There is nothing quite like a community coming together to enjoy some real and quality fun and the annual Friendsville Days Celebration, slated for August 10th-11th is a great example of just that. Hosted by Friendsville Days Committee, there will be games, live music, vendors, raffles and door prizes, pony rides, bingo, fireworks, and lots of food! There will even be a Variety Show where individuals are encouraged to show off their talents.
According to Friendsville Mayor Spencer Schlosnagle, Friendsville Days has a long history in our community. It was begun as a Homecoming weekend originally hosted by the Friendsville Ladies Auxilliary and began in 1980. Although it has had different organizers throughout the years, it has remained a charming, home-town festival with activities for every member of the family.
Keeping with their annual tradition of themes, this year’s theme is Olympic, “We are the Gold!” In honor of this, the Grand Marshall is Friendsville native Brandon Wilt. Brandon represented the Special Olympics team USA in LA in July 2015 in track and field. He has been involved in Special Olympics since 2005 and competes in basketball, bowling, and track. He has won medals in each area.
Friday will begin with a FREE community picnic at 5:30 pm along with the crowning of Miss Friendsville Days Queen, and registration for the cornhole tournament. The tournament will begin at 6:00 pm. The Still Brewing Band will perform at 7:00 pm and there will be a movie premiere at dark. Inflatables will be set up by Friendsville Community Watch.
Saturday events will begin with a parade at 12:00 pm with an appearance by Miss Maryland! Opening ceremony will begin at 1:00 pm at the town park. Following will be the John Wyrick Band. Show off your talents or simply kick back and enjoy the Variety Show at 2:00 pm. If you like balloons, comedy, and magic, Magician Dennis Regling will be performing at 4:00pm and if you’re really hungry after all the excitement, a wing eating contest will be held at 5:30. The contest is sponsored by The Sports Page of Morgantown, WV. If you are interested in competing, call 240.321.3454 for more information.
Six ring pony rides will begin at 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. If you’re feeling froggy, bounce on the fun inflatables set up by RM Rentals. Don’t forget to check out the Human Gyro and take on the mechanical bull from 4:00 pm – dark. Throughout the day will be door prizes, raffles, and a Chinese auction. Be sure to also check out the face painters, kids games, vendors, and the puppet show. .
At 7:00 pm jam out to the Saddle Up Band, one of the hottest high-energy country rock bands in Pittsburgh’s 7-county region. Their high-status gigs include performing at the Pittsburgh Steelers Training Camp, headlining county fairs, and sharing the stage with artists such as Brad Paisley, Travis Tritt, Chris Cagle, Brett Eldredge, and Craig Morgan.
It all began when lead singer Mike Garris went on a mission to find the perfect combo of professional musicians. The band consists of drummer Theodore Pavlack, bassist Tim Lawrence, guitarist Gary Hill, and lead guitarist Roger Hall Jr. These five musicians have created a unique style of country music with a rock music edge. Music lovers of both genres are sure to enjoy and appreciate the sounds of Saddle Up. The evening will be capped off with a beautiful fireworks show at 10:15 pm.
“Friendsville Town Park has undergone many recent upgrades in the past few years, “says Schlosnagle. “It’s a 23-acre park so there’s plenty of room to spread out.” The weekend continues Sunday morning with a non-denominational church service in the park beginning at 10:30 AM with a community picnic afterwards. All events are free and open to the public.
For more information, on this and other events in Friendsville, Garrett County’s oldest settlement, visit www.friendsville.org.
Written By: Ariel Heckler