St. Mary's River Watershed Association, Inc., Post Office Box 94, St. Mary's City, MD 20686 [email protected]
A River Affair is the St. Mary's River Watershed Association's largest fundraiser of the year. By purchasing tickets, hosting, or donating auction items, you are supporting our work to protect, improve, and promote the sustainability of the St. Mary's River. Please join us!
Sunday, April 12, 2026
12 pm to 4 pm
Ruddy Duck Seafood & Alehouse
16800 Piney Point
Piney Point, MD 20674
The event will feature heavy hors d'oeuvres including oysters Rockefeller, poached salmon, and shrimp flatbread, bottomless brews and wine, and a live and silent auction.
In honor of our River Champion:
Rep. Steny Hoyer
All proceeds benefit the St. Mary's River.
Tickets are $100 ($35 is tax-deductible). Tickets can be purchased through PayPal (by clicking the button below) or by sending a check to PO Box 94, St. Mary's City, MD 20686. Checks should be made out to "SMRWA" or the "St. Mary's River Watershed Association."
Tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets are non-refundable. Please contact Emma at [email protected] if you would like to transfer your tickets to someone else.
If you are interested in hosting A River Affair ($1,000 and four tickets), please use this link or send a check to PO Box 94, St. Mary's City, MD 20686.
Tickets are $100 ($35 is tax-deductible). Tickets can be purchased through PayPal (by clicking the button below) or by sending a check to PO Box 94, St. Mary's City, MD 20686. Checks should be made out to "SMRWA" or the "St. Mary's River Watershed Association."
Tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets are non-refundable. Please contact Emma at [email protected] if you would like to transfer your tickets to someone else.
If you are interested in hosting A River Affair ($1,000 and four tickets), please use this link or send a check to PO Box 94, St. Mary's City, MD 20686.
The St. Mary's River Watershed Association is proud to announce our 2025 River Champions: Diana Mendes and the late Mark Bassett and Russell Miller! These three incredible honorees were instrumental in our 2024 operations, and we look forward to honoring them at A River Affair.
This year, we're proud to honor long-time supporter of the St. Mary's River, Congressman Steny Hoyer. As you may know, the St. Mary's River Watershed Association was founded after data from the St. Mary's River Project, led by researchers at St. Mary's College of Maryland, found that the river was degraded. A group of local citizens stepped up to form the association and respond to the degraded water quality. Much of the over 1.1 million dollars of federal aid that the St. Mary's River Project received was a direct result of Congressman Steny Hoyer's steadfast commitment to the River. It's safe to say that without his support, we would not be celebrating twenty years of success at this year's A River Affair.
Mary Barber & Curtis von Kann
Jeff Clark
Del. Brian Crosby
Karen & John Garner
Gail & John Harmon
Diana Mendes
Jean Illingworth & Chris Tanner
Bozena & Tony Pait
Susan & Bob Paul
Sherry Stanley & John Giusti
You can help build a home for hundreds of oysters with just $100! Bottom-grown oysters are stressed by the mud and sedimentation, but oysters on reef balls grow faster and live longer. For each $100 donation, we will install one Reef Ball with your inscription of up to 26 characters. No limit on how many!
Donated by SMRWA
An assembledge of hand-picked driftwood from the shores of the Chesapeake Bay arranged artistically into two floating angelfish. Made by local artist, Larry Ringgold of Turtle Point Driftwood. Approximately 22" wide and 28.5" tall.
Donated by Larry Ringgold
Seventy (70) decadent mini-desserts generously donated by talented baker, Bozena Pait. Perfect for parties, showers, or special celebrations, these bite-sized treats are as beautiful and delicious. Place your order at least two weeks in advance, and Bozena and Tony will freshly prepare them just for your event.
Donated by Bozena and Tony Pait
Six pieces of blue and white sea glass collected from the St Mary's River decorate this 14.25" x 11.25" stained glass mirror. A heart-shaped piece of sea glass is the focal point of the blue and white mirror. This beautiful piece was hand-crafted by a local artist.
Donated by Lani Clark
This original hand-made serigraph was created by local artist and St. Mary's College alum Jeanne Norton Hammett. Unlike machine printing, silkscreen involves a process where each print is hand-pulled, allowing for unique, layered, and vibrant colors. This is a framed limited edition piece. Titled "Saltmarsh".
Donated by Jeanne Norton Hammett
Shipwreck on the Potomac: Disaster in Pursuit of Lincoln's Killer - this non-fiction book tells the story of a Civil War-era shipwreck in the Potomac River, just off Clement's Island, during the hunt for presidential assassin John Wilkes Booth. As the story unfolds, you learn why Southern Maryland became the focus of the hunt and what happened in the aftermath of the tragedy. Written by local Karen Stone, Musuem Division Manager for St. Mary's County.
Donated by Karen Stone
Enjoy an afternoon studio tour on "Jimmy's Island", exploring the works of two internationally-known artists, Jim Sanborn and Jae Ko's. Enjoy an intimate experience that offers a deeper connection to the creative process. Admire artwork, visit with the artists, and enjoy a donated lunch for up to 6 people.
Donated by Jim Sanborn & Jae Ko
Enjoy a relaxing one night stay in a two-bedroom, one bath waterfront apartment on St. Inigoes Creek in St. Mary's City. This 1,000 square foot space features a separate entrance and a screened-in porch overlooking the St. Mary's River. The property has a dock and two small private beaches. Two kayaks and a canoe are available for exploring St. Inigoes Creek and St. Mary's River during your stay.
Donated by Nell & Pat Elder
Enjoy an evening of virtuosic Scottish fiddling by Alasdair Fraser and brilliant California cellist, Natalie Haas. They have truly set the standard for fiddle and cello in traditional music, creating a buzz at festivals and concert halls across the world for over 20 years. The concert is hosted by Southern Maryland Traditional Music and Dance in Chaptico on Friday, April 24th, 2026.
Donated by Elaine Szymkowiak
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Donated by
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Thank you to the generous individuals, businesses, and organizations that donated to our live and silent auction. Their support makes A River Affair and the programs it supports possible.
Jeanne Norton Hammett
Lani Clark
Bonzea Pait
Larry Ringgold
Patricia Samford
Elaine Szymkowiak
Corinne White
Karen Stone
2025: Diana Mendes, Mark Bassett, and Russell Miller
2024: Norm & Shelly O’Foran
2023: Patuxent Tidewater Land Trust
2022: Captain Will Gates
2020: Suellen Keiner & Richard Holden
2019: Chris Tanner & Allison Rugila
2018: Karen Nutter, Dan Raley & Ann Raley
2017: Bill Bailey & St. Mary’s College of Maryland
2016: Bob Paul & Lexington Park Rotary
2015: Joe Anderson & Boeing
2014: John Hanson Briscoe
2013: Bob Lewis
2012: Bernie Fowler
2011: Nancy McAllister & Roger Stone
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St. Mary's River Watershed Association, Inc., Post Office Box 94, St. Mary's City, MD 20686 [email protected]