James Rada Jr.

Like old friends that we haven’t seen in a while but are now beginning to, familiar events are once again happening in Northern Frederick County.

Carnivals and festivals that were canceled last year are taking place this year. Pools and venues that were closed last year are open this year. And everyone is elated to see this long-awaited trend back to normalcy.

Emmitsburg Heritage Day and the Guardian Hose Company carnival were among the events that went off without a hitch this year.

“We were able to do it, and the community came out and supported us,” said Wayne Stackhouse, Guardian Hose Company president.

He was pleased with the turnout, although the carnival was one day less this year. Still, it was a big improvement over having no carnival—and no fundraiser for the fire company—last year.

“When you take away the biggest fundraiser we have, it hurts the company,” Stackhouse said.

The Emmitsburg Heritage Day Committee had to make its decision about the community event while many restrictions were still in place, although things were improving.

“It was an optimistic decision, similar to the one we made last year,” said committee member Jennifer Joy.

The Heritage Day Committee consists of Lions, Sons of the American Legion, Knights of Columbus, and is supported by the whole community through donations. “We figured that even if restrictions stayed or were imposed, we could still have an abbreviated event. So, we planned for the whole event and, if necessary, were prepared to abbreviate it to just an evening entertainment and the annual fireworks like we did last year.”

The fireworks would have needed to happen, regardless of whether the rest of the event happened because the committee had to pay half of the show cost in December, and it was non-refundable.

Meanwhile, the biggest area event to come is Colorfest in October, and planning is happening for that event, which will bring somewhere around 100,000 people to Thurmont over the weekend.

“We are all systems go,” said Colorfest President Carol Robertson.

Without Colorfest happening last year, the $20,000 in annual donations Colorfest, Inc. makes directly to the community didn’t happen. This included scholarships and the Christmas dinner donations the group makes to the Thurmont Food Bank. Also, churches and organizations that use the event as their major fundraiser for the year didn’t get that income.

Robertson expects the turnout for Colorfest to be great this year. The vendors are excited to attend, and people want to get out.

“When we made the decision to go ahead with it, I had people come up and hug me in the store,” Robertson said. “It was missed, and I think it will be well attended.”

The games at Emmitsburg Heritage Day were lots of fun!

(above) Kyle Welsh and Chase Jackson at the Thurmont Guardian Hose Co.’s Carnival.

(above) Karen Eiker, Molly Tokar, Rose Downs Hatcher and Lori Young pumped up for the Amish Outlaws at the Thurmont Event Complex.

(below) McKinley and Karlee at the Thurmont Guardian Hose Co.’s Carnival.

(below) Braylee and Ayden Helman enjoy rides at the Thurmont Guardian Hose Co.’s Carnival!

Courtesy Photos

Emmitsburg Heritage Day Photos by Deb Abraham Spalding

Members of the South Paw Dog Club direct the talents of their beautiful dogs.

The Heritage Day parade is enjoyed by many. The Catoctin High School Baseball Team rides in the truck, celebrating its win at the Maryland State Championship.

John Whittaker volunteers to drive the kiddy train ride at Heritage Day.

Volunteers Jenni and Pat Joy represent the Emmitsburg Lions Club and Knights of Columbus to make Heritage Day possible.

A smiling Luke Ray places second in the Pie Eating Contest (ages 5-8) at Heritage Day!

Marc and Becca Cichocki cross the finish line (ages 17 & up) in a sack race.

Tyrian Lodge #205 sponsored the annual Horseshoe Tournament at Heritage Day. Winners are pictured.

Photo by Ron Cool