CRISFIELD — Doug Swift’s Crisfield Community Garden will be getting a new sign and has a new partner for the 2024 growing season.

The Rev. Emanuel Johnson received approval from the City Council for the sign provided it meet code, and he invited them and Mayor Darlene Taylor to the opening program 1 p.m. Saturday, May 18. In addition to a blessing for the work and workers a tree will be planted in memory of a volunteer arborist who passed away.

He said UMES students will be helping this year, and plans are to add more vegetable growing beds and fruit trees.

On Saturday, May 25 from noon to 4 p.m. the Heart of the Chesapeake Festival in partnership with the Arts & Entertainment District will have sensory activities to include games and crafts.

Volunteers are always welcome between 10 a.m. and noon on Mondays and that’s when clients of Somerset Community Services also arrive to help.

Leading volunteer Cindy Freeman said she continues to apply for grant funding to paint a mural on the back wall of the public works building.

The garden was named in 2022 in memory of the late Felton Doug “Dougie” Swift who died in June of that year at age 64. Despite his cognitive limitations he was a “town icon” and always a helping hand.

The garden is located next door to City Hall on West Main Street.