Maryland Day (University of Maryland)
Maryland Day is an annual campus-wide family-oriented
The event generally runs from 10am to 4pm on the last Saturday in April, and admission is free.[1] The university estimates that 8,000 volunteers participate,[2] and has claimed an annual attendance of at least 80,000.[1] In 2023, there were over 300 attractions at Maryland Day.[3]
History
Maryland Day was proposed in 1998 by then-president of the University, Dan Mote,[2] and was first held in 1999, with the inaugural theme "Explore our World".[1][4] Maryland Day incorporated the Ag Day event held by the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources since 1925, which includes livestock shows and showmanship competitions.[5] The Maryland Terrapins football Spring Game, an annual scrimmage tradition since 1951, has been held on Maryland Day since 2001.[6]
For the tenth anniversary event in 2008, campus dining services presented what it claimed to be the world's largest batch of cupcakes, a 60-by-45-foot (18 by 14 m) display of 50,000 cupcakes depicting the University's seal.[7]
The event was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[8]
In 2022, students led a march for LGBTQ rights during Maryland Day activities, in response to anti-LGBTQ legislation being promoted in several US states.[9]
-
Visitors at the fountain on McKeldin Mall, 2008 -
A volunteer displays a celestial globe for a young visitor, 2010 -
Gamer Symphony Orchestra performing at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, 2013 -
Visitors to Maryland Day displayingNASA Goddardswag, 2014
References
- ^ a b c Ahaghotu, Chioma-Emilia (April 26, 2022). "University of Maryland welcomes back Maryland Day this weekend". WUSA9. Retrieved 27 April 2023.
- ^ a b "University of Maryland Celebrates the 10th Anniversary of its Maryland Day Open House". Newswise.com. March 20, 2008. Retrieved 27 April 2023.
- ^ "University of Maryland to celebrate 'Maryland Day' with events, activities". CBS Baltimore. April 26, 2023. Retrieved 27 April 2023.
- ^ Krakower, Annie. "Deconstructing Maryland's Open House". MarylandToday.
- ^ "Ag Day". University of Maryland College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Retrieved 30 May 2023.
- ^ Rosh, Lauren (April 23, 2001). "Maryland football Spring Game: More than just a scrimmage". Testudo Times. Retrieved 28 April 2023.
- ^ "Univ. chases a sweet record: 50,000 cupcakes". The Diamondback. Retrieved 27 April 2023.
- ^ Consoli, James (May 4, 2022). "Maryland Day successes pick up right where they left off in 2019". The Diamondback. Retrieved 28 April 2023.
- ^ Chingarande, Tinashe (May 2, 2022). "University of Maryland students march for LGBTQ rights on 'Maryland Day'". Washington Blade. Retrieved 28 April 2023.