSW 12 mph (10 knots)
💧🌡️ Water temperature = 77ºF
Temperature readings taken from the mouth of the Severn River the night before publication

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN
🌳🎵 = Outdoor Concert
Thursday
49 West | Kristin Viands & Co | 7:30–10 PM
🌳🎵 AMM | September Sunsets | Arcade and Rickshaw Lizard | 5:45–8 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Joey Fitz | 6–9 PM
Brian Boru | Nate Finn | 6–9 PM
Killarney House | Mike Sharp | 6–9 PM
Market House | Suzy Lenox Music and Shaun | 6–9 PM
Pirates Cove | Jason Bishop | 6–9 PM
The Point | Dan Haas | 5–8 PM
Rams Head Tavern | Chris Sacks | 4:30 PM
Friday
49 West | Tom Mitchell & Friends | 8–10:30 PM
Annapolis Smokehouse & Tavern | Honey Sol | 8:30 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Dana B | 4–7 PM
Blackwall Hitch | FessUP | 9–12 PM
Brian Boru | The National Bohemians | 7–10 PM
Captain’s Daughter | TBA | 5–7 PM
The Choptank | Kieran Lally | 8 PM
Coconut Joe’s | Michael Ferro | 5–8 PM
Coconut Joe’s | Dagenhart | 9 PM
Galway Bay | Pete Best | 7–10 PM
Great Frogs | Josee Molavi | 5:30–8:30 PM
🌳🎵 Goshen Far | Summer Concert Series | 6:30–8:30 PM
Killarney House | O'McPub Band | 7:30–10:30 PM
The Lodge | Stephen Henson | 8–11 PM
Market House | Leslie Webber and Callum | 8–11 PM
Market Space | TBA | 6–9 PM
Middleton Tavern | Mojo Collection | 10 PM
Old Stein Inn | Eddie Pasa | 7–10 PM
Pirates Cove | Dan Haas | 7–10 PM
Rams Head On Stage | The Weight Band | 8 PM | Tickets
Rams Head Roadhouse | Jayme & Mike | 8 PM
Rams Head Tavern | One Step Down | 5 PM
Romilo’s Restaurant and Bar | Remedy | 7 PM
Severna Park Taphouse | Frank Florence | 7 PM
Stan & Joe’s Riverside | Chris Dean | 4–8 PM
Stan & Joe’s Saloon | Mike McHenry Trio | 9:45 PM

NAVY SPORTS
Capital Gazette 2025 high school boys and girls soccer preview ⚽️
There are lofty (soccer) goals this season across Anne Arundel County. The Capital released its 2025 high school previews. Here’s a rundown of teams we regularly cheer for:
Boys Soccer: South River’s Adam Londot is a key returner for the Seahawks after a Class 3A state semifinal run. Key won the MIAA C, Severn was MIAA B finalists, St. Mary’s reached the MIAA B semis, and Broadneck advanced to the 4A state quarterfinals.
Public schools now compete in gray and blue divisions to determine who plays in the county championship. Only games vs. divisional teams count toward the standings with the two division leaders facing off on October 18.
Girls Soccer: While most are predicting Broadneck (4A region semifinalists), Chesapeake (3A state semifinalists), South River, and two-time defending Class 3A state champion Severna Park as the teams to watch on the public school side, challengers abound.
Expect big things from Severn (IAAM B finalists) and Spalding (IAAM A champs), too. Spalding is led by Annapolis Blues FC’s Ashly, who also won Coach of the Year after leading the first-ever Blues women’s team to the playoffs in their first season.
Note: Not every coach returned requests for info. ($)
Upcoming games
Women's Soccer (5-2)
9/4 @ VCU | 7 PM
Women's Volleyball (2-1)
9/5 vs. Wake Forest vs. George Mason | 3 PM
9/5 vs. Air Force | 6 PM
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THANKS!
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