New Years Eve Parties

For those of us still making plans for New Years Eve, there are plenty of fun events going on right here in St. Mary's County.  From dances to dinners, there are lots of great ways to celebrate 2010.

Lenny's New Years Bash

Lenny's Restaurant in California is hosting a New Years Bash on December 31 from 8 p.m. until 2 a.m.  Bring your friends and enjoy live music by Geezer, a dinner buffet, and more!  Plus, champagne and party favors will be given out as it gets closer to midnight.  Tickets for this celebration must be purchased in advance, so don't wait too much longer to make your plans!

For more information, contact Lenny's Restaurant at 301-737-0777 or visit http://www.lennys.net/.


New Years Eve Celebration at Buffalo Wings & Beer
Looking for a place to casually celebrate with friends?  Check out the New Years Eve celebration at Buffalo Wings & Beer in Leonardtown!  From 9 p.m. until 1 a.m. on December 31, enjoy live music and dinner and drink specials.  Champagne will be available before the ball drops.

For more information, contact Buffalo Wings & Beer at 301-475-2711 or visit http://www.buffalowingsandbeer.com/.


New Years Eve Dance at Bowles Farms
Bring your significant other to Bowles Farms in Clements for a wonderful evening of dancing in celebration of the new year.  From 9 p.m. until 1 a.m. on December 31, there will be live music by Southern Tradition and an open dance floor.  The dance is being sponsored by the Seventh District Volunteer Rescue Squad Auxiliary and the cost of the tickets includes a light breakfast and party favors.

For more information, contact Bowles Farms at 301-769-2659 or visit http://www.bowlesfarms.com/.


Bar-B-Que and Champagne Celebration

Evans Seafood Restaurant in Piney Point will be celebrating the new year with a Bubble Bar and Bar-B-Que!  From 7 p.m. until 2 a.m. on December 31, come out to Evans and indulge in delicious food including ribs, barbeque chicken, pulled pork, oysters and more while listening to live music by the Rum Runners.  Reservations are required, so be sure to act quickly!

For more information, contact Evans Seafood Restaurant at 301-994-1234 or visit http://www.evansseafoodrestaurant.com/.

Linda's Cafe Named Winner of 1st Annual Holiday Window Display Contest

The Lexington Park Business and Community Association announced Linda's Cafe the winner of the 1st Annual Holiday Window Display Contest!  Competitors for the $500 prize included the winner, Linda’s Café along with Hair in the Square (which earned the second highest number of votes), The Lexington Restaurant and Lounge, The Grapevine Antiques and Collectibles, Sake Japanese Steakhouse, Mattress Corner, P. J’ Auto Body, Donut Connection and Hope Place of Walden. The competitors encouraged patrons to vote with personal appeals and direct solicitations such as Hope Place of Walden’s mass e-mail featuring its holiday window display.

Linda’s Café garnered a whopping 63% of the vote. “We are so excited to win. Every time we looked at the blog, it appeared that we were trailing behind in second place,” stated Linda Palchinsky, owner of Linda’s Café. “This was so much fun for us and great for Lexington Park and now, my staff can have a holiday party with the winnings from the competition.” In the spirit of giving, Linda and her staff decided to hold their holiday party at the newly opened Lexington Restaurant and Lounge.

This competition was developed by Dorothy Andrews, owner/operator of Endless Summer Tanning, to be the first marketing initiative of the newly formed Business Association. The competition proved to be a resounding success with over 1,000 votes cast over a 10-day period. “I wanted the light up Lexington Park to show the holiday spirit of our many merchants,” said Ms. Andrews. Endless Summer Tanning created a blog site for the competition and the nine merchants elected to join in on the fun.

The Lexington Park Business and Community Association meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the Bay District Fire Station Social Hall. The meetings are open to anyone who is committed to the betterment of Lexington Park. For more information, contact the Community Development Corporation, the host agency for the Business Association, at 240-725-5786.  6ST5ETJWM4QP

Celebrate 375 Christmas Ornaments on Sale Now

Celebrate 375 Christmas ornaments are available for purchase from Hallmark Stores throughout St. Mary's County and from Cecil's Country Store in Great Mills!  The ornaments are made from 24 Karat gold flashed brass and feature a three-dimensional version of the Celebrate 375 logo.

Proceeds from the sale of the ornaments will be used to support children and young adults who serve their campuses and our community in K-Kids Clubs, Builders Clubs, Key Clubs and CKI Clubs in St. Mary's County, which are all sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of St. Mary's County.
 
For more information, contact the Glynnis Schmidt, President of the Kiwanis Club of St. Mary's County, at 301-475-4321 or bwsges@yahoo.com.

Sotterley Plantation's Holiday Events

Sotterley Plantation has two great events coming up this weekend to get you and your family into the holiday spirit: Holiday Candlelight Tours and A Family Plantation Christmas.

Holiday Candlelight Tours
Kick-off the holiday season with a historical dramatization of life at Sotterley during The War of 1812 in the Holiday Candlelight Tours at Sotterley Plantation, December 4th & 5th from 6 p.m.–10 p.m. The tours take place inside the over 300 year old historic Mansion, which will be graced with period decorations.

The plot for this year's tour is that Sotterley is under siege by the British occupation. The family is determined to hold their annual holiday celebration no matter what! Family and friends join the Platers for a very entertaining evening which will be quite different than holiday celebrations experienced in previous years. Join the Sotterley Players as they step back in time and witness for yourself the unfolding dramatic holiday events.

Live musical performances from local premiere high school choral groups and complimentary cookies will be available in the historic Barn, prior to the reserved tour time.  Reservations are required.
 
A Family Plantation Christmas
Family Plantation Christmas will be held on Saturday, December 5th, 2009 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Sotterley Plantation, offering a full day of wonderment and Christmas spirit!

Let Santa know what you want for Christmas, purchase scrumptious treats from Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen, take a horse-drawn carriage ride, sing along with the carolers, make holiday crafts, get your face painted, see what you can find at the Scavenger Hunt in the garden, visit the Sotterley Museum Shop to find unique holiday gifts while the children are buying presents at Santa’s Secret Shop, and purchase seasonal greens and hand-crafted items from Sotterley’s Garden Guild! Back by popular demand, Sandi English will perform “Mammy Reminiscence,” giving a glimpse into how slaves celebrated this holiday.

To make reservations or get more information, contact Sotterley Plantation at 800-681-0850 or 301-373-2280 or visit http://www.sotterley.org/.  Also, be sure to check out Sotterley Plantation's new blog at http://www.sotterleyplantation.blogspot.com/ for information about news and other upcoming events!

Join the party in Leonardtown this Friday, December 4th from 5 – 8 p.m.!

First Friday Town Celebration:

Visit Leonardtown this Friday, December 4th, for their holiday First Friday raffle! A Fuji Crosstown bicycle will be raffled off at 7:30 p.m. in Town Square. Santa will be on hand to draw the winning name! No purchase is necessary to register to win the bicycle, just stop in to any participating First Friday business to enter! Many shops, galleries and restaurants are offering specials unique to this “Holiday First Friday.” There will be live music, wine tastings, award-winning appetizers, Christmas caroling, and more! The galleries have special preview receptions for their featured artists, and most of the restaurants offer samples of their delicious menu items or a discount off their menu. Jump start your festive holiday season by visiting Leonardtown this Friday! To learn more about the specials, visit http://www.leonardtownfirstfridays.com/.

St. Clement's Island Museum's 24th Annual Christmas Doll & Train Exhibit Celebrates Maryland's 375th!

The St. Clement’s Island Museum in Colton’s Point, MD will present the 24th annual Christmas Doll & Train Exhibit beginning December 2nd for a month-long exhibit to feature antique and collectible dolls and toys, and working miniature trains to delight children from one to 101!


The theme of this year’s exhibit is “Christmas in Maryland” which continues the year-long celebration of Maryland’s 375th birthday. Visitors will see and learn the official symbols of Maryland and many other interesting facts about the Old Line State.

A favorite feature of this exhibit is found in the c. 1820 Charlotte Hall School, a one-room schoolhouse transformed into a holiday train station. Children can take the controls of a working miniature train that chugs and toots its way around an endless track offering a fun and interactive experience.


