The tradition of Sock Burning started in the 1980s in Annapolis, Maryland.
An employee at a yacht yard was sick and tired of winter and working on other people's boats. On the day of the Spring Equinox,he took off his socks, put them in a paint tray, doused them with lighter fluid, and toasted spring with a long neck beer while they burned. Since then, many marina communities hold "Sock Burning" to celebrate the boating season.
The interpretive staff at York River State Park have had enough of winter and our boats locked in storage.
So, on the first Saturday of Spring, March 24th, we invite paddlers to join us in our first annual Canoe & Kayak Kick-Off/Burning of the Socks!
We will begin at 10 a.m. witha blessing of the boats, a few words of safe paddling, and a firepit where our socks will meet their firery end. We are not permitting alcoholic beverages. But, guest are more than welcome to bring ginger ale and root beer.
Take a guided trip, or chart your own paddle adventure
We will have a guided paddle along Taskinas Creek and the York River following the ceremony. Please call the park office for reservations. Guest may bring their own canoes and kayaks and launch from the dock or Croaker Landing. Our boat rentals begin on Saturday, March 10th. Come and enjoy a season of aquatic adventures!
Directions to York River State Park: From I-64, take the Croaker Exit 231B. Go north on Route 607 (Croaker Rd.) for one mile, then right on Route 606 (Riverview Rd.) about one and a half miles to the park entrance. Take a left turn into the park.