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2019 Plans for 63rd Annual Thurmont & Emmitsburg Community Show

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The Thurmont & Emmitsburg Community Show committee met recently to begin planning the 63rd Annual Thurmont & Emmitsburg Community Show.  The show will be held at Catoctin High School, located at 14745 Sabillasville Road in Thurmont, on September 6-8, 2019. Officers elected at the meeting were: President—Rodman Myers; Vice President—Robert Valentine; Secretary—Jennifer Martin. Other committee members are Sue Keilholtz, Robert Wiles, David Harman, Niki Eyler, Cheryl Lenhart, Ray Martin, Carol Long, Chip Long, Sharon Graf, Denise Valentine, Amanda and Paul Dennis, Clifford Stewart, Helen Troxell, Cathy Little, Karen Myers, Nancy Wine, Patty Johnston, Jim Barth, Kay Barth, Thad Bittner, Amy Jo Poffenberger, Daniel Myers, Sierra Weatherly, Josie Kaas, Cheyenne Van Echo, Alexis Morgan, and Robert Hahn.

On Friday night, the 2019-2020 Catoctin FFA Chapter Ambassador will be announced. In addition, this year’s program will honor the 100th anniversary of the American Legion of Thurmont and Emmitsburg and the 50th anniversary of the Seton Center in Emmitsburg. The Linda Elower Studio of Dance will also be honored for its 50th anniversary during its program on Saturday afternoon. The baked goods auction will begin immediately following the program, and the grand champion cake, pie, and bread will be sold at 9:00 p.m. 

Entry of exhibits will take place on Thursday evening, September 5, from 6:00-9:00 p.m., and on Friday, September 6, from 8:30-11:30 a.m., in the new gymnasium and in the agriculture department area. Judging will begin at 12:30 p.m. Commercial exhibits may be entered on Friday, September 6, from 3:30-5:30 p.m. The show will open to the public at 6:00 p.m. 

On Saturday, September 7, the show opens at 9:00 a.m. Activities include a Market Goat, Beef, Sheep and Swine Fitting & Showing Contest, from 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at the Ag Center at the school. The Pet Show will be held at 10:30 a.m., outside the front of the school. The petting zoo, farm animals, and pony rides will also be held on Saturday and Sunday.

The Thurmont Grange will serve its turkey and country ham dinner in the school cafeteria on Saturday night, from 3:00-7:00 p.m. Entertainment for Saturday and Sunday will be announced at a later date. There will be no admission charged for the entertainment.

The 45th Annual Catoctin FFA Alumni Beef, Sheep & Swine sale will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Ag Center area on Saturday night. 

Activities begin on Sunday, September 8, at 9:00 a.m., with the Goat Show, followed by the Dairy Show. At 12:00 p.m., the Catoctin FFA Alumni Chicken Bar-B-Que will be held in the cafeteria. The decorated animal contest will begin at 12:00 noon. The Log Sawing Contest will begin at 12:30 p.m. under the show tent in the Ag Center area, with categories consisting of women’s team, men’s team, men and women’s team, and a children’s division.

A peddle tractor contest for kids will be held on Sunday afternoon at 12:30 p.m. in the Ag Center area, and the 40th Annual Robert Kaas Horseshoe Pitching Contest will begin at 1:00 p.m.

Exhibits must be removed on Sunday, September 8, from 3:00-6:00 p.m.  Please note the new deadline to pick up items.

Soon, the community show booklets may be found in local Thurmont, Emmitsburg and surrounding area businesses in late July or early August. New residents of the community are urged to enter and be a part of the Community Show, the largest in the State of Maryland.  

There will be changes to some departments. Departments include: Fresh Fruits, Fresh Vegetables, Home Products Display, Canned Fruits, Canned Vegetables, Jellies & Preserves, Pickles, Meats, Baked Products, Sewing & Needlework, Flowers and Plants, Arts, Paintings & Drawings, Crafts, Photography, Corn, Small Grains and Seeds, Eggs, Nuts, Poultry & Livestock, Dairy, Goats, Hay, Junior Department and Youth Department. There is no entry fee. Please visit the website for updated information at www.thurmontemmitsburgcommunity show.webs.com. 

The Community Show is sponsored by the Thurmont Grange, Catoctin FFA Chapter, Catoctin FFA Alumni, the Maryland State Grange, and the Maryland State Agricultural Fair Board.

