For the Cumberland Times-News
SWANTON — As Garrett County’s bears are getting ready to go to their winter dens, their wooden counterparts carved as a fundraiser for Deep Creek Lake State Park will be looking for new homes as well.
The Western Garrett County State Park Volunteers Inc. began a project in May where people could hunt for 20 carved and painted wooden bears throughout the summer season. “Discover the Bears, Carve a Memory: Only in Garrett County” was launched to raise funds for educational projects to study the treetops at the Discovery Center at Deep Creek Lake State Park.
Many locals and visitors grabbed their Bear Trail log book and sought the bears. More than 350 people found all 20 and completed the log book to be eligible for prizes including a 5-foot chainsaw carved bear, a flat screen TV, GPS unit or park pass. Completed guides must be registered at the Discovery Center.
The bears will be auctioned and the prizes drawn at the Bearly a Gala event Nov. 5 at Wisp Resort.
The gala will provide the only opportunity for the public to see all 20 bears in one location. The evening will include a chance to meet the artists and fostering businesses and enjoy some food and drink while tapping your foot to renowned bluegrass artists Bob Yonke and regional recording artist Jack Mackin. Bids on bears will be taken at the event or go to www.discoverycenterdcl.com.
Honorary committee co-chairs of the project are Richard MacLennan, president of Garrett College, and Nicole Christian, president of Garrett County Chamber of Commerce.
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