Community Events
Allegany County Library System Pop-up Fridays
Find the Allegany County Library System at a pop-up location on Fridays from 11:00AM to 1:00PM. The library is coming to you! This pop-up schedule will rotate throughout the county to bring a mini library to a park or community location near you. Visit www.alleganycountylibrary.info/popuplibrary for more information and a schedule of locations. Check out new material, including adult books, DVDs, and audiobooks – sign up for a library card-get more information about library services and events-score some library swag!
National Federation of the Blind of Maryland Western Maryland Chapter
The Western Maryland chapter of the National Federation of the Blind is seeking new members as it starts its local membership drive! Are you blind, visually impaired or know someone who is or maybe you work with the visually impaired? Consider joining the state's fastest growing chapter here in Western Maryland. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back. The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles betwen blind people and our dreams. For more information about the Western Maryland chapter and the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland please call 443-426-4110 or email at info@nfbmd.org.
Woman's Civic Club
The Woman's Civic Club located at 515 Washington Street, is now open for events. Plan your wedding, bridal shower, birthday parties, baby showers, business meeting, and community events at the beautiful 1855 Victorian house in the historic heritage district. New members are invited to join them on the third Thursday of each month for brunch, interesting speakers, social fellowship, and participate in community service activites. Help them continue to celebrate years of community service and dedication of Women sharing their talents, time, and civic pride for the future women of the area.
Downtown Mall Farmers Market
Farm Fresh Is Best! Cumberland Farmers Market every Thursday, 9:30AM to 1:00PM, though the end of October.
Resources for Independence
Resources for Independence is excited to announce an additional program that Western Maryland community members with disabilities can now benefit from. Through the current pandemic, the staff at RFI are dedicated to making resources available for individuals with disabilities during emergencies, or when their consumer's normal routines are disrupted. With this mission in mind, they have collaborated with local food banks and other agencies to create and dispense emergency preparedness kits to help families feel more secure when facing the unknown. Kits provided by the Emergency Preparedness Program from Resources for Independence include: First aid-basic antiseptic, bandages, gloves, and masks, Water, Non-perishable food, Manual can opener, Flashlight batteries, Soap, toilet paper, toothpaste & toothbrush. These kits filled with home essentials can be delivered directly to individuals with disabilities and their families upon request. If you would like to inquire about the Emergency Preparedness Program and would like to sign your family up to receive a kit, please reach out to Resources for Independence by calling 301-784-1774, or by filling out the contact page at http://www.rficil.org/. Resources for Independence (RFI) is a Center for Independent Living (CIL). Centers for Independent Living are grassroots, advocacy driven organizations run by and for people with disabilities. They focus on civil rights, the indenpendent living philosophy, and inclusion. If you would like to learn more about the services RFI provides to the community, and how you can get involved, visit hhtp://www.rficil.org/, or follow them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Linkedin.
Hounds Around Town
Looking for a day filled with furry friends and fun? Then look no further than the Allegany County Animal Shelter's "Hounds Around Town" program, which allows individuals to sign a shelter dog out for the day. The most important thing is you are giving an adoptable shelter dog a much-needed break from the kennels and providing enrichment and socialization. For more information on the "Hounds Around Town" program, contact the shelter at 301-777-5930
OCTOBER
Thursday, October 7 – Thursday, October 28, 2021
Not So SpookyGhost Tour
The Bishop Walsh Spartan Theatre presents Not So Spooky Ghost Tours, Thursday, October 7th to Thursday, October 28th, 7:30PM to 8:30PM. Join them for a candlelit walking tour that you will remeber fondly for years to come! Tours are based on donations to the Bishop Walsh Theatre Department. Spots are filling up quickly! The tour start location will be sent prior to the performance. Sign up today at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bishop-walsh-spartan-theatre-presents-not-so-spooky-ghost-tours-tickets-168983782041.
Saturday, October 9-Saturday, November 6, 2021
Conversation in Color
The Allegany Arts Council is please to announce the public opening for two exhibits featuring local artists-Conversation in Color: The Artistry of Sibyl MacKenzie, Elizabeth Blaisdell, and Michael Kenneth O'Brien in the Saville Gallery, and the Allegany Area Art Alliance Membership Exhibition taking place in the Schwab Gallery. Conversations in Color will feature paintings by Sibyl MacKenzie and Elizabeth Blaisdell, and glass sculptures by Michael Kenneth O'Brien. All proceeds from the works of these three artists will be donated to a charitable organization, Protect Afghan Women. The Allegany Area Arts Alliance, or 4 As, as they are known, is an artist membership organization comprised of local Western Maryland artists practicing a variety of meduims. As a reminder, due to the ongoing nature of COVID-19, masks are required whithin the building.