Visitors can also enjoy browsing through the Crab Claw Museum Store which features a myriad of unique gifts, children’s books and toys, clothing, jewelry, Maryland flags, lighthouses, souvenirs, and much more! All gift shop proceeds benefit museum programs, projects and exhibits.

The exhibit opens December 2nd and will be available through January 3, 2010 during the Museum’s winter hours of operation, 12 noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Museum hours for this exhibit will be extended to 7 days a week - the week after the Christmas holiday.

For more information, contact the St. Clement's Island Museum at 301-769-2222 for more information or log on to www.stmarysmd.com/recreate/museums.

Christmas on the Square

Get into the holiday spirit at Christmas on the Square in Leonardtown!  On Friday, November 27, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m., Leonardtown will be decorated with holiday lights and filled with the sounds of Christmas carols as the town kicks off the holiday season. 

There will be fun activities for everyone including sleigh rides, a live nativity at the Church of the Nazarene, costumed characters, horse & carriage rides, hay rides, fire truck rides, and of course…Santa’s arrival at 7 p.m. to light the Christmas tree!  The Leonardtown businesses will be competing in a window decorating contest, so the store windows will be filled with charming holiday decorations, and Kevin Thompson's Corner Kafe on Park Avenue will be decorated like a gingerbread house.

Love Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol?  Fenwick Street Used Books & Music will be holding readings of this timeless tale starting at 6 p.m., 7 p.m., and 8 p.m.  The readings will be an abbreviated version of the story and will last approximately 30 minutes.  Dianna Diatz will also be performing in the store.

The raffle for the Fuji Crosstown Bike is still going on, so be sure to ask for a raffle ticket from each business that you visit in Leonardtown during Christmas on the Square.  Tickets are free.  The winner of the bike will be drawn during the December 4 First Friday.  

If you're planning to get started on your holiday shopping, then you don't want to leave home without your Discover St. Mary's County Card.  It's a great way to get special deals at participating businesses in Leonardtown.  To find out what Leonardtown businesses are offering, click here.

Division of Tourism Wins Awards for "Celebrate 375" Campaign

The St. Mary's County Division of Tourism's "Celebrate 375" campaign and special commemorative destination guide each took top industry honors at the 29th Maryland Tourism and Travel Summit on November 5, in Ocean City!  The first award, the Cooperative Promotion Award for an Integrated Campaign or Continuing Program, honors promotions which incorporate a variety of marketing activities over a sustained period of time. The second award was for the best visitor’s guide.  The awards are given by the Maryland Tourism Council (MTC). MTC's annual awards are the most prestigious and anticipated awards given within Maryland's Tourism and Hospitality industry.  The competition for the awards was stiff and the winners were selected from nominations throughout Maryland.  For more information about the awards, please see the press release.

The Celebrate 375 campaign continues until the end of the year, but the Division of Tourism is already working on the destination guide for 2010.  Advertising in the 2010 destination guide is available and is a great way to highlight your business.  If you are interested in advertising, you can view the advertising rate sheet by clicking here.  To purchase an advertisement, please call Jennifer Webster at 240-215-5486.  The advertising deadline is January 4, 2010.

For general questions, contact the Division of Tourism at 301-475-4200 ext. 1404 or visitus@stmarysmd.com.

Celebrate 375 Events Still Going Strong!

Even as colder winter weather sets in, the Celebrate 375 events are still going strong!  Coming up this winter, enjoy great events such as the Veterans Day Parade, Christmas on the Square, and the 23rd Annual Christmas Doll and Train Exhibit.

Veterans Day Parade

On November 11, head down to Leonardtown Square for the Veterans Day Parade!  Starting at 10 a.m., veterans, dignitaries, military units, drill teams, marching bands, floats, beauty queens, Native American dancers, bagpipers, and more will parade through Leonardtown in honor of America's veterans.  Following the parade, a Memorial Ceremony with the placing of wreaths to honor our veterans will be held in the Town Square accompanied by patriotic music.  After the parade, use your Discover St. Mary's County Card at participating businesses to receive great deals and special offers on dining, shopping, and more!

The annual parade is sponsored by the St. Mary's County Commissioners and the Commissioners of Leonardtown, in cooperation with VFW Post 2632.  For more information, call 301-863-5868 or 301-475-9791.

Christmas on the Square
Leonardtown will hold its Christmas on the Square and Annual Tree Lighting on November 27 from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m.  Enjoy holiday music and entertainment, a live Nativity, costumed characters, horse-drawn carriage rides, sleigh and hay rides, and more!  The Tree Lighting Ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. and the tree will be lit by Santa Claus.  Then, bring the kids to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus on the Town Square.  While you're in town, be sure to use your Discover St. Mary's County Card to get great deals from participating businesses throughout Leonardtown. 

This is also a good opportunity to get raffle tickets to enter to win the Fuji Crosstown Bike!  Raffle tickets are free.  Just ask for one at participating businesses throughout Leonardtown.  The winner will be chosen during the Leonardtown First Friday on December 4.

For more information, contact the Town of Leonardtown at 301-475-9791 or visit Leonardtown.somd.com.

23rd Annual Christmas Doll and Train Exhibit

The St. Clement's Island Museum will hold its 23rd Annual Christmas Doll & Train Exhibit from December 2, 2009 through January 3, 2010.  In honor of Maryland's 375th Birthday, the theme of the exhibit will be "Christmas in Maryland" and will showcase the official symbols of Maryland!  Get into the spirit of the holidays by visiting this exciting exhibit of antique and collectible dolls, toys, and miniature working trains.

For more information, contact the St. Clement's Island Museum at 301-769-2222 or visit www.stmarysmd.com/recreate/museums.

Scarecrow Making Postponed

The scarecrow making and Trick-or-Treating on the Square in Leonardtown had to be postponed due to inclement weather.  It will now be held on Saturday, October 31, from 1:00-4:00 p.m.  From 1:00 – 3:00 p.m., the Southern Maryland Artisan Center is sponsoring “Scarecrow Making” on the Square. The cost is $8 per scarecrow and includes all supplies to make a life size scarecrow, perfect for fall decorating.

Between 3:00-4:00 p.m., children, accompanied by a parent or guardian, can dress up in their Halloween costume and walk around the Leonardtown Square “trick-or-treating” with participating downtown merchants. Bring a goodie bag for your candy and treats! This free, kid-fun activity with plenty of treats is sponsored by the Leonardtown Business Association. For more information, call the Commissioners of Leonardtown at 301-475-9791 or visit Leonardtown.somd.com.

Also, the Leonardtown Church of the Nazarene, the Church on the Square, is having a Fall Festival & Fun Fair on Saturday the 24th of October 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. Crafts, food, candy, music, carnival games! All proceeds go to support their Youth Programs. Free Hot Chocolate outside and tons of fun inside! For more details or to volunteer, please contact Donna French at 301-351-9242.

Scarecrow Making And Trick Or Treat On The Square This Saturday!

Enjoy all the festivities of fall in Downtown Leonardtown on Saturday, October 24th, from 1:00-4:00 p.m. From 1:00 – 3:00 p.m., the Southern Maryland Artisan Center is sponsoring “Scarecrow Making” on the Square. The cost is $8 per scarecrow and includes all supplies to make a life size scarecrow, perfect for fall decorating.

Between 3:00-4:00 p.m., children, accompanied by a parent or guardian, can dress up in their Halloween costume and walk around the Leonardtown Square “trick-or-treating” with participating downtown merchants. Bring a goodie bag for your candy and treats! This free, kid-fun activity with plenty of treats is sponsored by the Leonardtown Business Association. For more information, call the Commissioners of Leonardtown at 301-475-9791 or visit Leonardtown.somd.com.

Also, the Leonardtown Church of the Nazarene, the Church on the Square, is having a Fall Festival & Fun Fair on Saturday the 24th of October 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. Crafts, food, candy, music, carnival games! All proceeds go to support their Youth Programs. Free Hot Chocolate outside and tons of fun inside! For more details or to volunteer, please contact Donna French at 301-351-9242.

