The Tug is staged between the Maritime Republic of Eastport, the MRE, and Downtown Annapolis, featuring a 1700’ rope, over 350 tuggers, and more than a thousand spectators. The Tug transforms Downtown Annapolis and Eastport with a festival-like atmosphere that includes food vendors, cheering crowds, and all sorts of local color. The Tug draws on the rivalry between Eastport and the City of Annapolis, with civic pride on both sides allowing this zany event to improve more than community morale. The MRE has raised more than $180,000 for charities over the past eight years.