Ridgely is a charming small town with a rich history and a vibrant community. Life is a little slow here, but that’s just the way we like it!
With excellent schools, numerous public parks, and family-friendly community events, Ridgely is a great place to call home. We strive to be a place that welcomes new community members, while preserving our history and culture of connection.
Parks
Ridgely is home to several public parks that offer places to play sports, enjoy walking, and gather with family and friends. Additionally, Ridgely is located close to a large State Park and native plant arboretum.
Visit our Parks page for more detailed information on our outdoor recreation amenities.
The Pavilion at Martin Sutton Park can be rented for private or community events. Fill out the request form linked below to begin the process.
Events
Ridgely hosts several major community events each year, as well as serving as the location for those hosted by community organizations.
Strawberry Festival
Each May, Ridgely hosts the popular Strawberry Festival—an event that brings the community together to enjoy food, fun, and local traditions. Held at Martin Sutton Memorial Park, the festival is a great way to kick off the summer season and celebrate Ridgely’s history as the “Strawberry Capital of the World.”
The day starts with the Strawberry Chase 5K Run/Walk, a casual, family-friendly race through town. Afterward, the park fills up with craft and food vendors, games, live music, and kids’ activities. Whether you’re there for the shopping, the food, or just to enjoy the day, there’s something for everyone.
One of the highlights of the festival is the parade. Local groups, floats, bands, and classic cars make their way down the main street, giving the whole town a reason to cheer and gather together.
You’ll find plenty of delicious strawberry treats throughout the day—from strawberry shortcake and smoothies to fresh berries sold by local growers. It’s the perfect time to enjoy this sweet fruit at its peak.
The event is organized by the Ridgely Lions Club and serves as their biggest fundraiser of the year. Money raised from the festival supports local service projects, community programs, and scholarships. So when you attend, you’re also helping make a difference in the community.
To learn more about the Strawberry Festival, visit the Ridgely Lions Club website.
Christmas in Ridgely
Each December, Ridgely transforms into a festive wonderland with the annual Christmas in Ridgely Winter Festival. Centered at the historic Railroad Memorial Park, this free, family-friendly event features Caroline County’s largest holiday light display, spanning over six blocks.
Attendees can enjoy activities such as ice skating on dual arenas, train rides, inflatable amusements, horse-drawn carriage rides, and visits with Santa Claus—pets are welcome too. The festival also includes a life-sized gingerbread house, interactive ice sculpture displays, and appearances by beloved holiday characters like Elsa and Buddy the Elf.
Complementing the festival are various community events throughout the season. The Ridgely Lions Club hosts an annual Christmas Parade, culminating in an open house at the Train Station with refreshments and photo opportunities with Santa. Additionally, the Ridgely Historical Society organizes a Christmas Decorating Contest, encouraging residents and businesses to showcase their holiday spirit. These celebrations highlight Ridgely’s strong community bonds and festive cheer during the holiday season.
Special Event Information
If you are interested in hosting a special event in Ridgely, please complete the application linked below. You may want to call the Town Office to discuss your event prior to completing the form.
Schools
Public Schools
Caroline County Public Schools provides an excellent education to Ridgely’s children. In partnership with families and community, they prepare all students to achieve college, career, and life readiness through a challenging and progressive educational experience.
The Caroline County Public Schools family is comprised of a strong teaching, support, and administrative staff and a diverse group of students and their families. They cultivate a family-like atmosphere in each school and the district as a whole.
Caroline schools are at the heart of our towns and county, and enjoy collaborative relationships with all facets of our community. The Ridgely Town Commissioners and staff especially enjoy working closely to create special experiences for Ridgely Elementary School students, including events like trick-or-treating at Town Hall and other downtown businesses.
Caroline County Public Schools
204 Franklin Street
Denton, MD 21629
Phone: (410) 479-1460
Ridgely Elementary School
118 N Central Ave
Ridgely, MD 21660
Phone: (410) 479-3243
Lockerman Middle School
410 Lockerman Street
Denton, MD 21629
Phone: (410)479-2760
North Caroline High School
10990 River Road
Ridgely, MD 21660
Phone: (410) 479-2332
Caroline County Career and Technology Center
10855 Central Ave
Ridgely, MD 21660
Phone: (410) 479-0100
Benedictine School
Ridgely is also proud to be home to the Benedictine School. The school and it’s lifeskills programs support children and adults living with intellectual and developmental disabilities so they can achieve their greatest potential.
14299 Benedictine Ln
Ridgely, MD 21660
History
Unlike most towns, Ridgely did not “just grow”– it was planned. But it wasn’t planned to be the small, country town that it is today. It was actually planned to be a large and prosperous city, capitalizing on the Eastern Shore’s railroad boom immediately following the Civil War.
This “Dream City” wasn’t meant to be. The Maryland and Baltimore Land Association, which planned to develop the city, overextended itself and went bankrupt in its first year. Only four buildings had been constructed at that time: a railroad station, a hotel, and two private residences. One of these residences, known today as Ridgely House, is where the Town Office is housed today.
The founders’ dreams for the city are evident today in the wide main street running through town, Central Avenue. Although Ridgely never became the bustling city its founders envisioned, today’s residents love its small-town charm and tight-knit community.
You can learn more about Ridgely’s history by visiting the Ridgely Historical Society website.
Resources
Ridgely is home to several thriving community organizations that plan events and provide assistance to residents.
Community Organizations
- Ridgely Volunteer Fire Department
- Ridgely Lions Club
- Ridgely Historical Society
- Youth Sports Leagues
Housing and Food Assistance
- Martin’s House and Barn
- His Hope Ministries
- Aaron’s Place Food Pantry
- Caroline County Department of Social Services
- Maryland Food Bank Interactive Find Food Map
Health
Education