"Grandpa Joe and the Drinking Gourd" at Sotterley Plantation

Public libraries throughout Maryland are hosting events to celebrate this year's "One Maryland One Book" initiative. On Sunday, October 25th at 3:00 pm at Sotterley Plantation, the St. Mary's County Libraries have arranged for members of Accokeek Foundation's award-winning Museum Theater, Jarren Fonville and Anika Prather, to present, "Grandpa Joe and the Drinking Gourd," a special adaption by Anika Prather. Janice Walthour, President of the Unified Committee for Afro American Contributions (UCAC), will read excerpts from James McBride's novel, "Song Yet Sung", the 2009 selection for the One Maryland One Book state-wide read. The presentation will be held in the Barn at Sotterley Plantation, and tours of the newly restored Slave Cabin will follow the program. The United States Colored Troops Memorial Monument Committee will also offer a quick presentation to commemorate the event.

For more information about the event, contact Sotterley Plantation at 301-373-2280 or visit http://www.sotterley.com/, or contact the St. Mary's County Libraries at 301-475-2846 or visit http://www.stmalib.org/.

Holly Morris from Fox 5 News Promotes the Oyster Festival

This morning on Fox 5 News, Holly Morris visited the St. Mary's County Fairgrounds in Leonardtown to find out all about the St. Mary's County Oyster Festival!  She interviewed Bob Parkinson, King Oyster for 2009, and learned about oyster tonging from Captain Jack Russell, from the Chesapeake Bay Field Lab.  Then, Richard Peltz from Circle C Oyster Ranch in Ridge, gave a shucking demonstration and Dave Taylor, the event producer, talked about what's in store for the 2009 National Oyster Cook-Off.  Holly also watched as Chef Loic, the chef and owner of Cafe des Artistes in Leonardtown, prepared one of his delicious oyster recipes.  To view the video clips, click here!

Be sure to stop by the St. Mary's County Oyster Festival this Saturday, October 17 and Sunday, October 18!  You don't want to miss the National Oyster Cook-Off or the U.S. National Oyster Shucking Championship Contest.  Take home some of the fun by purchasing an Oyster Festival Poster, designed by Samantha Gallagher, and an Oyster Festival Cookbook, both of which will be available for purchase in the Fair Stage Auditorium.  For more information on the Oyster Festival, visit the Oyster Festival website at http://www.usoysterfest.com/!

Ghosts of Sotterley Tours!

The year is 1812 and the war is on! Shots ring out both far and near, and the trees glow a burning orange. Is there nowhere safe? Deception abounds during this dramatic production; those you meet along the way are not as they appear. This year’s walking tours on the grounds of Sotterley Plantation, promises to be the spookiest ever.

The “Friends of Sotterley” acting troupe are taking this event to a whole new level. This year’s script, written by Morriah Cell and James LePore, has twists of intrigue and shock factor as never before. Under the direction of Dawna Diaz and the technical wizardry of Ming Diaz, the entire creative team offers a seemingly real-to-life (and death) exposure to Sotterley Plantation during this volatile time in history.

Weather permitting, guests are invited to take the chill off by a roaring bonfire and refreshments are available for purchase. RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED! The cost is $13 per person. Group rates are available. Sotterley Members can come on Thursday night for $10 – yet another advantage of membership! Call 301-373-2280 to make your reservation at this Sotterley Plantation haunting or for further information. Visit http://www.sotterley.org/ for more details.

Spooky Fun at Camp Merryelande

Are you looking to have a spooky camping experience with your friends or family?  Camp Merryelande, located on St. George Island, is holding haunted weekends at Camp MD!  Every weekend from now until Halloween, Camp Merryelande has planned a variety of haunted activities to make your camping experience even more fun.  Set up your own spooky campsite or rent a cabin.  From 6 p.m. until 9 p.m., enjoy haunted hayrides where the woods and beach surrounding Camp Merryelande come alive!  After the last hayride on Halloween night, attend a costume party at the campground.

For more information, please contact Camp Merryelande at 301-994-1722, 1-800-382-1073, or visit http://www.campmd.com/.

Pumpkins for Pigs at HSMC

Before you visit Historic St. Mary’s City this fall, pack a pumpkin for the pigs.  Present your squash at the Visitor Center and receive $1 off one admission to the museum.  The plantation pigs love these big orange fall fruits, which often end up in the trash after serving ornamental purposes.  Retired jack-o’-lanterns are most welcome.  The carved grins and grimaces amuse the staff and the pigs, Rosemary, Maizie, Pumpkin, and Scarlet.  Visit the Plantation at 2:30 p.m. and share the pigs’ delight as they consume delectable donations.  One pumpkin per person, per visit please, through the 2009 season.

Don’t miss the new Plantation walking tour at 3 p.m.  Discover how the colonists handled illness and death 300 years ago, when the state of medical arts was a combination of superstition and science.  The tour is included with admission to the museum’s living history sites.

For more information about Historic St. Mary’s City, archaeology, or this event visit www.stamaryscity.org or call 240-895-4990 or 800-SMC-1634.

Winner Selected in 2009 St. Mary’s County Oyster Festival & U.S. National Oyster Shucking Championship Contest® Poster Contest!

In celebration of Maryland’s 375th birthday, the Lexington Park Rotary Club, in conjunction with the St. Mary’s County Division of Tourism and the St. Mary’s County Arts Council, sponsored a poster contest for the 2009 St. Mary’s County Oyster Festival and U.S. National Oyster Shucking Championship Contest. Budding artists and experienced professionals were invited to create a poster design that incorporated the
name of the event, the Rotary Club and Celebrate 375 logos.

The judges chose the design created by Samantha Gallagher from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Her design will be featured on posters to be sold during the St. Mary’s County Oyster Festival. She will also receive $500 and recognition during the Festival.  Gallagher will be presented with her prize on Saturday, October 17 at 2 p.m. at the Shucking Stand, right before the National Oyster Cook-Off Award Ceremony. She will also be signing the posters throughout the day on Saturday.

Samantha Gallagher’s winning design features a colorful style that captures the festive nature of the Oyster Festival. The poster shows the Governor Thomas Johnson Bridge in the background with oysters and crackers surrounding the festival information.  Gallagher got her inspiration for the design from her travels from Pennsylvania back to St. Mary’s County. Gallagher lived in St. Mary’s County for most of her life, but moved to Pennsylvania last October. When asked about her inspiration for the poster design, she said, “For the past year I've made many trips back and forth from Harrisburg to St. Mary's to see family or participate in art shows. After a few hours of driving, as I cross over the Solomon's Bridge, I feel like I'm back home. The bridge is sentimental to me.  For [the oysters], the simpler the better.”

The St. Mary’s County Oyster Festival and U.S. National Oyster Shucking Championship Contest will be held on October 17 and 18 at the St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds in Leonardtown. For more information, log on to www.usoysterfest.com.

Tonight is the October Leonardtown First Friday!

Don't forget that tonight, October 2, is the October Leonardtown First Friday!  Join Historic Leonardtown's art galleries, restaurants, cafes, gift shops, antique shops, book stores and more as the town hosts a free evening of art, entertainment, and specials.  Many shops and restaurants offer live music or poetry readings.  The art galleries have special preview receptions for their featured artists, and msot of the restaurants offer samples of their delicious menu items or a discount off their menu.  The First Friday fun starts at 5 p.m. and ends at 8 p.m.

For information about all of the special and fun activities going on during this First Friday, be sure to visit http://www.leonardtownfirstfridays.com/.  Here, you will always find current information about the upcoming promotions being offered by Leonardtown businesses for First Fridays!

