October 2026 Issue

Dear Friends,

There are a lot of things I love about October in Garrett County. The mountains showing off. The cooler mornings. The sudden realization that just about every road is worthy of pulling over for a picture. (Speaking of driving tours, see page 50.)

But every year, there is one Autumn Glory tradition I look forward to more than just about anything: the Fireman’s Parade.

In a world where we’re constantly looking for the next new thing, there’s something pretty great about a tradition that doesn’t need reinvented. Everyone shows up. The trucks are polished. The lights are flashing. And downtown Oakland is packed with friends and family greeting each other with hugs and smiles, even if it’s only been a few weeks since they last saw each other.

That might be my favorite part. The parade is great, but it’s also one of those nights when Garrett County just feels like Garrett County.

Of course, October around here is much bigger than one parade. Autumn Glory gives us a reason to get out and experience Garrett County at its absolute best. There are festivals, music, food, hikes, fall drives, small-town events and plenty of opportunities to run into someone you know.

You’ll see some of those adventures in these pages and hear more of them on The Backbone Podcast.

But first, I’ll see you at the Fireman’s Parade.

I’ll be the one who still gets excited when I see the lights coming!

Sarah Myers
Editor-in-Chief