Community Show Kicks Off Catoctin High 50th Anniversary

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James Rada, Jr.

For 62 years, the Thurmont and Emmitsburg Community Show has been highlighting the role of agriculture in northern Frederick County and spotlighting the talents of area residents. This year’s show was held at Catoctin High School on September 7-9. More than $13,000 in prizes were awarded to the hundreds of exhibitors.

On one end of the school, area residents spread out artwork, agricultural items and baked foods in the large gym. On the opposite end of the school, other students groomed animals preparing to show them. In between these two points, businesses and local civic organizations displayed their services and purposes.

The show is sponsored by the Thurmont Grange, Catoctin High’s FFA Chapter, Catoctin Area FFA Alumni, the Maryland Agricultural Fair Board, and the Maryland State Grange. It comes together each year through the efforts of hundreds of volunteers.

The line for the Thurmont Regional Library’s annual used book sale began forming even before the community show’s 6:00 p.m. start time Friday evening.

The show opened with its traditional flag ceremony highlighting all of northern Frederick County’s civic and public service organizations. The evening honored the 50th anniversary of the opening of Catoctin High School.

Catoctin High’s current Principal Bernie Quesada and all of Catoctin’s former principals — with some of them in attendance — were recognized for their contribution to the Catoctin community. “They’ve all had distinguished careers and made a difference in thousands of lives of young people,” Quesada said.

Catoctin High was born in turmoil but has since become a binding force for northern Frederick County. It is due, in part, to the efforts of these men and women who led the school and fostered its growth with the community.

Dr. Harper Long, Catoctin’s first principal who currently resides in Iowa, wrote an e-mail to Principal Bernie Quesada, saying, “One of Mr. Goodrich’s and my highest priorities that first year was to bring together the communities of Emmitsburg and Thurmont. The Board of Education’s site selection for the new school did not sit well with either community. Both towns wanted the new school to be nearer their town. Since we could do nothing to alter the physical position of the school building, we tried to bring the two communities together. We all worked to develop respect for each others’ needs.” It is a mission that all of these principals have worked at accomplishing.

The professionals who served as Catoctin High School’s principals since its opening include Bernard Quesada (2010 – current), Jack Newkirk (2005 – 2010), Ann Bonitatibus (2001 – 2005), Marlene “Marty” Tarr (1996 – 2001), Earl Miller (1984 – 1996), Bruce Brown (1983 – 1984), James Fisher (1977 – 1983), Harper Long (1969 – 1977), and Howard Goodrich (1969).

During the opening ceremony, Catoctin High student Robert Hahn was chosen as the school’s FFA ambassador for the coming year.

National Grange Master Betsy Huber congratulated the community on putting together the show each year. She said, “Grangers everywhere are involved in fairs and shows like this one because we’re all doers.”

Frederick County Superintendent of Schools Theresa Alban said, “I sit here every year and find different inspiration.”

After the opening ceremony on Friday evening, the Community Show’s events continued through the weekend and featured a baked goods auction, a livestock auction, a petting zoo, music, pony rides, a pet show, a horseshoe pitching contest, log sawing contest and much more.

The Thurmont and Emmitsburg Community Show is the largest in the State of Maryland. It is exemplary. The strength of the show and the strength of agriculture in northern Frederick County stands on the shoulders of the volunteers who proudly teach and carry that heritage forward from generation to generation.

 
 
  
  
  
 
 
Photos by Deb Abraham Spalding, Gracie Eyler, Blair Garrett, and Taylor Clarke

Front row left to right: Jan Gardner, Frederick County Executive; Betsy Huber, National Grange President; Jennifer Martin, Secretary of the Community Show Committee; Mary Fisher, widow of Dr. James Fisher former CHS Principal; Marty Tarr, former CHS Principal; Cathy Little, Asst. Treasurer of the Community Show Committee; Robert Hahn, Catoctin FFA Ambassador.

Back row left to right: Dave Harman, Community Show Committee member; Bob Valentine, Vice-President of the Community Show Committee; Daniel Myers, Community Show Committee member; Rodman Myers, President of the Community Show Committee; Earl Miller, former CHS Principal; Jack Newkirk, former CHS Principal; Bruce Brown, former CHS Principal; Bernie Quesada, current CHS Principal; Terry Alban, Superintendent of Frederick County Public Schools; Amy Jo Poffenberger, CHS Agriculture Education Teacher.

