Decades ago, a Maryland sailor burned his winter socks. Now it's a spring tradition

NPR
by Scott Neuman
March 26, 2026
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1 min read

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In Annapolis, Maryland residents gather annually to burn winter socks as an unofficial start to sailing season.

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In Annapolis, Maryland, residents gather annually to burn their winter socks as an unofficial springtime ritual marking the start of the Chesapeake Bay sailing season. The tradition originated decades ago when a local sailor first burned his socks to welcome warmer weather. The sock-burning has become an established community practice that signals the transition into spring sailing conditions on the bay.

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