For the Cumberland Times-News
Cumberland Times-News
— MCHENRY — The 43rd anniversary of Autumn Glory will be celebrated in Garrett County with two large parades, concerts, band competitions, art exhibits, antique and craft shows and much more from Oct. 6 to 10.
Known for scenic Deep Creek Lake and Maryland’s only ski resort, Wisp Resort, Garrett County is also home to the annual Autumn Glory Festival, a five-day celebration of autumn that celebrates the beauty of the local fall foliage. From Wednesday through Sunday, the area offers a wide variety of things to do indoors or outdoors.
The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce’s annual Autumn Glory kickoff dinner, featuring live musical entertainment and recognition of the annual Autumn Glory Golden Ambassador, will kick off the festival on Oct. 6.
Thursday features the Oktoberfest dinner and concert by the Oom-Pah band and a fireman’s parade. The week continues with historic area tours, antique and craft shows, fine arts exhibits, both swing and oldies dances, farmers’ market, 5-K walk, storytelling and book festival, musical concerts, dogsled events, a quilt show, corn maze, art glass exhibits, outdoor adventures, shopping specials and a wide variety of other activities.
The Official Maryland State Banjo Championship, Friday at 7 p.m., features Banjo contestants of all ages competing for top honors.
Oct. 9 offers musical entertainment at the Front Page Stage, on Second Street near the Post Office and on the Box Car at the train station. The Grand Feature Parade begins at 1 p.m. Clowns, floats, bands and plenty of sidewalk vendors increase the festival atmosphere. That day also will feature the Western Maryland Tournament of Bands at 6 p.m, .with high school field show competition, as well as the State Fiddle Championship and Mandolin Contest at 7 p.m.
Antique and craft shows continue Sunday, joined by the Autumn Glory Festival car show and a no-hands sundae eating contest at Lakeside Creamery.
For more details about Autumn Glory, visit www.autumngloryfestival.com or contact the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce at 301-387-4386.