Tuesday, October 26, 2021
American Red Cross Blood Drive
The American Red Cross continues to experience an emergency blood shortage that has caused the blood supply to drop to the lowest post-summer level in at least six years. Fall is typically a time when the blood supply rebounds from summer blood shortages, but a surge in Covid-19 cases across the U.S. due to the Delta variant has contributed to the lowest donor turnout of the year. To shore up inventory, the Red Cross must collect 10,000 additional blood products each week this month to meet hospital and patient needs. All those who come to donate in October will receive a link by email to claim a free Zaxby's Signature Sandwich reward or get a $5 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. Cumberland's blood drive will be held at UPMC Western Maryland, 12500 Willowbrook Road SE, Tuesday, October 26th 10:30AM-3:30PM. A blood drive will also be held in Ft. Ashby, WV at the Fort Ashby Fire Hall, Rte 28 and Dans Run Road, Tuesday, October 26th 12:00PM-5:00PM. For more information go to RedCrossBlood.org.
Wednesday, October 27, 2021
Victorian Halloween Celebration Family Halloween Night
Get ready for Fright Week! Allegany County Historical Society is already decorating Gordon Roberts House for a fun 2021 Victorian Halloween Celebration. Turns out, Victorians loved Halloween. Like today, it was a holiday of ghosts and ghouls. Parties full of games and scary corners. Tables heaping with sweet things to appease the other wordly visitors as friends and neighbors. A free event, Wednesday, October 27th 5:00PM -8:00PM will be Family Halloween Night A family friendly party for "children" of all ages. Come experience a Victorian Halloween complete with ghost stories, a Ouija board, COVID friendly bobbing for apples, a scavenger hunt and more. Costumes encouraged. Traditional sweets as well as light sandwiches will be served. There will also be provided non-alcholic punch and water.
70th Annual Holloween Parade
The 70th Annual South Cumberland Business and Civic Asociation's 'Marsha L. Thomas Memorial' Halloween Parade is scheduled for Wednesday, October 27th. The parade will begin at 7:00PM and follow the same route as in past years as it moves along East First Street, travels down Virginia Avenue and disbands on W. Industrial Blvd between Kirk Auto Sales and W. Third Street. Anyone wishing to participate in the parade may contact Sean & Kristie Thomas, parade co-chairs, at 301-722-6759 or seanbt@atlamticbb.net.
Thursday, October 28, 2021
Drive-thru Trick or Treating
Come out to Constitution Park for an evening of fun, Thursday, October 28th, 5:30PM-7:30PM. Leading up to the Trick or Treat event, the City and DDC will be inviting entries for several virtual contests: *Virtual Costume Contest-enter a photo of your child(ren) up to age 12. Judges will award prizes for the most creative, best superhero, best animal, best Halloween theme, best character, best overall costumes, and a new category this year will be "Best Family Costume". *Virtual Pumpkin Decorating Contest – carve your most creative pumpkin and send in a photo to be entered into the contest. The panel of judges will award prizes for the most creative pumpkin, the best Halloween theme pumpkin and the best overall pumpkin. *Virtual House Decorating Contest-show what you and your family can do, whether you deck your house our with Fall decorations or have the scariest group of animated ghosts and goblins. Send in a photo or video of your decorated home exterior to be eligilbe to win prizes for having the scarest decorations, the most creative decorations or the best Fall decorations. All contests will accept entries sent to halloween@cumberlandmd.gov. They must be recieved by midnight Monday, October 25th to be eligible for judging. Winners will be announced ont Friday, October 29th and prizes can be picked up at City Hall the following week. Keep up to date with the Halloween happenings on the City's Facebook page www.facebook.com/cityofcumberlandmd.
Book Discussion
The Allegany County Library System and Western Maryland Jaycees will host a professional development book discussion on the book, "Dare to Lead" by Brene Brown at Charis Winery, located at Canal Place, on Thursday, October 28th starting at 6:15PM. All are welcome to participate and network during this professional development book discussion, called "Read between the Wines". Copies of the book are available through the library catalog and online through the Maryland Digital Library. The Western Maryland Jaycees is a local volunteer organization of active citizens ages 21-40, dedicated to Western Maryland, sharing the belief that in order to create positive change we must take collective action to improve ourselves and the world. Members gain leadership experience and improve professional skills through community projects, individual training, and local and international connections. To learn more, please visit www.alleganycountylibrary.info or call 301-724-1607.
American Red Cross Blood Drive
The American Red Cross continues to experience an emergency blood shortage that has caused the blood supply to drop to the lowest post-summer level in at least six years. Fall is typically a time when the blood supply rebounds from summer blood shortages, but a surge in Covid-19 cases across the U.S. due to the Delta variant has contributed to the lowest donor turnout of the year. To shore up inventory, the Red Cross must collect 10,000 additional blood products each week this month to meet hospital and patient needs. All those who come to donate in October will receive a link by email to claim a free Zaxby's Signature Sandwich reward or get a $5 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. Frostburg will hold a blood drive Thursday, October 28th 1:30AM-6:00PM at God's Ark of Safety, 18606 Cherry Lane SW. For more information go to RedCrossBlood.org.