Fuzzy Farmer's Market

One First Friday event that you definitely don't want to miss is the Fuzzy Farmer's Market at the Southern Maryland Artisans Center from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. tonight (as part of the Leonardtown First Friday fun) and tomorrow, October 3 from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m.  Visit this farmer's market of locally made products from sheep, goats, and alpaca including fleeces, wool, hand-spun yarns, hand-made shawls, scarves, and bags, goat's milk soaps, funky fiber art, and home textiles such as rag rugs and patchwork quilts.  Additional activities include a Knit In and collection baskets for hats, scarves, and gloves; raffles; and a Food Drive to benefit local shelters and the food bank.  The Chesapeake Spinners and Weavers Guild members will give demonstrations.  The event is sponsored by the Crafts Guild of St. Mary's County and the Chesapeake Spinners and Weavers Guild.  The Southern Maryland Artisans Center is located in the Maryland Antique Center Annex at 26005 Point Lookout Road.  For more information about the Fuzzy Farmer's Market, contact the Southern Maryland Artisans Center at 301-997-1644 or visit http://www.fuzzyfarmers.com/.

Lecture and Book Signing by Major General Fred J. Ascani, USAF Ret., and Lieutenant Colonel Sheryl Hutchinson, USAF Ret.

The Patuxent River Naval Air Museum is holding its fourth “Flight Test Tech Talk” program: a lecture and book signing by Fred Ascani and Sheryl Hutchison on Friday, October 2, 2009, from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. They will present the new book Mentor Inbound: The Authorized Biography of Fred J. Ascani, Major General, USAF Retired: Holder of the 1951 World Speed Record.

The Rockford Register-Republic newspaper carried this headline in January 1945: “Aboard a Flying Fortress which appeared a flaming torch, spewing gasoline from its load of 15,000 gallons and trailing fire like a comet, a bomber crew which included Lt. Col. Fred J. Ascani, Rockford pilot, continued its run over a Ploesti oil field target and came through safely . . .” Fred Ascani flew 53 combat missions in command of the 816th Bombardment Squadron during World War II. The newspaper article about that ordeal over Ploesti is an early example of the extensive media coverage that the aviation exploits of Fred Ascani would generate throughout a legendary career.

Fred Ascani is one of the “Men of Mach 1,” and participated in the selection of Chuck Yeager as the pilot to surpass Mach 1 in the Bell X-1. Maj Gen Ascani’s contributions to airpower span over 40 years. Ascani began his association with flight test in 1944 at Wright Field, Ohio. He reported for duty at Edwards Air Force Base in 1950; as Director of Experimental Flight Test and Engineering, and as the first vice commander of the Air Force Flight Test Center, Ascani was an active test pilot, flying more than 50 research aircraft and experimental prototypes. At the 1951 National Air Races, Ascani established a new world speed record flying an F-86E Sabre: 635.686 miles per hour over a 100-kilometer closed course. General Ascani is considered by the USAF to be the “Father of Systems Engineering” and was also the System Program Director for the XB-70 Valkyrie Mach 3 bomber program, the spinoff technologies of which were vital to the development of the Space Shuttle. Ascani retired from the Air Force in 1973 with 6288 flight hours in a uniquely wide range of aircraft. He then taught systems engineering at the Pentagon to the next generation of acquisition professionals.

Author Sheryl Hutchison was on active duty with the USAF for more than 20 years, retiring as a Lt. Colonel in 2006. In July 2000, when then-Major Hutchison became a squadron commander at Edwards Air Force Base, California, she contacted Maj Gen Ascani to request his eyewitness account of how historic Edwards AFB sites looked in the 1940s. They developed an association that led to Mentor Inbound, the biographical account of Ascani’s career, written by Lt. Col. Hutchison in gratitude for his advice and to serve as inspirational history for future generations of airmen.

This event is free and open to the public. Though seating is not reserved, it is limited (standing room attendance is permitted): please RSVP to director@paxmuseum.com or 301-863-7418. Lecture and Q&A: 4:45 to 6:00 p.m. Maj Gen Ascani and Lt. Col. Hutchison will sign copies of Mentor Inbound from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. The book will be available for purchase at the Museum Store throughout the event.

The Patuxent River Naval Air Museum is one of 12 Official U.S. Navy Museums, and the only facility that preserves and presents the history of the research, development, test, and evaluation activities of U.S. Naval Aviation. Learn more about the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum via its website link on the Naval History and Heritage Command’s homepage: http://www.history.navy.mil/.

Blessing of the Fleet

On October 3 and 4, come out to the St. Clement's Island Museum for the Blessing of the Fleet! The Blessing of the Fleet is a religious celebration of Maryland's birthplace, the landmark of St. Clement's Island, and a blessing of the boats, or fleet, as October 1 generally begins the oyster harvesting season in Maryland.

This is the 42nd year that the Blessing of the Fleet has been held. During the festival, enjoy a classic car show on Saturday and Sunday afternoon, Catholic mass on Sunday, arts and crafts, livestock and a petting zoo, an oyster tonging demonstration, hourly $100 cash giveaways, wine tastings, boxing robots, and pony rides. Plus, on Saturday night, watch as beautiful fireworks light up the sky over the Potomac River! The 2009 Blessing of the Fleet will also feature music by local bands, a parade on Sunday, and lots of fun childrens activities.

In honor of Maryland's 375th birthday, the 2009 Blessing of the Fleet will include a special cover on the event program that features Maryland's 375th birthday along with a picture of the cross and the Blackistone Lighthouse. There will also be a short story in the book that will describe the connection between St. Clement's Island and the founding of Maryland.

On Saturday, October 3, the event will run from 12 p.m. until 10 p.m. and on Sunday, October 4, the event will run from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. For more information about the event, please contact the 7th District Optimist's Club at 301-769-2763 or rspogue@aol.com. To visit their website, click here. To download the event flyer, click here.

Turning Points in St. Mary's County Historical Paper Contest Winner

The winner has been announced for the Turning Points in St. Mary's County Historical Paper Contest! Nicholas Pontorno, a student at Esperanza Middle School, won with his essay that described how the Patuxent River Naval Air Station changed St. Mary's County's history. As the winner, he received a $50 check from the St. Mary's County Historical Society and he read his essay during the St. Mary's County Fair.

The historical paper contest was sponsored by the St. Mary's County Department of Economic & Community Development and the St. Mary's County Historical Society, in conjunction with St. Mary's County Public School.

To read Nicholas Pontorno's winning essay, please visit the Fun for the Young page.

Riverside WineFest at Sotterley 2009!

Come to the place where wine flows freely, music is jamming, kids are playing, artists are selling, food is scrumptious, and everyone is having a blast! Sotterley Plantation will “Celebrate the Best of Maryland in a Breathtaking Setting” at the Riverside WineFest at Sotterley 2009. For two days, guests will have the chance to taste the offerings of 17 highly acclaimed Maryland wineries (with no tasting tickets). For those who have always wanted to learn about wine making and wine testing, you will enjoy the informative demonstrations and exhibits. Promoting goods from our local farming community and introducing fine local chefs, visit the So. Maryland, So Good tent and enjoy the full schedule of events. Hungry? Dash over to the food vendors for crab cakes, fried oysters, pit-roasted meats, stuffed ham, wraps, freshly made ice-cream and more. There is no such thing as a bored child here at Sotterley, as we offer free face painting and colonial games. Ready to dance? Go for it! Move and groove to a spectrum of music – from Jazz to1950’s classics to Rock & Roll to International Folk. Let’s talk Art – not crafts, but ART. Artists from The Color & Light Society will be painting, displaying, and selling their treasures in the Customs Warehouse. Down on the field, make a point of supporting other Maryland Artists, many of whom sell their creations nationally and internationally. As an added bonus, 98.3 Star FM celebs T-bone & Heather will be here with t-shirts and prizes for the crowd on Saturday from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

NEW for 2009: Promising to make this year’s event even better, we will have an Antique Show in the barn with experienced local antique dealers selling favorites from days gone by. Since we aim to please, diehard football fans will be able to watch the Washington Redskins play (and beat) the Buccaneers on Sunday at 1 p.m. down on the field on a big screen television.

Tickets may be purchased in advance for a discounted price of $17 prior to September 25th, and at the gate tickets will be $20. Designated drivers are $15, those between the ages of 6 – 20 years old are $5, and children under 6 are free of charge. To purchase tickets in advance (VISA or MasterCard only) or to find out more information, visit http://www.sotterley.org/ or call 301-373-2280 or 800-681-0850.

