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| Bernie (in overalls) and others at a "Wade-In" at Rhode River, 2009 |
On Sunday, June 9, 2024, the 37th Annual Patuxent River Wade-In took place to raise awareness about the health of the Patuxent River. This year’s official index was 25 inches.
The annual wade-in invites community members to walk into the Patuxent River and measure the “Sneaker Index.” The index was developed by the late Senator Bernie Fowler, who measured how many inches he could wade into the water and still see his white sneakers.
The tradition has since been passed to his grandson Cody Fowler, who dons his Grandfather’s classic wade-in uniform: denim overalls, a straw hat, and the required white sneakers.
The goal for the index is approximately 57″, so there’s still some work to be done. However, the event isn’t as much about the index’s recording, but about bringing attention to the health of our environment, specifically the Patuxent River.
To learn more about Fowler and the origins of this tradition, click here.
The "Sneaker Index" is simply scientific nonsense, based on the questionable sentimental memory of an aging politician (sound familiar?). Maybe there was a day back in the 1940's when the wind didn't blow, and a teenage Bernie Fowler could see his feet, but, without a picture, I don't believe it. Any kind of wind kicks up sufficient mud to significantly reduce the visibility, and that can change for day to day, hour to hour, and minute to minute. I've been around the Bay long enough to see it in action.
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