One of the greatest supporters of the annual baked goods auctions at area community shows, Mearl McCleaf of Mountain Gate Family Restaurant, passed away in October 2021. For many years, Mearl McCleaf purchased Champion and Reserve Champion cakes and baked goods at Community Shows in Frederick County. 

At this year’s Frederick County Community Show’s Baked Goods Auctions in September and October, every Youth Department’s Champion Cake will benefit its community show’s area youth with the proceeds equally allocated to these three funds: FFA Chapter’s National FFA Convention Trip, and their Grange & FFA Alumni & Supporters Scholarships.

Rodman Myers, president of the Thurmont & Emmitsburg Community Show, recently presented a plaque in honor and memory of Mearl McCleaf to his wife, Dolores, and sons (left to right) Craig, Dean, and Keith, of Mountain Gate Family Restaurant in Thurmont.

Photo by Deb Abraham Spalding