Culinary Arts Students Will Face-Off at Celebrate 375 Cake Decorating Contest

In honor of Maryland’s 375th birthday, the Culinary Arts program at the Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center will hold a cake decorating contest at the St. Mary’s County Fair in the new auditorium building on Friday, September 25 from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. The Culinary Arts students will work in teams of two, with a total of 12 teams competing. Cakes will be decorated using the theme of Maryland’s 375th Birthday and St. Mary’s County.

The cakes will be judged by Doris Jenkins of Carroll County, a judge of the Pillsbury Bake-off Contest at the Maryland State Fair; Anita Kriner, wedding cake designer and owner of Anita's Cakes in Great Mills; and Peter Schmitter, owner and pastry chef of Wildewood Pastry shop in California.

The cakes will be on display in the new auditorium building at the fair through Saturday. The newly crowned Queen of Tolerance and her court will be cutting and serving samples of the cake to the public on Sunday at 1:00 PM, also in the new auditorium building, during Maryland’s 375th Birthday Party.

The idea for the contest was that of Fair Director John Richards who approached school personnel with the idea. Culinary Arts instructor Amanda Garnados is coordinating the contest and working with the student teams. The St. Mary's County Division of Tourism is helping to sponsor the contest.

For more information about the St. Mary's County Fair, visit www.smcfair.somd.com.

St. Mary's County Fair Will Celebrate Maryland's 375th!

The 2009 St. Mary’s County Fair is hosting a variety of events to celebrate Maryland’s 375th birthday, including a cake decorating contest, an essay reading, and Maryland’s 375th Birthday Party!

On Friday, September 25, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., students from the Dr. James A. Forrest Career & Technology Center will face-off in a birthday cake decorating contest. The winning birthday cake will be chosen by a panel of judges including Doris Jenkins, of Carroll County, a judge of the Pillsbury Bake-Off Contest at the Maryland State Fair; Anita Kriner, wedding cake designer and owner of Anita’s Cakes in Great Mills; and Peter Schmitter, owner and pastry chef of Wildewood Pastry Shop in California.

Then, the winner of the Turning Points in St. Mary’s County Historical Paper Contest will be announced and will read his/her essay on Friday at 2 p.m. The essay contest encouraged middle and high school students to think about local history by asking students to write an essay on a turning point that caused change within St. Mary’s County. The contest was sponsored by the St. Mary’s County Department of Economic & Community Development and St. Mary’s County Public Schools. The winner will receive a savings bond from the St. Mary’s County Historical Society.

The festivities will continue on Saturday, September 26, with nearly a dozen songwriters, including Robin Guyther, Ben Connelly, Gary Rue, Krys Baker, Patty Dorsch, Scott Harshna, Catfish Joe, David Flood, Lissie Deere, David Norris, Carol Schachter, and Joe Norris performing original songs about Southern Maryland. The musical performances will start at the parade reviewing stand in front of the auditorium at 11:30 a.m.

On Sunday, September 27 at 1:00 p.m., the 2009 Queen of Tolerance and her court will be hosting Maryland’s 375th Birthday Party in the new auditorium. The Queen and her court will cut and serve samples of the birthday cakes from the cake decorating contest.

The cover of the 2009 St. Mary’s County Fair Guide also highlights Maryland’s 375th birthday with a composite of some of the student drawings entered into the cover contest that portray symbols of Maryland. The students who contributed were Becca Frazier and Robert Raley, from Margaret Brent Middle School; Chris Sydnor, Jenifer Schmidt, Stephanie Machina, and Kate Hardman, from Little Flower School; and Chris Forte, from Father Andrew White School. To see an online version of the Fair Guide, click here or on the image.

So come out to the St. Mary's County Fair this weekend and enjoy the special Maryland's 375th Birthday festivities! The St. Mary's County Fair is open from Thursday, September 24 through Sunday, September 27. For more information, please visit http://www.smcfair.somd.com/.

Unlocking the Chapel

On Sunday, September 20 at 5 p.m., attend a brief unlocking ceremony and explore the chapel at Historic St. Mary's City!

In 1704, Maryland Governor Seymour ordered the sheriff to lock the Roman Catholic brick chapel at St. Mary's City and see that it was never again used for worship. With that action, the colony’s experiment in religious freedom ended.

On Sunday, September 20, 305 years after the original chapel was sealed, St. Mary's County Sheriff Timothy Cameron will unlock the massive oak and pine doors of the reconstructed chapel. The reconstruction stands as a symbol of liberty of conscience and separation of church and state, which were practiced in 17th-century Maryland far in advance of the laws and practices in other New World colonies.

The reconstructed chapel, which was rebuilt on its original foundation, is architecturally complete but not yet furnished. It will be open to the public during museum hours as finishing allows. An interpretive pavilion will be open to the public in summer 2010.

For more information, contact Historic St. Mary's City at 800-SMC-1634 or 240-895-4990 or visit http://www.stmaryscity.org/.

WineFest Pre-Event Party!

On September 22 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m., the public is invited to a free pre-event party for Sotterley Plantation's 2009 Riverside WineFest! The event is graciously being hosted by Blue Wind Gourmet, which is located at 22803 Gunston Drive in California, Maryland. Whether you have tried the delectable creations at this amazing local restaurant before or not, this is a fantastic chance to feast on the savory gastric delights offered by Blue Wind Gourmet Owner, Rob Plant and to sip the wonderful varietals of Running Hare Vineyard.

The Riverside WineFest at Sotterley 2009 will take place on October 3 & 4 from Noon-6 p.m. at Sotterley Plantation, so don’t forget to mark your calendars! Discounted tickets are available through September 25th at http://www.sotterley.org/ or by phone: 301-373-2280 or 800-681-0850.

Leonardtown Events This Weekend

Leonardtown is holding two great events this weekend, Fall Follies on the Square and the 2nd Annual Leonardtown Wharf Waterfront Celebration!

Fall Follies on the Square
Fall Follies on the Square will be held on Saturday, September 12 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. The event offers visitors a chance to purchase beautiful hand-crafted art made by local artists including florals, baskets, quilts, pottery, stained glass and more!

For more information, call the Crafts Guild of St. Mary's County at 301-997-1644 or visit Leonardtown.somd.com.

Leonardtown Wharf Waterfront Celebration
The 2nd Annual Leonardtown Wharf Waterfront Celebration is on Saturday, September 12 from 12 p.m. until 5 p.m. Join in the excitement of sailboat races, enjoy musical performances by David Norris and local school chorus groups, and take a guided canoe or kayak excursion. At Tudor Hall, see the Key Family in St. Mary's County exhibit, enjoy an Artists Gathering, and a special performance by the Newtowne Players. Then, take a boat ride out to St. Clement's Island aboard the Historic Oyster Buy Boat, "Samuel M. Bailey," and learn about the history of St. Mary's County! To see the event flyer, click here.

For more information, call the Town of Leonardtown at 301-475-9791 or visit Leonardtown.somd.com.

Woodland Indian Discovery Day

This Saturday, September 12, visit Historic St. Mary's City and explore ways Maryland’s first people found or made everything they needed to live well in Southern Maryland!

Experiment with shaping a bowl from clay under the tutelage of visiting artisan Keith Grenoble. Try making stone tools. Kirk Drier, a master flintknapper from Oregon Ridge will guide your efforts. The Baltimore Bowyers will teach would-be archers to shoot a bow and arrow. Visitors can discover how the Yaocomaco made fabric as Rodney Ericson guides hide tanning. Learn ways fire was used for cooking and shaping a canoe. Scheduled activities include The Tayac Territory Dancers, who will guide ancient dances at 12 noon and 2 p.m. Make a rattle to keep the beat! On a wild foods walk at 11 a.m. or 1 p.m., see which familiar plants make a good meal. Learn to see the world around you as the Yaocomaco people did and find food, shelter, entertainment, and fashion where you never saw it before.

The event is open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Special activities are included in general admission to the museum: $10.00 adult, $8 seniors, $6 students, and $3.50 for children age 6-12. Children under 5 years visit free!

