June 29, 2025 Newsletter
Happy Sunday, Ward One
And happy almost-Independence Day! It’s one of my favorite holidays, and it’s the main focus of today’s newsletter, since there’s no city council meeting on Monday. I could get all sappy about our independence from kings and the current president’s desire to become one, but today let’s stick to all the opportunities to show our patriotism, right here where so much of the country’s patriotism was born.
Oh, and did I mention that I just got endorsed for reelection by the Teachers Association of Anne Arundel County? As I told the Capital, I’m incredibly proud that the people who are most invested in our future recognize that I’m the right person to bring forth a brighter future for Annapolis. Let me know if you want a “Teacher Recommended” sticker on your yard sign.
Here are the top 3 things you need to know in Annapolis:
No city council meeting this week. The next will be July 14.
Read on for everything about Independence Day festivities in Annapolis…and why I won’t be there for any of them.
My campaign will be having a pay-what-you-can fundraiser focused on affordability at Market House on July 15, 6-8. Whether you contribute $1, $10, $100, or $1000, I hope you’ll join us.
Updates from Harry
This time last year, I was nervous. I was about to get married.
There was no doubt whatsoever in my mind about the person I was pledging my life to, but the wedding had lots of details and tasks, people to ensure got in on time, suits to be altered, and delicate flowers to pick up and keep cool. We opted out of throwing an Independence Day party that had become an annual tradition, figuring that we’d be throwing the best party of our lives just a couple days later. It was definitely the best party I’ve ever been to. July 6, 2024 may have been hot, but it didn’t rain. The food and drink was perfect, and the bride was gorgeous. Most importantly, all the people we loved most gathered to see us tell each other and everybody in the room that we’d love them forever.
Since then has been a crazy first year of marriage. Within a day of returning from our honeymoon on the Amalfi Coast, neighbors, elected officials, and community leaders started calling me—and knocking on my door—to ask that I apply to fill Elly Tierney’s vacancy on the city council. Adjusting to that appointment has been incredibly rewarding but not exactly how either of us expected the first twelve months of “husband and wife” would look.
All that’s to say that I won’t be in Annapolis for the 4th of July. A couple days ago, I surprised Sara for our “paper anniversary” with plane tickets to Italy for a long weekend. We’re both very sad to miss all Annapolis is doing for Independence Day and to once again skip throwing our own party, but she deserves something really special to celebrate this crazy year and how we’ve grown stronger, both separately and together, because of it.
But if you are in town, there’s plenty to do!
The parade starts at 6:30, and fireworks begin around 9:15. The parade will begin at Amos Garrett and head down West and Main Streets to City Dock. If you’re interested in marching in the parade, many Democratic candidates and their supporters are walking together led by Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (who’s endorsed me), and you can sign up for that here.
Main Street and the Spa Creek Bridge will be closed to cars around 5 PM and remain closed until the fireworks wrap up around 10 PM. Until 9 o’clock, traffic will be able to go down Duke into Eastport but not into downtown.
We all know the best place to watch is from a boat, but it’s going to be crazy crowded. So, get to your spot early, avoid the 1000-foot safety zone around the fireworks barge, and beware that you won’t be able to get through the Spa Creek Bridge from 8:30 PM to 11 PM.
Prince George Street from Craig Street to Maryland Avenue, East Street from Prince George to King George, and all of Randall Street will be “Resident Only Parking” from 2 to midnight. Report violations by calling (410) 216-5620.
City offices, Pip Moyer, and the Stanton Center will all be closed for Independence Day.
Have a great time, but stay safe. Remember that veterans and others can be alarmed by loud fireworks that remind them of past trauma. Everyone should use caution with fireworks and follow the law. Never, ever drink and drive.
This week and every week, I’m grateful for the honor of representing you and our whole community. Never hesitate to contact me at harry@harrymhuntley.com.
Other news you can use
One Naptown Scoop this week was about WRNR’s return, and I just wanted to call out how excited I am for this. Every time I tune my car to 93.5, it’s been like they knew exactly what song I wanted to hear at that moment. Yesterday, it was “Last Dance with Mary Jane”. Give ‘em a listen, if you haven’t already.
Reynold’s Tavern’s classic movie screening tonight is ET. That gets started on their back patio right at dusk, which Google tells me is 9:08 PM today.
Ever wanted to learn how to salsa dance? Tomorrow night, at City Dock is your chance! Whether you want to give it your best shot or just watch others, lessons kick off at 6:30.
The Annapolis Maritime Museum’s free Tides and Tunes Summer Concert Series this week is IlyAimy with the Ryan Keith band: Thursday at 7.
Next Sunday will be the First Sunday Arts Festival on West Street and one of the last Blues games of the season, against Marauders FC.
July 15 from 6 to 8 PM, my campaign will be having a pay-what-you-can fundraiser at Market House on July 15, 6-8. The focus of this event is going to be all about how we make Annapolis a more affordable city to live in and keep more cash in your pocket. Because of that, it felt a little weird to ask people for big donations. So, contribute whatever you can, but make sure to be there.