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
SEPTEMBER
Wednesday, September 1 – Thursday, September 30, 2021
QuiltWalk 2021
The Arts & Entertainment Districts of Cumberland and Frostburg, in concert with the Downtown Development Commission and Schoolhouse Quilters, Inc., are pleased to announce their first ever collaboration, QuiltWalk 2021. QuiltWalk 2021 celebrates the art of quilting by the members of the Schoolhouse Quilters Guild and Creative Needles, two entities that partner to form Schoolhouse Quilters Inc. Handmade quilts will be displayed in storefronts located in the downtown area of Cumberland and Frostburg from Wednesday, September 1st until Thursday, September 30th,, 2021, showcasing the work of local quilters as well as a number of available commercial properties.
Saturday, September 18, 2021
Crabs For A Cause
The Allegany County Department of Social Services will once again host their Crabs For A Cause, Saturday, September 18th, 1:00PM-5:00PM, doors opening at 12:30PM. at the Cumberland Outdoor Club. A limited number of tickets will be available and can only be purchased online for a price of $45 per person. The menu includes crabs, beer, corn, hamburgers, hotdogs, and soda. Live music by 28 Speedway & lots more. All monies raised will be used for Allegany County Seniors to help them remain in their homes and improve their quality of life! For more information call 301-784-7100 or visit www.crabsforacause.wordpress.com.
Chessie Fedueral Credit Union Shred Day
Need shredding done? Chessie Federal Credit Union will hold a Shred Day, Saturday, Spetmeber 18th, 9:00AM-12:00PM at 15 Commerce Drive, Cumberland. This event is open to the public. You can bring up to 5 legal size boxes or paper market bags from your home or office for FREE on-site shredding. In lieu of a shred fee, Chessie ask that non-perishable food items be brought for the Western Maryland Food Bank.
Wednesday, September 22, 2021
A Mazing City Project Opening
Truly A Mazing things are worth the wait! The debut of the temporary public art project, A Mazing City, originally scheduled for September 10th, will instead take place Wednesday, September 22 with a public opening from 6:00PM-8:00PM on the grounds of the Canal Place. Members of the artist team, Arts Council staff, and the ArtLab will be onsite for the event, along with a few special surprises. Attendees will have an opportunity to participate in an interactive art project of their own, explore the maze-like structure, and create videos and photos to share using social media. Also taking place that evening at Dig Deep Brewery is the Delfest Pre-Party featuring musician Joe Craven from 6:00PM-10:00PM. A full evening celebrating arts and entertainment in Allegany County is a great way to head into Delfest weekend. A Mazing City will remain on the grounds of Canal Place through December 1, 2021.
Friday, September 24, 2021
Highland Arts Unlimited
The Highland Arts will present an encore of its season opening performance Friday, Septmeber 24th at 7:30PM at Church McKee Arts Center on the campus of Potomac State College. The 70-member WVU Symphony Orchestra is directed by Dr. Mitchell Arnold. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased in advance at the Candlewyck Inn, Ace Harware, and Reed's Drug Store in Keyser, WV; Allegany Arts Council in Cumberland, MD; Anderson's Corner, Romney, WV or online www.eventbrite.com. Admission for upcoming concert is free to HAU members and Potomacr State College students. Area students under 18 are admitted free and younger children are admitted free with a paying adult. Specail requirements can be arranged for persons with disabilities with advance notice by calling 304-788-9465. Masks are required for this performace. If the Covid-19 virus and the variants become more wide spread or if the Church-McKee Auditorium is unavailable due to Covid-19 protocols or such other unforseen reasons programs may be postponed. Those holding season passes will be reimbursed accordlingly.
Friday, September 24 – Sunday, September 26, 2021
Our Town Comes to Embassy Theatre
Acting Out For Good and the Embassy Theatre will present Thorton Wilder's American classic, "Our Town", Friday, September 24th and Saturday, September 25th at 8:00PM and Sunday, September 26th at 2:00pm. The story of the fictional town of Grover's Corners is told through the everyday lives of its citizens. The play is set in the actual theatre where it is being performed and the main character is the stage manager who directly addtresses the audience, brings in guest lecturers, fields questions from the audience and fills in playing some of the roles. Tickets are $15 or $10 for seniors and students and may be purchased on Eventbrite.com or at the door. Reservations my be made by calling 240-362-7183. The Embassy Theatre is located on 49 Baltimore Street in Cumberland, MD.