For more information, please contact Historic St. Mary's City at 800-762-1634 or 240-895-4990 or visit http://www.stmaryscity.org/.

Oyster Festival Poster Contest Deadline is Approaching

The deadline for the 2009 St. Mary's County Oyster Festival & US National Oyster Shucking Championship Contest Poster Contest is only 15 days away! The winner of the contest will receive a $500 prize, free tickets to the 2009 St. Mary's County Oyster Festival, and recognition during the Oyster Festival.

If you intend to submit an entry, please remember that:

• Text limited to "2009 St. Mary's County Oyster Festival & US National Oyster Shucking Contest Championship Contest" and must include "Celebrating Maryland's 375th Birthday" logo and Rotary Club logo (Click here to go to the Enter Giveaways and Contests page to download the logos.)
• Entry must be professional quality artwork (Finished size of Poster will be 18" x 24")
• Must be on a CD, 300 dpi, and reproducible by conventional 4-color printing process
• Include a 4" x 6" index card with the entry with:
  Your name
  Your complete mailing address
  Your home and work phone numbers
• Do not place your name in any form on the face of the artwork image

For more information, please visit the Enter Giveaways and Contests page by clicking here.

All entries must be submitted to the address below by 5 p.m. on September 15.

Rebecca Deprey, Tourism Coordinator
P.O. Box 653
Leonardtown, MD 20650

If you have any questions, please call Rebecca Deprey at 301-475-4200 ext. 1404.

We Need Your Photos!

We need your photos for our new 2010 St. Mary’s County Destination Guide and other materials promoting the county. We are seeking outdoor recreation themed photos of kayaking, canoeing, hiking, biking, and sailing. Your name will appear in the photo credit.

Please submit your photos by Wednesday, September 30 for consideration. All photos submitted must meet the following requirements. Photos must be clear, sharp and properly exposed. Digital images should be sent at the maximum resolution available. JPEG format is preferred; images should be a minimum of 300 dpi at 2” x 3”. Image files less than 500 KB are generally not usable.

Please submit your photos and contact information to Rebecca Deprey, Tourism Coordinator, via email at Rebecca.Deprey@stmarysmd.com or via mail on CD to the following address:

Rebecca Deprey
St. Mary’s County Division of Tourism
P.O. Box 653
Leonardtown, MD 20650

For more information, please call Rebecca Deprey at 301-475-4200 ext. 1404.

Subjects Needed, both two legged and four legged, for Destination Guide!

The St. Mary's County Division of Tourism is looking for a female and a male, both between the ages of 25 and 35, to appear in the 2010 St. Mary’s County Destination Guide. The theme of the photos will be canoeing and kayaking. Individuals should have an athletic physique and some paddling experience.

Mail a photo of yourself (print or on cd) with your contact information to the St. Mary’s County Division of Tourism, PO Box 653, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Photos must be received by Monday, September 1, 2009. Photos may also be dropped off at the Tourism Office in Leonardtown. No emails will be accepted. Must be available for local shoot on Saturday morning, September 12. For more information, please call Rebecca Deprey, Tourism Coordinator, at 301-475-4200 ext. 1404.

A small purebred toy breed dog such as a Yorkie, Chihuahua, Papillon or Toy Poodle is also needed. The dog must be well-trained, able to sit on command, and be comfortable in a canoe on the water. Owner will be expected to handle the dog during the shoot scheduled for Saturday morning, September 12. Owners must demonstrate handling ability and dog obedience in person. Please call Rebecca Deprey at 301-475-4200 ext. 1404 to schedule a time to meet.

To see the 2009 St. Mary's County Destination Guide, please click here.

St. Mary's County Tourism Joins Facebook

St. Mary's County Tourism now has a Facebook page! Check us out and become a fan by clicking below!


St. Mary's County Tourism

Get ready to celebrate!

This weekend is Maryland's 375th Birthday Celebration Weekend!

Starting tonight at 7 PM, come out to St. Mary's College of Maryland and enjoy the season opener of the River Concert Series. In honor of Maryland's 375th, Nathan Lincoln-DeCusatis has written a special symphonic work entitled "In Terrae Mariae: A Creation Song," which makes its debut tonight and features spoken texts culled from early writings on Maryland's founding prepared by Jennifer Cognard-Black, Associate Professor of English at St. Mary's College of Maryland. Visit http://www.riverconcertseries.com/ or call 240-895-4107 for more information.

Tomorrow, Saturday, June 20, the celebration continues at Historic St. Mary's City from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. with a birthday extravaganza. Tour tall ships such as the Kalmar Nyckel, the Maryland Dove, the dory boat Potomac, and the Sultana, a reproduction 1768 schooner. Tap your feet to the music of Calico Jack, David Norris, David Hildebrand, and Ship's Company Chanteyman in the Town Center. Explore the Woodland Indian Hamlet, the Brick Chapel, and the Godiah Spray Tobacco Plantation and experience what life was like back when St. Mary's City was Maryland's capital. The event is free and there will also be plenty of vendors, children's acitvities, and 17th-century style entertainment to help you celebrate Maryland's 375th birthday. Don't miss another River Concert Series at St. Mary's College of Maryland at 7 PM. There will be fireworks after the concert! Visit http://www.stmaryscity.org/ or call 800-762-1634 for more information.

On Saturday, June 20, the Juneteenth Celebration African American Heritage Festival is being held at Freedom Park in Lexington Park from noon until 8 p.m. The festival is held annually as a celebration of cultural diversity and freedom! There will be an early evening jazz concert featuring Saxophonist Phillip Martin, Jazz and R&B Vocalist Shang, Gospel Singing with Rev. James Flowers, Jr., and African dance and drumming. You'll also enjoy exhibits, a Minority Outreach Coalition Mini Health Fair, games, vendors, and food. It's a great way to continue the celebration! Visit http://www.ucaconline.org/ or call 301-862-4868 for more information.

For all of you race fans, don't miss Pinks All Out on Saturday, June 20 at Maryland International Raceway! Speed TV will be filming an episode of Pinks All Out, where hundreds of the best drag racers in the country will bring their game to MIR in search of glory and their share of $18,000 in cold hard cash. Host Rich Christensen hosts the all-day shootout that pits egos and cars against one another on the quarter mile! This is a ticketed event. Please visit http://www.mirdrag.com/ or call 301-884-9833 for more information.

Then, on Sunday, celebrate Maryland's 375th (and Father's Day too!) with the College of Southern Maryland in Leonardtown at the Celebrate Family, Fun and Fitness event! From 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., enjoy fitness demos, fun lawn games, a 3.75-mile walk through historic downtown Leonardtown and more. Visit www.csmd.edu/familyfun or call 301-934-7703 or 240-725-5312 for more information.

So this weekend, come down to St. Mary's County and celebrate Maryland's 375th!

Crab Lovers Delight

If you love crabs, then you definitely don't want to miss the St. Mary's Crab Festival on Sunday, June 14. The festival runs from 11 AM until 5 PM and is being held at the St. Mary's County Fairgrounds in Leonardtown. An annual tradition for 23 years, the crab festival is one of those great events that no summer would be complete without. You can get crabs any way you like 'em - steamed crabs, boiled crabs, breaded crabs, crab soup, and crab cakes plus other seafood dishes!

The festival also features regional crafters selling their hand-made pieces and lots of local entertainment to enjoy while you sit back and savor those crabs. Local dance studio teams, the crowd-pleasing Chesapeake Country Cruisers line dance team, and live country music by local legends "Southbound" will make you want to get up and dance!

There is a $5 general admission fee and food purchases cost extra. For more information, please contact the Leonardtown Lions Club at 301-885-8926 or visit www.StMarysCrabFestival.com.

Coming Up This Week: June 1 - June 7

We have a lot of wonderful events coming up this week in St. Mary's County. Here are a few that you won't want to miss!


Week of One Act Plays

From June 4 through 7, The Newtowne Players will be performing a series of one act plays featuring original scripts. The play "A History of St. Mary's County, Maryland in 23 Minutes," is among the plays to be performed and was chosen in honor of Maryland's 375th Birthday! Written by R. Da Silva, the play is a humorous representation of our local history filled with flagrant misrepresentations and gross stereotypes.

