(10/24) Taneytown residents were treated to some fall fun at the town’s 4th annual Harvest Fest on October 17th. The event, held at Memorial Park, was sponsored by Taneytown Main Street, Taneytown Parks and Recreation, and the Taneytown Chamber of Commerce.
The Harvest Fest featured great food, craft vendors, a tractor show, hayrides, a children’s craft area, and music hosted by the Runnymede Elementary School Chorus.
The Festival was the last big event for the town this year. The event highlights the local talents of the town.
There were attractions for everyone at the Festival. At noon, pet owners gathered with their pets for the annual pet parade, featuring pets dressed in costumes. Awards were given for best costume, best owner and pet look alike, best kisser, best barker/noisemaker, and most unusual. This year the parade featured 50 dogs, a miniature horse, and 2 rats.
For those who wished to add animals to their own family, the Humane Society of Carroll County was present with their mobile adoption trailer full of animals looking for good homes.
Children enjoyed activities such as pumpkin decorating, hayrides, and pony rides. A DJ streamed through the park as residents enjoyed the activities playing music for both children and adults to enjoy.
Local vendors were located along the walkway of the park, selling everything from toys to handmade jewelry. Vendors Lisa and Clarke White, who sold hats, toys, bows and other great finds, said that their favorite part of the festival is "Seeing all the different people and activities."
Local jewelry designers Bent, Wrapped, and Hammered featured their hand made jewelry at the festival. The business, which was founded by students of Linda Van Hart a professor at McDaniel College sold necklaces, bracelets, earrings and other great accessories. One Festival goer said she came out every year just to purchase jewelry from the company.
The Club of Carroll County food vendor sold a plethora of homemade foods to the residents as well.
The event was free to the public. The coordinators of the event asked for donations of non-perishable food and toiletries for Caring and Sharing Ministries of Northwest Carroll County and donations of pet food for the Humane Society of Carroll County.