Plans for 59th Annual Thurmont & Emmitsburg Community Show

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The Purpose of the Community Show is to Educate, to Inspire, and to Entertain

The Thurmont & Emmitsburg Community Show will be held at Catoctin High School on September 11-13, 2015. Visit the Community Show’s website at www.thurmontemmitsburgcommunityshow.webs.com to view the premium list for 2015 and the community show booklet.

On Friday evening, September 11, the 2015-2016 Catoctin FFA Chapter Ambassador will be announced. The baked goods auction will begin following the program, and the grand champion cake, pie, bread, gluten-free baked product, sugar free baked product, and the Junior and Youth Department baked product champions will be sold at 9:00 p.m.

Entry of exhibits will take place on Thursday evening, September 10, from 6:00-9:00 p.m., and on Friday, September 11, from 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., in the new gymnasium and in the agriculture department area. There will be changes made in many of the classes, including photography, fresh vegetables, corn, and other departments. Judging will begin at 12:30 p.m. Commercial exhibits may be entered on Friday, September 11, from 3:30-5:30 p.m. The show will open to the public at 6:00 p.m., and the Friday night program will feature the 50th anniversary of Sabillasville Elementary School, with several individuals being honored.

On Saturday, September 12, the show opens at 9:00 a.m. Activities include a Market Goat, Beef, Sheep and Swine Fitting & Showing contest, from 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., at the Ag Center at the school. A Scales and Tales demonstration will take place immediately prior to the Pet Show in the front of the school. The Pet Show will be held at 10:30 a.m. outside the front of the school. The petting zoo, farm animals, and pony rides by the Mason Dixon Quarter Horse Club will also be held on Saturday and Sunday, located near the upper parking lot at the high school, featuring “Abel,” owned by Joe and Ruth Biser, who is a Brown Swiss animal that is twelve years old and weighs 2,600 pounds. Alpacas, owned by Lynn Cherish of Baggy Britches Farm, will be on display. Emus, owned by James Royer, will be on display, and a sow and litter of pigs owned by Phil Wivell will also be on display.

The Thurmont Grange will serve their turkey and country ham dinner in the school cafeteria from 3:00-7:00 p.m. on Saturday night. CATOCTIN The Band will perform in the auditorium, beginning at 6:00 p.m. At 7:00 p.m., the Taylor Brown “Elvis Show” will be performed. There will be no admission charge for this entertainment.

The 41st annual Catoctin FFA Alumni Beef, Sheep, Swine and Market Goat sale will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Ag Center area on Saturday night, with approximately fifty-five head of livestock being sold. Buyers are welcome to attend and purchase animals.

Activities begin on Sunday, September 13th at 9:00 a.m. with the Goat Show, followed by the Dairy Show and Decorated Animal Contest. The decorated animal contest will begin at noon.

At 12:00 noon, the Catoctin FFA Alumni Chicken Bar-B-Que will be held in the cafeteria. The 35th annual Robert Kaas horseshoe pitching contest will begin at 1:00 p.m.

The Log Sawing Contest will begin at 1:00 p.m. under the show tent in the Ag Center area. A peddle tractor contest for kids will be held on Sunday afternoon at 1:30 p.m., also in the Ag Center area. The Thurmont Academy of Self Defense will have a program in the old gymnasium at 1:00 and 2:00 p.m. CATOCTIN The Band will perform in the auditorium from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. and the Taylor Brown “Elvis Show” will be held from 2:00-3:00 p.m.

The Catoctin FFA Alumni will be holding a raffle during the community show. Profit from the raffle will go toward the scholarship fund as each year the Alumni awards scholarships to graduating Catoctin FFA Chapter seniors and past FFA graduates seeking secondary education.

Exhibits must be removed on Sunday, September 13, 2015 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. If items are left at the school after this time, they may be picked up in the Ag Center area on Tuesday, September 15, 2015, as there is no school on Monday, September 14th.