The Week of One Act Plays will be held at the Three Notch Theater in Lexington Park. For more information, contact The Newtowne Players at 301-737-5447 or visit http://www.newtowneplayers.org/.


Leonardtown First Friday

This Friday, June 5, from 5 PM until 8 PM, enjoy all the charms of Leonardtown! Join Historic Leonardtown's art galleries, restaurants, cafes, gift shops, antique shops, bookstores, and more as the town hosts a free evening of art, entertainment, and specials.

For more information, contact the Town of Leonardtown Office at 301-475-9791 or visit Leonardtown.somd.com.


Culinary Adventure at Summerseat Farm

Come out and enjoy an old-fashioned community picnic on the beautiful grounds of Summerseat Farm in Mechanicsville! Bring your blanket and picnic basket for a relaxing afternoon in the natural beauty of Summerseat on June 6, from 10 AM to 2 PM. There will also be educational programs and manor house tours plus 120 acres to explore with vineyards, gardens, farm animals and more!

For more information, contact Summerseat Farm at 301-373-6607 or visit http://www.summerseat.org/.


Southern Maryland Soap Box Derby

On your mark...get set...go! Get into the excitement as fast and furious youngsters vie to continue the tradition of sending one local champion to race in the grand finale of the Soap Box Derby! The Southern Maryland Soap Box Derby will be held on June 6, from 9 AM - 4 PM on Patuxent Boulevard, off of Route 4.

For more information, call 301-481-5494.

Wish Maryland a Happy Birthday

Have you wished Maryland a Happy Birthday yet?  Here's your chance!  

On Saturday, May 23, the St. Mary's County Division of Tourism invites everyone to come out to the Air Show at Naval Air Station Patuxent River to have their birthday wishes for Maryland video taped.   The Happy Birthday, Maryland video greetings will be taped by Dave Taylor of Phocus Video and select videos will be available on www.Maryland375.com.  The video taping will be from 9 AM - 11:30 AM on Saturday in Hangar 101.

We hope to see you there!  And be sure to check out the Happy Birthday, Maryland video greetings now available on www.Maryland375.com.

Celebrate Earth Day!

Leonardtown will be celebrating Mother Earth this Sunday, April 19! From 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM, the Leonardtown Square will be buzzing with activities centered on saving our beautiful planet. The event is sponsored by the Leonardtown Business Association and is sure to be a great time.

Join in the fun and learn about organic gardening, pesticide-free produce, recycling, conservation and other environmental tips to help save our planet. The Earth Day festivities also include live music, entertainment, a puppet show, seated massages, face painting, children's crafts, animal rescue organizations and more!

For more information, please call the Town of Leonardtown Office at 301-475-9791.

Enjoy Celebrate 375 Meals, Ales, and Ice Cream!

Businesses throughout the county are embracing Maryland's 375th Birthday with open arms. Some of our partners, going above and beyond the Discover St. Mary's County Card, are offering year-round specials such as meals, ales, and ice cream!

Do Dah Deli & Diner, located in Leonardtown, is one partner that has branched out from their Discover St. Mary's County Card offering to give customers a more creative way to celebrate this special year in our state's history. Everyday, Do Dah Deli & Diner is offering a breakfast special for $3.75. The breakfast includes 1 egg (any style), 1 pancake, 2 strips of bacon and a cup of coffee or tea! It's a great way to kick start your day.

In 1634, ale was considered a "necessary provision" by Lord Baltimore. So how better to commemorate Maryland's 375th than with a special ale? Brewer's Alley, a brewery located in Frederick, Maryland, in conjunction with Historic St. Mary's City, has created 1634 Ale. Made from ingredients that were available to the colonists, the ale's ingredients include molasses, malted rye, malted wheat, and caraway. The ale will be available for purchase in the upcoming months.

Bruster's Real Ice Cream of Hollywood, Maryland has caught the Celebrate 375 spirit as well. Stop by the Hollywood Bruster's anytime during 2009 and enjoy a delicious scoop of the special Maryland 375 Birthday Ice Cream! Inspired by the state's colors and with a hint of cake batter, this ice cream is a great way to celebrate!

Maryland Day Celebrations!

Maryland officially turns 375 years old on March 25 and our local attractions will be celebrating!

On March 25, the St. Clement's Island Museum will be holding it's Maryland Day celebration starting at 11 AM. It was on this historic date in 1634 that the first colonists landed on St. Clement's Island and in honor of Maryland's 375th birthday, the St. Clement's Island Museum has a few special additions to this year's event. The festivities will include a keynote address by Dr. Julia King, Associate Professor of Anthropology at St. Mary's College of Maryland, and a special birthday cake created by Chef Duff Goldman and the cake artists of Charm City Cakes of Baltimore, Maryland. For more information, please contact the St. Clement's Island Museum at 301- 769-2222 or visit www.stmarysmd.com/recreate/museums.

Then, the celebration continues at Historic St. Mary's City on March 29! As the first capital of Maryland, Historic St. Mary's City is holding its own Maryland Day from 10 AM to 5 PM on March 29. Enjoy pomp, pageantry, music, and free visitation to all museum sites! The celebration also includes a keynote address by Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley and students representing each Maryland jurisdiction will parade their home county's colors in the "Flag Ceremony." For more information, please contact Historic St. Mary's City at 240-895-4960 or visit http://www.stmaryscity.org/.

Upcoming Lecture Programs at Historic St. Mary's City

In March, Historic St. Mary's City, the site of Maryland's first capital, will be holding two lecture programs that are free to the public.

Written in Bone: Tales from 17th Century Graves

Dr. Doug Owsley, Division head for Physical Anthropology at the National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C., will be giving a public lecture on March 21 at 2 PM. The topic of the lecture is Dr. Owsley's investigations of the human bone, both ancient and modern. While trained in the study of ancient skeletal remains, he has also applied his expertise in the area of forensic anthropology. Dr. Owsley recently led the development of the "Written in Bone" exhibit that opened at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History in February, which features the story of the lead coffins found at St. Mary's Brick Chapel of 1667.

For more information about the lecture, please contact Historic St. Mary's City at 800-762-1634, 240-895-4990 or visit http://www.stmaryscity.org/.

Maryland at the Beginning Lecture Program

Historic St. Mary's City is launching the celebration of Maryland's 375th anniversary on March 28 from 1 PM to 5 PM with an afternoon of 30-minute talks by historians and archaeologists on the first decade of the colony. This lecture program has a great line-up of speakers including Dr. John Krugler from Marquette University, Maryland State archivist Dr. Edward Papenfuse, Dr. Gabrielle Tayac from the National Museum of the American Indian, Dr. Garry Wheeler Stone from the Monmouth Battlefield, and Historic St. Mary's City's director of research, Dr. Henry M. Miller.

For more information about the lecture program, please contact Historic St. Mary's City at 800-762-1634, 240-895-4990 or visit http://www.stmaryscity.org/.

This Weekend in St. Mary's County (February 13 - 15)

This weekend, you won't want to miss Jennifer Anne Cooper star in a cabaret centered on the pathway to Diva-dom or the rousing sea chanteys and traditional ballads of Calico Jack!

"Go-DIVA!" - The Newtowne Players featuring Jennifer Anne Cooper

Songstress Jennifer Anne Cooper is coming to the Three Notch Theater to celebrate the month of love, the magic of song, and the Newtowne Players' 5th anniversary! The Newtowne Players will be proudly hosting the autobiographical cabaret, "Go-DIVA! ~ Of Song, Silence, and the Abuse of Chocolate" on February 13, 14, and 15. "Go DIVA!" will take you on Cooper's journey from a rising child star to her disappearance from the spotlight. For more information, please contact the Three Notch Theater at 301-737-5447 or visit http://www.newtowneplayers.org/.

Dove Benefit Concert - Historic St. Mary's City

On February 14, Calico Jack (Janie Maneely and Paul DiBlassi) will be performing at the State House in Historic St. Mary's City! Enjoy rousing sea chanteys and traditional ballads. Don Kenefick will be opening the concert. All proceeds will be dedicated to the Maryland Dove. For more information, please contact Historic St. Mary's City at 800-762-1634, 240-895-4990 or visit http://www.stmaryscity.org/.

