Celebrating America Weekend in Carroll County
Friday–Saturday, May 19–20, Downtown Westminster
Don’t miss out on the chance to participate in fun, local events and celebrate America at the same time. The 2017 theme is American Milestones: 1900 to 1919 Labor & Leisure.
Activities include a presentation by Storyteller Ellouise Schoettler, an appearance by David Shuey as General John Pershing, students’ National History Day projects, Historic Courthouse tours, and much more. Celebrating America Weekend is sponsored by the Historical Society of Carroll County, Carroll County Public Library, Carroll County Public Schools, Carroll County Genealogical Society, Union Mills Homestead and Carroll County Government.
Friday events will take place noon until 2 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 21 Carroll Street, Westminster; and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. at 1838 Emerald Hill Lane, Westminster. For more information visit www.celebratingamerica.info
Sykesville Art & Wine Festival
Sunday, May 7 • 12 p.m.–5 p.m., Sykesville Main Street
This outstanding annual event features local artists and artisans alongside regional wineries and wine-makers, plus great food and live entertainment. The Festival also showcases the local business community, embodying an atmosphere of old-fashioned, small town charm. Enjoy live music while you sip from a collectible wine glass and make your rounds through the heart of Historic Sykesville.
Cost: $25, includes unlimited samples; Information: www.sykesvillemainstreet.com
Piney Ridge Steeped in Character
Piney Ridge Elementary School is one of 5 schools in Maryland and 80 schools nationwide to be named a State Character School by Character.org. This program recognizes schools that demonstrate a dedicated focus on character development that has a true positive effect on academic achievement, student behavior, and school climate.
Piney Ridge Elementary School highlights students who have a “growth” mindset of positivity and learning. The school counselor presents character focus lessons to all students in grades K-5 each month, and students also participate in small group work.
At Piney Ridge Elementary School, the character traits of Respect, Responsibility, and Resilience and the behaviors associated with these traits are the foundation of the “PAWsitive Behavior” Program – which stands for Perform Respectfully, Act Responsibly, Work Resiliently. Students take the “Piney Pledge” promising to practice the three traits and school programs reinforce the character traits and incentives reward students.
Piney Ridge Elementary School is now among those being considered for recognition at the national level. The National School of Character winners will be announced in May.
Mount Airy Main Street Heat Chili Cook-Off
Saturday, April 8 • 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Mount Airy Main Street
Mount Airy will be on fire with this International Chili Society sanctioned event that includes chili tasting, music, contests with prizes, great food, beer tent, and vendors. The cook-off winner will go on to compete in the national competition. There will be a cornhole tournament with cash prizes.
Information: www.mountairymainstreet.org
Flower & Plant Market
Friday – Sunday, May 5 –7, Union Mills Homestead
Historic Union Mills Homestead comes alive each spring with a beautiful array of quality, locally grown hanging plants, annuals, perennials, vegetable plants, shrubs and heirloom vegetables. Friday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Union Mills Homestead and Grist Mill, 3311 Littlestown Pike, Westminster. www.unionmills.org.