The community show booklets can be found in local Thurmont, Emmitsburg and surrounding area businesses in late July or early August. New residents of the community are urged to enter and be a part of the Community Show, the largest in the State of Maryland. Some minor additions and deletions will be made in some of the departments. Departments include: Fresh Fruits, Fresh Vegetables, Home Products Display, Canned Fruits, Canned Vegetables, Jellies & Preserves, Pickles, Meats, Baked Products, Sewing & Needlework, Flowers and Plants, Arts, Paintings & Drawings, Crafts, Photography, Corn, Small Grains and Seeds, Eggs, Nuts, Poultry & Livestock, Dairy, Goats, Hay, Junior Department and Youth Department. There is no entry fee. Please visit our website for updated information at www.thurmontemmitsburgcommunityshow.webs.com.

The Community Show is sponsored by the Thurmont Grange, Catoctin FFA Chapter, Catoctin FFA Alumni, the Maryland State Grange and the Maryland State Agricultural Fair Board.

 

2015 Plans for 59th Annual Thurmont & Emmitsburg Community Show

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The Thurmont & Emmitsburg Community Show will be held at Catoctin High School on September 11-13, 2015. On Friday night, the 2015-2016 Catoctin FFA Chapter Ambassador will be announced. The baked goods auction will begin following the program, and the grand champion cake, pie, bread, gluten-free baked product, sugar-free baked product, and the Junior and Youth Department baked product champions will be sold at 9:00 p.m. 

Entry of exhibits will take place on Thursday evening, September 10, 2015, from 6:00-9:00 p.m., and on Friday, September 11, from 8:30-11:30 a.m. in the new gymnasium and in the agriculture department area. There will be changes made in many of the classes, including photography, fresh vegetables, corn, and other departments.  Judging will begin at 12:30 p.m. Commercial exhibits may be entered on Friday, September 11, from 3:30-5:30 p.m. The show will open to the public at 6:00 p.m., and the Friday night program will feature the 50th anniversary of Sabillasville Elementary School. 

On Saturday, September 12, 2015, the show opens at 9:00 a.m. and runs to 10:00 p.m.  Activities include a Market Goat, Beef, Sheep and Swine Fitting & Showing contest from 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at the Ag Center at the school.  A Scales and Tales demonstration will take place prior to the Pet Show. The Pet Show will be held at 10:30 a.m., outside the front of the school. The petting zoo, farm animals, and pony rides will also be held on Saturday and Sunday.

The Thurmont Grange will serve their turkey and country ham dinner in the school cafeteria from 3:00-7:00 p.m. on Saturday night. The Catoctin Mountain Boys will perform in the auditorium at 7:00 p.m. There will be no admission charged for this entertainment.

The 41st Annual Catoctin FFA Alumni Beef, Sheep & Swine sale will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Ag Center area on Saturday night. 

Activities begin on Sunday, September 13, at 9:00 a.m. with the Goat Show, followed by the Dairy Show and Decorated Animal Contest. The Decorated Animal Contest will begin at noon.

At noon, the Catoctin FFA Alumni Chicken Bar-B-Que will be held in the cafeteria. The 36th Annual Robert Kaas Horseshoe Pitching Contest will begin at 1:00 p.m.

The Log Sawing Contest will begin at 1:00 p.m. under the show tent in the Ag Center area. A peddle tractor contest for kids will be held on Sunday afternoon at 1:00 p.m., also in the Ag Center area. The Catoctin Mountain Boys will perform from 1:00-3:00 p.m. in the auditorium. 

Exhibits must be removed on Sunday, September 13, 2015, from 3:00-6:00 p.m.  Please note the new deadline to pick up items.

The community show booklets can be found in local Thurmont, Emmitsburg, and surrounding area businesses in late July or early August. New residents of the community are urged to enter and be a part of the Community Show, the largest in the State of Maryland. Some minor additions and deletions will be made in some of the departments. Departments include: Fresh Fruits, Fresh Vegetables, Home Products Display, Canned Fruits, Canned Vegetables, Jellies & Preserves, Pickles, Meats, Baked Products, Sewing & Needlework, Flowers and Plants, Arts, Paintings & Drawings, Crafts, Photography, Corn, Small Grains and Seeds, Eggs, Nuts, Poultry & Livestock, Dairy, Goats, Hay, Junior Department and Youth Department.  There is no entry fee.  Please visit their website for updated information at www.thurmontemmitsburgcommunity show.webs.com. 

The Community Show is sponsored by the Thurmont Grange, Catoctin FFA Chapter, Catoctin FFA Alumni, the Maryland State Grange, and the Maryland State Agricultural Fair Board.