Artist Spotlight: Rex Miller and Christina Allen

The Maryland, My Maryland Exhibit at North End Gallery will be a special opportunity to see the beauty of St. Mary's County through the eyes of our local artists! Stop by the North End Gallery between February 3 and March 29 and enjoy the peaceful vistas, colorful nautical scenes, and artwork that captures the beauty in everyday life here in St. Mary's County.

Artists Rex Miller and Christina Allen are two of the artists that will be displaying their artwork in the Maryland, My Maryland Exhibit.

Rex Miller

Rex Miller's artwork shows the heritage of St. Mary's County via his paintings of many of the county's historical sites and attractions. Miller's work also conveys his love of the Chesapeake Bay, and its small towns, islands and countryside. He paints in oils and exhibits his work throughout Southern Maryland, including at North End Gallery in Leonardtown.

A notable within the art community, Miller is a recognized Southern Maryland artist who is most well known for his emotive and colorful landscapes. He has painted a variety of scenes from sites within St. Mary's County, such as his painting of a traditional tobacco barn entitled "Spring Colors" (displayed on right). His work draws inspiration from the impressionist styles of artists Stobart, Turner, and Constable and he is a member of the American Impressionist Society.

For more information about Rex Miller's artwork, please contact him via phone at 410-326-2604.

Christina Allen

A professional artist for over 26 years, Allen has participated in a variety of juried exhibitions ranging from the local level all the way to the international level. She gets her inspiration from the Chesapeake Bay and the lifestyle of the rural countryside.

Christina Allen's work explores a variety of artistic mediums including painting and handweaving. Many of her paintings are watercolors and contain elements of realism in their reflections of St. Mary's County's unique landscape. Her painting entitled "Trossbach Farmstand," (displayed on right), is one of her works that will be on display in the Maryland, My Maryland Exhibit.

For more information about Christina Allen's artwork, please contact her via phone at 301-862-3421 or visit http://home.earthlink.net/~allensarticles/index.htm.

If you would like to learn more about the Maryland, My Maryland Exhibit, please contact North End Gallery at 301-475-3130 or visit http://www.northendgallery.org/.

Local Artists Celebrate Maryland's 375th!

We're kicking off Maryland Celebrates 375 with art! The North End Gallery, in co-sponsorship with the St. Mary’s County Arts Council, is getting ready to hold the “Maryland, My Maryland” Art Exhibit, which will be the first major event centered on celebrating Maryland's 375th birthday.

Opening February 3 and running through March 29, the Maryland, My Maryland exhibit will showcase artwork that reflects the true heritage and beauty of the Southern Maryland region created by artists from the local area. The exhibit is bringing together the artistic styles and mediums of over thirty-three resident artists from Southern Maryland as well as invited artists from our area, including Bud Adams, Jim Bershon, Karen Chambers, Larry Chappelear, Sue Chappelear, Jack Epstein, Connie James, Sue Johnson, Jenny Neat, Carrie Patterson, Lee Russell, and Tim Scheirer.

The North End Gallery will hold two unique receptions for the exhibit to give us all a chance to view the art in a more personal way. On February 6, a First Friday Opening Reception will be held from 5 PM - 8 PM. The reception will allow visitors to meet some of the artists whose work will be on display. On March 6, there will be a Celebrate Maryland's 375th Anniversary First Friday Reception from 5 PM - 8 PM. Birthday cake will be served in honor of the state's birthday.

And there is something for the kids too! Historic St. Mary's City is holding a poster contest for 4th grade students and those ages 9 or 10. Also themed for the celebration of Maryland's 375th birthday, the poster contest invites kids to think about Maryland's first capital, St. Mary's City, and to explore the state's colonial history. Prizes will be offered to the winning entry in each category, so make sure to have your 4th grade student enter!

As we get closer to the opening and throughout the “Maryland, My Maryland” exhibit, I will keep you updated!

For more information on the “Maryland, My Maryland” exhibit, please call North End Gallery at 301-475-3130 or visit http://www.northendgallery.org/. To find out more about the Historic St. Mary’s City poster contest, please visit http://www.stmaryscity.org/.

This Week in St. Mary's County (Jan. 13 - Jan. 19)

Between January 13 and January 19, you won't want to miss:

• Historic St. Mary's City Poster Contest
• "The Foreigner" - Presented by The Newtowne Players
• Art Show & Wine Tasting at Blue Wind Gourmet

Poster Contest - Historic St. Mary's City
Help Historic St. Mary's City celebrate Maryland's 375th birthday by creating a poster about the early years of Lord Baltimore's colony, when St. Mary's City was the capital! The contest is open to all fourth-grade students and those ages 9 and 10. Prizes will be given to the winning entry in each category! For more details, rules, and regulations, please visit http://www.stmaryscity.org/.

"The Foreigner" - Presented by The Newtowne Players
Enjoy this hilarious comedy centered around a resort-style fishing lodge in rural Georgia. The play revolves around two guests, Charlie and Froggy. Charlie's intense shyness keeps him from being able to speak, but Froggy explains to the other guests that Charlie is just from another country and is unable to speak English. You'll laugh as you watch how the other guests then behave around Charlie. For more information, showtimes and dates, please visit http://www.newtowneplayers.org/ or call 301-737-5447.

Art Show & Wine Tasting at Blue Wind Gourmet
Take in beautiful pieces of art while sipping a variety of wines at Blue Wind Gourmet! The proceeds from this event will be used to benefit the Calvert Marine Museum. Come out and enjoy art created by local artists, gourmet hors d'ouvres, and wines from a variety of vineyards. For more information, please call 410-326-2042 ext. 16, 17, or 18.

WELCOME TO OUR NEW WORLD

View video clip.

This Week in St. Mary's County (Jan. 5 - Jan. 12)

Between January 5 and January 12, you won't want to miss:

• Opening of Maryland Geocache Trail
• Genticorum Concert - Playing January 10 at St. Mary's Ryken High School
• Leonardtown First Fridays
• Political Memorabilia Exhibit at Piney Point Lighthouse, Museum and Historic Park

Geocache Trail
January marks the opening of a geocache trail that will take cachers on a journey throughout the state of Maryland. Sponsored by the Maryland Municipal League, the trail's theme is Maryland's Cities and Towns. The trail is comprised of all participating cities and towns in the 11 Maryland Municipal League Districts, which includes a total of 78 city/town caches. One of the participating towns is Leonardtown. Stop by the St. Mary's County Welcome Center to pick up your Geocache Trail passport and embark on your journey! For more information, please visit www.geocaching.com, www.mdmunicipal.org or call 410-268-5514.

Genticorum Concert
The Celtic Society of Southern Maryland, in collaboration with St. Mary's Ryken High School, will present afternoon workshops and an evening concert with the Montreal-based Quebecois trio, Genticorum. Genticorum is known for its energetic, uplifting and even soulful music, which is all sung in the Quebecois language. Don't worry if you don't know the Quebecois language though. All of Genticorum's songs are prefaced with an English translation. For more information, please visit http://www.cssm.org/ or call 301-904-7303.

Leonardtown First Fridays
Great deals and an emphasis on local culture are at the forefront of Leonardtown First Fridays. Every month, Leonardtown businesses stay open late and offer their patrons special offers and experiences. Stroll the quaint streets of Leonardtown this Friday and discover the town's art galleries, restaurants, cafes, gift shops, antique stores and more! For more information, please visit http://www.leonardtownfirstfridays.com./

Political Memorabilia Exhibit
With the Presidential Inauguration approaching and the hope of change in the air, there's no better time to look back into America's political past! Visit the Piney Point Lighthouse, Museum and Historic Park on weekends through January 19 to see political relics ranging from Abraham Lincoln to our president elect, Barrack Obama. The exhibit includes posters, buttons, magazines, photographs, newspapers, White House Christmas cards, and more. For more information, please visit http://www.stmarysmd.com/recreate/museums/ or call 301-994-1471.