Friday, October 29, 2021
Victorian Halloween Celebration The Megan Jean Dem Bones Party
Get ready for Fright Week! Allegany County Historical Society is already decorating Gordon Roberts House for a fun 2021 Victorian Halloween Celebration. Turns out, Victorians loved Halloween. Like today, it was a holiday of ghosts and ghouls. Parties full of games and scary corners. Tables heaping with sweet things to appease the other wordly visitors as friends and neighbors. An evening of The Megan Jean Dem Bones Party, Friday, October 29th, 7:00PM-9:00PM. Reserve tickets for $25 on-line beginning Ocotber 15th. Special guest Megan Jean singing her often cemetery and bones flavored music, celebrate a Victorian Halloween with a twinge of Steam Punk. Feel free to join in Steam Punk, Goth or Halloween attire. Dance to Megan Jean, enjoy traditional Victorian punch (alchoholic), beer and wine as well as their signature Cherry Bounce. A fortune teller will be on hand to read your palm or the tarot cards if you prefer. To keep things sweet as well as spooky there will be a sweet table to enjoy.
Trunk or Treat at the Allegany County Animal Shelter
Come visit the Allegany County Animal Shelter for their Trunk or Treat event, Friday, October 29th, 5:00PM-7:00PM. Join them at the shelter for a Spooktacular good time! Bring the kids out for Trunk or treat and view adoptable pets while enjoying the festivities.
Saturday, October 30, 2021
Victorian Halloween Celebration Gordon Roberts Halloween Open House
Get ready for Fright Week! Allegany County Historical Society is already decorating Gordon Roberts House for a fun 2021 Victorian Halloween Celebration. Turns out, Victorians loved Halloween. Like today, it was a holiday of ghosts and ghouls. Parties full of games and scary corners. Tables heaping with sweet things to appease the other wordly visitors as friends and neighbors. Everyone is invited to the Gordon Roberts Halloween Open House, Saturday, October 30th, 10:00AM-4:00PM, reserve tickets for $8.00 for non-members and free to members, on-line beginning October 15th. Take a tour of the house in its full Halloween glory and learn about Victorian Halloween practices and have a taste of Halloweens of the era.
Walking Tour: Frederick Douglass in Cumberland & Allegany County
Join a debut walking tour of Frederick Douglass in Cumberland & Allegany County on Saturday, October 30th, 4:00PM-5:30PM. Tickets available on Eventbrite.com for $8.50 to $12. Learn about the public visits and his relationship with Maryland Govenor Lloyd Lowndes. Share in the history and highlights of the high-profile visit United States Marshal Frederick Douglass made to Cumberland, arriving by train, escorted through town by a large procession and speaking at the old fairgrounds in company of local AME pastors, politicians and community leaders. Author, journalist and local historian John Muller will detail the visits to Cumberland and Frsotburg. Total walking distance is around two miles. Please wear comfotable shoes. Photography encouraged. Questions and conversation will be encouraged throughout the tour. Starting location of the tour will be George Washington's Headquarters, 38 Greene St. Following the tour please consider patronizing eateries in downtown Cumberland. For more information please visit http://www.visitcumberland.org/.
Saturday, October 30-Sunday, October 31, 2021
Western Maryland Scenic Railroad Pumpkin Patch Limited
Climb aboard for the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad Pumpkin Patch train ride, Saturday, October 30th and Sunday, October 31st, $15 per person. Take a 1 1/4 hour trip to the Pumpkin Patch to enjoy games and activites. Passengers get to take a pumpkin home. Costumes encouraged. For tickets got to www.wmsr.com or call 301-876-2887.
Sunday, October 31, 2021
Fly-In/Drive-In Breakfast
E.A.A. Chapter 426 Greater Cumberland Regional Airport-CBE will hold their Fly-In/Drive-In Breakfast Sunday, October 31st, 2021, 8:00AM-12:30PM. The buffet is back and will feature: hotcakes, scrambled eggs, homefries, sausage, sausage gravy, fried potatoes, fruit cocktail, coffee & orange juice. Prices are $8.00 for adults and $6.00 for under the age of 12 for All You Can Eat on the premises OR a take out breakfast. All Covid State laws and guide lines will be followed for your safety. Free Young Eagle AIrplane Rides for ages 8 thru 17, weather permitting & pilots available. For more information contact Katie Kight @301-268-2624 or check them out on Facebook – www.facebook.com/eaachapter426.