Saturday, September 25, 2021
Murder Mystery Dinner Trains
"Murder by 9 (8 Central)" Love it or hate it, reality TV appears to be here to stay, and no network is making more of a rating splash in reality TV than NBS. Join this Murder Mystery Dinner Train, Saturday, September 25th, boarding begins at 6:30PM and the train will depart at 7:00PM. This 3 hour excursion will return to cumberland at 9:30PM. Reservation are required, reservationsprvsr@wmsr.com.
Sunday, September 26, 2021
Wings & Wheels
E.A.A. Chapter 426 Greater Cumberland Regional Airport-CBE will hold their Wings & Wheels event, Sunday, September 26th, 2021 8:00AM-12:30PM. AYCE Pancake Breakfast 8:00AM until 12:30AM, $8.00 for adults and $6.00 for under the age of 12. Music by Night Traveler, 50/50 drawing, antique cars, hot rods, motorcycles and aircraft, model aircraft and Civil Air Patrol static on display. Vendors and exhibits will continue from 1:00PM until 4:00PM. Local law enforcement, Maryland State Police & Aviation Command recruiting, plus Motor Vehicle Extrication Rescue Demonstration. Medevac and Ariel Hoist Rescue Demonstrations, Maryland State Police and Allied Law Enforcement equipment showcase. Open to the public – please, No Burnouts. Event proceeds go to help send a child to Air Academy in Oshkosh, WI. For more information contact Katie Kight @301-268-2624 or check them out on Facebook – www.facebook.com/eaachapter426.
OCTOBER
Saturday, October 2, 2021
Great Allegany Run
The 39th Annual Great Allegany Run will be held on Saturday, October 2nd, and will benefit the Allegany County Habitat for Humanity. The 15K race begins at 8:00AM at Mason's Lodge in Mount Savage and ends on Centre Street on the Downtown Cumberland Mall. A 5K race also begins at 8:))AM in front of the Queen CIty Creamery in Cumberland. After the race, the awards ceremony will be held at Mezzo's on Centre Street and runners will enjoy food, drinks and prize drawings. Online registration is at runsignup.com/RACE/MD/Cumberland/GreatAlleganyRun. Registration will also be held at the Smith Building at 111 South George Street in Cumberland on Friday October 1st, 5:00PM to 8:00PM and Saturday, October 2nd, 6:00AM to 7:00AM.
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, 2021
Too Toxic to Trash
The Allegany County Recycling Office will host a collection event to provide a way to get rid of any household hazardous waste you've been holding on to. The event will take place Saturday, October 9th from 9:00AM to 2:00PM at the Allegany County Fairgrounds, 11490 Moss Avenue, Cumberland. This event is to provide FREE disposal of common household wastes requiring special disposal. This includes common items from your house such as left-over gasoline, oil, fluids, automotive batteries, chemicles, cleaners, pesticides/herbicides, glues & adhesives. It is importnat that all materials be brought in their original containers-do not mix or consolidate any products. Additionally, paint will be accepted for recycling for a fee of $3 per container (payment will be accepted on-site). Only Latex paint in its original container with the OEM label will be accepted. Sizes accepted are a quart, 1-gallon or 5-gallon buckets. For more details, please visit https://gov.allconet.org/1639/Too-Toxic-To-Trash-Event.
Saturday, October 9 – Sunday, October 10, 2021
2021 Mountain Maryland Artist Studio Tours
The Allegany Arts Council's 2021 Mountain Maryland Artist Studio Tours will be held Saturday, October 9th and Sunday, October 10th from 11:00AM to 5:00PM. This two-day event invites visitors to meet artists in their studio enviroment, where they see them working and creating. The Artist Studio Tours include member artists of the Allegany Council living and working in Allegany and Garrett Counties. Artists who participate in the AST program talk with visitors and demonstrate their techniques. The event is free, and tour books will be available for pickup in several locations in the community.
Mountainside Baroque
The Washington Cornett and Sackbutt Ensemble is back from the 2018 Music in the Mountains Festival, once more in resonant accoustics of the historic Cumberland City Hall (the site of the original Music Academy). Beginning Saturday, Ocotber 9th at 8:00PM , the emsemble will be performing on early brass instruments at the historic Cumberland CIty Hall in "Music for Brass: Seven Giovanni's". On Sunday, October 10th at 4:00PM the Mountainside Baroque will present "Venetian Vespers". Music orginally written for the famous St. Mark's Basilica. It will be presented in the Shrine of Ss Peter and Paul, and include works for voices, strings and early brass by Baroque masters such as Monteverdi and Cavilli. Members of the Washington Cornett and Sackbutt Ensemble will join the performace.
