What does Havre de Grace have in common with the Bigfoot Capital of the World?

Both are on a new list compiled by Fodor’s Travel, which produces guidebooks for destinations around the world. This week Fodor’s released its guide to “10 American Cities That Insist They’re the ‘Capital of the World,'” and of course, Havre de Grace carved out a spot for itself.

Havre de Grace’s claim to fame is being the Decoy Capital of the World, of course.

Fodor’s described the city on the Chesapeake as “ground zero” for decoy carvers, who were more concentrated in Havre de Grace than anywhere else.

The Havre de Grace Decoy Museum got a mention for showcasing “the country’s largest collection of wooden decoys,” and so did Vincenti Decoys, featuring legendary carver Patrick Vincenti.

There’s also the museum’s beloved Decoy & Wildlife Art Festival, now in its 39th year, which has canceled the 2020 celebration due to the coronavirus pandemic. And now for 20 years, the city has celebrated the new year with what has become a tradition for the Decoy Capital of the World, with the Susquehanna Hose Company’s Duck Drop.

Others capitals the list are the Bigfoot Capital of the World (Willow Creek, Calif.); Mushroom Capital of the World (Kennett Square, Pa.); Unclaimed Luggage Capital of the World (Scottsboro, Ala.); Fried Chicken Capital of the World (Barberton, Ohio); Frog Capital of the World (Rayne, La.); Bratwurst Capital of the World (Sheboygan, Wis.); and others.

from the May 7, 2020 Patch by Elizabeth Janney