Mountain Maryland Photo Contest Deadline
Allegany County Tourism invites visitors and community members to celebrate our region's story during the fourth annual Mountain Maryland Photo Contest. Photos will be collected in four categories that represent Allegany County Tourism's four pillars of destination: Arts and Culture, History and Heritage, Scenic Landscapes, and Outdoor Recreation. Qualifying photo submissions will be eligible for $1700 in cash prizes between the four categories. Winning photos will be displayed during an exhibition and reception at the Allegany Arts Council in January 2022 and will also appear in the annual publication, Visit Mountain Maryland , Allegany County's Official Destination Guide. Photo submissions may appear in the destination guide, on Allegany County's Tourism website, mdmountainside.com, or on social media. Only photos taken in Allegany County, MD, will be eligible for the contest. Submissions will be accepted ongoing until the deadline of Sunday, October 31st, 2021. Photographers may submit an unlimited number of images in each categaory throughout the contest time frame. For complete details, full contest rules, and to upload photo submissions, please visit mdmountainside.com/photocontest. For questions regarding the 2021 Mountain Maryland Photo Contest, please email jpalumbo@alleganygov.org.
Sunday, October 31, 2021
Victorian Halloween Celebration Gordon Roberts Halloween Tea
Get ready for Fright Week! Allegany County Historical Society is already decorating Gordon Roberts House for a fun 2021 Victorian Halloween Celebration. Turns out, Victorians loved Halloween. Like today, it was a holiday of ghosts and ghouls. Parties full of games and scary corners. Tables heaping with sweet things to appease the other wordly visitors as friends and neighbors. A tradition returns, Sunday, October 31st, 2:00PM-4:00PM, Tickets can be reserved on line, $10 for members and $25 for non-members, beginning October 15. Join the ACHS for a traditional Victorian Tea and learn about Victorian Halloween. See the house in its full spooky glory and pay a visit to the Fortune Teller. Rachelle Valladares will speak about her Victorian Halloween tradition research. Tea, finger sandwiches, scones and sweets will be served.
NOVEMBER
Friday, November 5, 2021
Highland Arts Unlimited
Join Highland Arts Unlimited for an evening of the country sounds of John Lily's band and the Hank Williams tribute at 7:30PM at Church-McKee Arts Center. In case the Covid 19 virus and the variants become more wide spread some programs may be postponed as happened in an earlier season. In this event, ticket prices will be refunded.
Saturday, November 6, 2021
Mountain State Bred Ewe & Doe Sale
Come out to the 4th Annual Mountain State Bred Ewe and Doe Sale Saturday, November 6th at 1:20PM at the Tri-County Fair Grounds in Petersburg, WV. Offering quality bred ewes and does that will be ultrsound checked the day of the sale. Sponsored by WVPSBA, with Auctioneer Michael Thomas. For more information visit www.wvsheepandgoatsale.com or call Jonathan Taylor 304-851-9970, Michael Thomas 304-257-6403 or Matt Nesselrodt 304-902-0030.
Saturday, November 13,-Saturday, December 4, 2021
Cloth-Metal-Art
The Allegany Arts Council will present the joint exhibition, Cloth-Metal-Art, featuring the work of artists Peggy Black and Dustin Davis. The exhibition will be on display in the Arts Council's Saville Gallery from Saturday, November 13th through Saturday, December 4th. A full-time textile studio artist in rural Pennsylvania, Black makes virbrant, original wall quilts inspired by color, value selection, and abstract patterning. A sculptor and professor emeritus in Frostburg State University's Department of Visusal Arts, Davis creates colorful sculptures from metal. A Public Opening will take place Saturday, November 13th, 6:30PM-8:00PM, and is free and open to the public.
DECEMBER
Friday, December 10, 2021
A Charlie Brown Christmas
The Allegany Arts Council is pleased to announce tickets are available for "A Charlie Brown Christmas" featuring The Eric Byrd Trio to take place Friday, December 10 at 6:30PM, on the second floor of 9 N. Centre Street in Cumberland. The evening performance will include watching the classic 23-minute "A Charlie Brown Christmas" film followed by a live performance of the complete soundtrack by the Eric Byrd Trio. The ticket price includes VIP admission to the Allegany Arts Council's 2021 Artist Holiday Market, which will be available exclusively to ticket holders from 5:00PM-6:00PM on Friday, December 10th. Tikets are $12 per person and are limited.
Saturday, December 11-Friday, December 31, 2021
2021 Artist Holiday Market
The Allegany Arts Council's galleries will become an artist gift extravaganza during their 2021 Artist Holiday Market, to take place Saturday, December 11-Friday, December 31. The Artist Market has become one of the retail highlights of the gift-giving season as local artists, makers, and craftspeople create beautiful and original handmade gifts perfect for people of all ages. The market will feature various handcrafted items, which often include hats and mittens, postcards, small works of art, wood-turned items, jewlery, and so much more. Shop local and support artists by giving handmade treasures to your loved ones and friends this holiday season.
