Deep Creek Lake community recognizes the bicentennial of the Casselman River Bridge

The story behind the Casselman River Bridge exemplifies the pioneering spirit and ingenuity of our ancestors. From its conception in the early 1800s to its preservation and renovation in the 1940s and again in 1979, the Casselman River Bridge still stands today – 200 years later.

In celebration of the bicentennial event, a collaboration of organizations, (including the Casselman River Bridge State Park, Town of Grantsville, Spruce Forest Artisan Village, the Maryland National Road Assoc. and the Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West Heritage Area) will host a 3-day commemorative event. From September 20-22, 2013, the Casselman River Bridge State Park and the Town of Grantsville will host various events and activities to mark the occasion.

Recognized as a National Historic Landmark by the National Register of Historic Places, the bridge was originally constructed as part of the National Road Project to help geographically unify the young republic. In the early 19^th century, Little Crossings, the area near the bridge, grew from one Inn to a thriving center of commerce and transportation, thanks in part to the construction of the 80-foot long bridge. Stage coaches, horsemen, wagons and foot traffic transported people and supplies over the Casselman River (then known as “Little Youghiogheny”) along Braddock’s Road.

Two hundred years ago, a public celebration was held to remove the supports and officially open the bridge. Historical records indicate that many locals thought the bridge would collapse once the supports were removed. Unconfirmed rumors suggest that the bridge superintendent privately removed one of the key supports the night before the opening in 1813 to make sure it wouldn’t collapse during the public celebration. Ironically, the bridge still stands, two centuries later.

Today, the bridge proudly sits as the centerpiece to the Casselman River Bridge State Park. Although it is currently undergoing repairs, the bridge will reopen to foot traffic in time for the bicentennial celebration in September. Join with local history buffs and community members in this tribute to the resourceful engineers who constructed the longest single span stone arch bridge in America at the time, the generations of people who traversed the bridge on horseback or automobile and future generations who will recognize the significance of this historic landmark.

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The Deep Creek Lake Art & Wine Festival returns this September

Save the date! Deep Creek’s annual Art & Wine Festival returns to the Garrett County Fairgrounds September 6^th through 8th.

 

Picture yourself sipping wine while browsing unique artisan exhibits. The cooler air hints at shorter fall days. Leaves display hues from green to red. Perhaps you want to stretch the summer season at the lake … or maybe celebrate fall in its own right … either way, Deep Creek Lake is purely spectacular in September!

 

One of our favorite annual events, the Deep Creek Lake Art & Wine Festival, kicks off on September 6^th and runs through September 8^th. From wine tasting and food pairings to face painting and balloon art for the kids, this weekend promises fun filled activities for the whole family.

 

On Friday evening, local restaurants will host wine pairing dinners where chefs and sommeliers showcase their craft with specialty dishes and wines from around the globe. Tickets for the Wine Pairing Dinner can be purchased online through August 25^th.

 

From noon to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, over thirty professional artists and craftsmen will display their art at the Garrett County Fairgrounds. Food artisans will prepare delectable treats, national wine distributors will sample a wide selection of wines and live musical entertainment will set the festive stage. Interactive kids activities run throughout the day with carriage rides, a moon bounce and duck bobbing for charity.

 

Take advantage of great off-season rates at nearby vacation rental homes and plan to spend the weekend. While not attending festival events, you can relax in your own private home with plenty of room to spread out.

 

Proceeds from the festival benefit our local HART for Animals and the Garrett Lakes Arts Festival.  For a complete list of events, visit the Deep Creek Lake Art & Wine Festival website.

 

Hope to see you there!

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57th Annual Garrett County Fair 7/27-8/3

Annual Garrett County Agriculture Fair begins this week

 

Tractor pulls, funnel cakes, arts & crafts. It’s that time of year again – the Garrett County Agriculture Fair starts on July 27^th and runs through August 3^rd. This highly anticipated summer tradition is a favorite among our Railey staff. From agriculture exhibits to evening concerts, this family fun event promises some classic county fair events along with a few others that are unique to Garrett County.

 

Dating back to 1917, the Garrett County Fair has been a long-standing tradition in our neck of the woods. Every year we look forward to heading down to the Fairgrounds, perusing the exhibits, sampling good eats, taking in a few events and socializing with old and new friends.

 

If you’re staying at one of our vacation rental homes in the Deep Creek area, be sure to head on over to the Fair. You can check out the Fair schedule online and tickets can be purchased at local retail stores. Here’s a rundown on some of our favorite events and shows:

 

• The Farm Queen & Court ceremony – the  68^th Farm Queen will be crowned on July 28.

 

• Horse and tractor pulls – from the antique tractor pull to the horse pull, these events are a must see.

 

• Agriculture exhibits – watch and learn from 4H and Future Farmers of America.

 

• Horse Show – enjoy this amazing display of horsemanship sponsored by the Mt. Top Saddle Club.

 

• Home arts – from arts and crafts to photography and flower arranging, view a wide variety of amateur artists’ work.

 

• Mud Bog – experience some good clean fun where Street Legal, Super Stock, Modified and Super Modified swampers battle it out for best in class.

 

Food vendors serve up the usual fare, including hot dogs and funnels cakes. But try out a few of the more delectable dishes like pit beef sandwiches and taco salads. The evening concerts from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. promise fun musical entertainment for the whole family. Musical groups include The Fabulous Hubcaps, up and coming Country music singer Lindsey Erin and the Gospel Harmony Boys. The full concert schedule can be found on the Garrett County Agriculture Fair website.

 

If you need more information, or would like to book Deep Creek accommodations, feel free to give us a call at (877) 851-9416.

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