26th Annual Bernie Fowler Wade-in

Senator Fowler's Wade-In, and our "Guess The Depth" contest, return

As a young man in the 1950s, Bernie Fowler stood chest-deep in the Patuxent and was able to see his feet on the river bottom while netting blue crabs. Senator Fowler held the first Patuxent "wade-in" in 1988 to assess whether he could still see his feet while wading into the river. This became known as the “Sneaker Index.” His white sneakers - which he still has and uses for the annual event - disappeared from view in a disappointing 10 inches of water. Bernie Fowler, who served as Calvert County commissioner from 1970-1982 and as Maryland state senator from 1983-1994 , joined more than 270 attendees at the 25th Anniversary Wade-In. His sneakers were visible until he reached a depth of 35.0 inches. The Wade-In evolved into a symbol of the need for stewardship of the state's precious water resources. And the cowboy hat he always wears for the Wade-In with an American flag on top reflects his love of country as strong as his love of the river.

A conversation with Bernie Fowler

MDP had the pleasure of conducting this video with Bernie Fowler in 2012 prior to his 25th annual wade-in. The senator reflected on his life-long commitment to the health of Maryland’s waters and the 25 years of the annual wade-in event.

Bernie's "depth" over the years

Click on chart for larger view

The red line in the above chart indicates the depth at which Bernie Fowler could see his feet in the 1960s and serves as the benchmark for a restored Patuxent River.

"Wade-In" 2013: Sunday, June 9, 2013     1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Locations of the "Wade-Ins":
1950s - 2009: Broomes Island ( map)
Since 2010: Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum, 10515 Mackall Road, St. Leonard, MD 20685

 

Guess the Depth

For the fourth year, MDP is holding an online "Guess-the-Depth" contest on its website. Join us again in predicting the outcome of Senator Bernie Fowler’s “sneaker index” for 2013. He and many others will wade into the Patuxent River at the Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum in Calvert County on June 9, 2013.

Congratulations goes out to Bryan of Baltimore, MD for guessing the actual depth of Bernie's 2012 sneaker index. There are no prizes, but the winner(s) have bragging rights for the 26th Anniversary Wade-in.

If you are unable to see the entry form above for the 2013 Guess the Depth contest, please click here.

2012 Guess the Depth Result Name County Depth Guess (in.) Maurene Upper Marlboro   7.20 Carolyn Baltimore 17.50 Daniel Baltimore 21.00 Michele St. Leonard 27.50 Anne Washington 28.00 Don St. Leonard 28.75 Bill Lusby 29.50 Cindy Baltimore 30.05 Liz Hughesville 31.00 Chris Huntingtown 32.25 John Abingdon 32.50 Kim Leonardtown 32.50 Scott Annapolis 33.00 Tim Baltimore 33.50 Rich Baltimore 34.00 Jim St. Leonard 34.03 Senator Fowler’s actual depth reading 35.00 Bryan Baltimore 35.00 Scott Sunderland 37.00 Carla Sunderland 38.00 Betty Lusby 39.00 Andrew Abingdon 41.00

See the past "Guess the Depth" contests.       Also Visit our "Bernie's Feet" page on Facebook  .