Fun Stuff the Locals Do
Events and Such
These are things you probably won’t see listed in a tourist guide, but they are local “must do’s”. They are all family oriented activities. As you read down through, you will notice that many of them only happen at certain times of year or sporadically, so you need to make sure the event is happening before traveling.
Maple Springs Buckwheat Cake Dinners – Various Times Throughout the Year
Maple Springs Church holds one of the area’s best-known buckwheat dinners on and off throughout the year. Well, actually, they hold some and other charities come in and hold some.
Maple Springs is located a short drive to Eglon, West Virigina, but it is so worth the trip if you can attend one of their dinners.
Their dinners are generally announced in the Republican newspaper and on the Maple Spring Church of the Brethren Facebook Page.
Garrett County Celtic Festival – Early June
The Garrett County Celtic Festival is held the first week of June, in Friendsville, MD.
It is a celebration of both Irish and Scottish heritage.
It features a parade of clans, clan tents, lots of food, and Celtic and Scottish vendors. There a many activities throughout the day for young and young and young at heart.
Grantsville Days – End of June
Grantsville Days happens at the end of June in, of course, Grantsville, MD.
They have a parade that rivels the Autumn Glory Parade, except at the Grantsville parade, everybody knows there will be lots of candy!
It’s a three-day festival with lots of events, good food, and a variety of vendors.
For more information, visit the Grantsville Lions Club’s Facebook page.
Tri-State Relief Sale – Third Week in July
The Tri-State Relief Sale is an auction held by the Mennonite Central Committee.
It is held the third week of July at Springs Mennonite Church in Springs, PA. It is held to raise money for mission’s work.
There are many nice things auctioned, and they sometimes go at a bargain.
In addition to the auction, there is food available for purchase and also yard sale items.
Springs Mennonite Church, 1686 Springs Road, Springs, PA .
The Garrett County Agricultural Fair – Last Saturday in July through the First Week in August
The Garrett County Agricultural Fair happens at the Fair Ground in McHenry, MD.
The fair has many events, including nightly concerts and events at the racetrack. Families can look at the animals in the barns or watch the many animal shows. There are lots of exhibits, and plenty of food vendors, most of which are raising money for charity.
The Farm Queen Contest is on Sunday night.
There is a carnival included, and attendees pay one price for entry and rides all day.
Friendsville Days – Mid August
Friendsville Days happens in mid-August in Friendsville, MD.
There are many events and vendors. And, of course, there is a parade and lots of music.
Visit the Friendsville Days Facebook page for more information.
Country Fest Auction & Festival – End of August
Country Fest is an Auction and Festival held at the Garrett County Fairgrounds in McHenry, to raise money for education and charity.
Admission is free.
In addition to the auction, there are children’s rides, children’s activities, craft and fresh produce items to purchase, and lots of homemade baked goods. There are also food booths serving hot foods and homemade donuts.
Swan Meadow School Harvest Sale – End of September
Many of the locals look forward to Swan Meadow School’s Harvest Sale in September each year.
In addition to a large number of great items that are up for auction, the sale features homemade apple cider, homemade donuts, baked goods, and candies.
Additionally, families are treated to a la carte food items including the yearly taco salad, chili dogs, and nachos.
It is generally around the end of September, on a Friday, and is held at the Pleasant Valley Community Center at 975 Joni Miller Rd, Oakland, MD. Watch the local “Republican” newspaper for an announcement.
Bittinger Mennonite Gym Potato and Taco Bar
You will just have to check the local “Republican” newspaper for information about this one, because it only happens a couple times a year, and we don’t have dates. But it is so good, that it is most definitely a local favorite. And you should go if you get the chance.
The Potato and Taco Bar is held as a fundraiser. Featured is real Mennonite home-cooking, with local produce. It is all you can eat and is followed by ice cream.
Directions will be listed in the ad.