Friday, October 15 – Sunday, October 17, 2021
LaVale Lions Club BBQ
The second Fall 2021 LaVale Lions Chicken BBQ will be held Friday, October 15th and Saturday, October 16th, 10:30AM to 7:00PM and Sunday, October 17th, from 11:00AM til Sold Out, at the Lions Field area on Braddock Road. This will be a 'normal' BBQ with 'walk-up' sales. In addition to the barbecued chicken-half and roll, French Fries, water and soft drinks, and 'baked beans' will be available for purchase. Price of the half-chicken and roll will be $8.00 at the window. Early Bird tickets cost $7.50 and are available (until sold out) from LaVale Lions members and also from Burkey's Furniture in LaVale, LaVale Pharmacy, and Caporale's Bakery in Cumberland.
Little Shop of Horror presented by The Embassy Theatre
Come out for a musical evening as the Embassy Theatre presents "Little Shop of Horrors, Friday, October 15th and Saturday, October 16th at 8:00PM and Sunday, October 17th at 2:00PM. A deviously delicious Broadway sci-fi smash musical, that has devoured the hearts of theater goers for over 30 years. The meek floral assistant Seymour Krelborn stumbles across a new breed of plant he names "Audrey II" – after his coworker crush. This foul-mouthed, R&B singing carnivore promises unending fame and fortune to the down and out Krelborn if he keeps feeding it, BLOOD. Over time, though, Symour discovers Audrey II's out of this world origins and intent towards global domination! For ticket information please call 240-362-7183. Additional dates will be Friday, October 24th, Saturday, October 25th and Sunday, October 26th.
Saturday, October 16, 2021
Highland Arts Unlimted
The Highland Arts will present the musical group Chi-Town Transit Authority, Saturday, October 16th at 7:30PM, at the Church-McKee Arts Center. This group features the music of the group originally know as Chicago, a very popular rock band from the 60s and 70s, with many hit songs.
Photo Safari on the C&O Canal
The Allegany Arts Council is pleased to announce the next in its Young at Art series, an initiative specifically geared towards novice artists 55 and older and generously funded by the Community Trust Foundation. The event instructor will be Penny Knobel-Besa, a long time member of the Allegany Arts Council and frequent leader of workshops and photography field trips. For this workshop, Young at Art:Photo Safari on the C&O Canal, participants will be transported along the C&O Canal to a series of outdoor photography shoots. This full-day field trip will begin at 9:00AM til 4:00PM on Saturday, October 16th at Canal Place. During the safari, photographers will explore the Canal boat reproduction, Potomac River, and Blue Bridge. Additional stops will include Lock 75, Spring Gap, then on to Lock 70 where participants will have lunch. The final stop will be the Thomas Cresap House with Champ Zumbrun, a retired forest ranger who has written and published two books, including one he co-authored, entitled Cresap's Rifles. Registration is free but limited to 12 participants. Registrants should be able to walk comfortably in park-like settings, and be able to ride a passenger bus between locations. Registrants should also plan to bring a camera – cell cameras are acceptable. Transportation and lunch will be provided in this day-long workshop. Any guests requring assistance with mobility accommodations or dietary needs, or if a camera is needed, should contact the Arts Council. To register, please send email to art@alleganyarts.org or at 301-777-2787.
Thank You For Giving – A Special Day of Recognition
A special day of recognition event will be held by Gateway West Church, Saturday, October 16th. "Thank You For Giving" will be a day to honor and celebrate all local Military Veterans and public servants. They will be hosting a coffee and donut breakfast from 7:00AM to 10AM and a special Italian style dinner from 6:00PM to 8:00PM. All Military and Public Service individuals must present their I.D. to enter and receive the meals and festivities of the day.
Friday, October 22- Sunday, October 24, 2021
Little Shop of Horror presented by The Embassy Theatre
Come out for a musical evening as the Embassy Theatre presents "Little Shop of Horrors, Friday, October 22nd and Saturday, October 23rd at 8:00PM and Sunday, October 24th at 2:00PM. A deviously delicious Broadway sci-fi smash musical, that has devoured the hearts of theater goers for over 30 years. The meek floral assistant Seymour Krelborn stumbles across a new breed of plant he names "Audrey II" – after his coworker crush. This foul-mouthed, R&B singing carnivore promises unending fame and fortune to the down and out Krelborn if he keeps feeding it, BLOOD. Over time, though, Symour discovers Audrey II's out of this world origins and intent towards global domination! For ticket information please call 240-362-7183.
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.
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.
