Public invited to 2023 Stars of Somerset celebration

By Laura Walter

Due to the threat of thunderstorms, the Stars of Somerset celebration has been moved to a new date. 

It’s a night of stars, good music, food and fun as the 2023 Stars of Somerset event returns to Crisfield. This free, public celebration is presented by the Crisfield-Somerset County Times on Thursday, Aug. 17, from 4:30 to 8 p.m. at Somers Cove Marina.

Folks have been voting all summer in the Stars readers’ poll, to honor the businesses, organizations, nonprofits and people who go above and beyond in their respective categories, from food and entertainment to professional services and community work.

Everyone is welcome to attend this casual but lively event, especially the finalists and top vote-getters of the Stars of Somerset. Enjoy live music, food vendors, a cash bar, door prizes and more. Aug. 17 will have free admission and a “Winners Circle” where Stars winners can pick up their plaques, and everyone can take pics at the step & repeat banner.

Bring a lawn chair and enjoy an evening of fun along the beautiful Somers Cove, Tangier Sound and Chesapeake Bay, perfect for a sunset event. Note that outside beverage containers are not permitted in the event area.

“We love to celebrate the local businesses who are the best at what they do,” said Konrad LaPrade, the Times publisher. “I’m honored to be able to work in a community where business owners and workers do such a good job that our readers go out of their way to nominate and then vote for them! Thank you! And I hope you enjoy the publication and event.”

A special highlight of this program is the Person of the Year. The public have shared stories of the individuals who go above and beyond to make the community a better place. This year’s awardees have served their communities well.

“Stars of Somerset recognizes the hard work behind the scenes, the unsung hero finally being given a ballad,” mused Karen Riggin, Marketing Consultant for the newspaper.

Event details are online at DelmarvaEvents.net. Events sponsors include Chesapeake Utilities, Beer and Soda Drive Thru, Laird & Associates, Somerset County Arts Council and Vessey Orchards.

The full list of finalists and “star” winners, plus Person of the Year interviews, were released as a special publication, “Stars of Somerset” in the County Times on Wednesday, Aug. 9. You can read it online at BaytoBayNews.com/Somerset/SpecialSections.