The first ARA of Maryland Crab Feast in three years, held Sunday, Aug. 7, at Fisherman’s Crab Deck in Grasonville, Md., stayed true to the long-standing event’s reputation as a fun and delicious get-together for equipment and event rental operators, their employees and families.
“This was our first Crab Feast since 2019,” says Reggie Eda, co-owner, Oxon Hill Rentals, Fort Washington, Md., and ARA of Maryland vice president. “We had about 100 attendees. There were many new faces as well as some of our regular members that we have looked forward to seeing since before COVID. We even had our rental neighbors from the great state of Delaware and Washington, D.C. join us.”
Those who participated celebrated Hawaiian-style this year, getting in the spirit of the theme by donning their favorite floral-printed shirts while enjoying mouth-watering crab and sides, live music and prize giveaways.
“Having the Hawaiian theme and the live music definitely made it more festive and fun,” Eda says.
Leo Emond, owner, B & W Equipment & Supply Corp, Annapolis Junction, Md., spoke for many attendees of the event by saying that the allure of the annual Crab Feast is the chance to connect with industry friends while treating valued, hardworking staff members at the same time.
“I wanted to attend to see others in the business. Plus, it was a way to thank and enjoy time with my fellow employees. The atmosphere was fantastic; the event was fabulous,” Emond says.
Jim Riley, rental business development manager, Sauer Compressors USA, Stevensville, Md., says he traveled to the Crab Feast “to share a day with colleagues and other rental professionals across the region who understand how truly unique our industry is and the customers we serve. It was gathering of like-minded individuals; the atmosphere was fun and full of life!”
Nice weather and an overall feeling of happiness and camaraderie made the event special for all who attended, Eda says.
“We were blessed with the perfect day. It was a little hot, but we had a fantastic, cool breeze that whiffed off the Chesapeake Bay and into the pavilion we were in. The best parts of the afternoon were the raffle prize giveaways, the distinct noise of mallets cracking at crabs and, of course, sounds of laughter and good times by everyone in the air. It was great to seeing everyone having a great time and enjoying each other’s company. I’m looking forward to doing this again next year,” he says.