The Deep Creek Blog

New Germany State Park - August Events

Saturdays, July 31-August 14

Saturday Appalachian Artist Series

1:00 – 4:00 P.M.

Each week will feature a different exhibition/demonstration by a local artist.  The artist will have a work space set up in the New Germany Lake House, and demonstrate his/her work from 1:00 to 4:00 P.M.  The schedule is as follows: July 31- Nancy Biggs (watercolor and photography), August 7 - Judith Zeker (flower pressing/watercolor), August 14 - Sue Arnson (watercolor).  Art will also be available for sale.  We welcome any additional artists who would like to extend the series through Labor Day!  Please contact our office if you would like to participate. 

Mondays and fridays

Nature Center Open

1:00 – 4:00 P.M.

Come see what the Schoolhouse Nature Center has to offer. The naturalist will have the building open at this time, and will be available to answer questions.  Kids can complete a craft during their visit. 

Thursday mornings

Bird Walk

Lake House, 8:00 a.m.

This may be early, but it’s the best time to hear and spot songbirds.  Join our Park Naturalist on a walk around the park and check some birds off your life list!  Experienced and beginner birders are welcome.  Please bring your own binoculars, although we will have a few loaners. 

Sunday August 1

Would you Survive?

Lake House, 1:00 P.M.

If you were lost in the woods, could you survive several days without rescue? Our Park Naturalist will lead you out into the woods and show some simple techniques to increase your chance of survival. You will also learn what to include in a hiking survival kit!  

Friday August 6

Old Time Jam

Lake House, 6:30-9:30 P.M.

Enjoy bluegrass, folk and gospel music in a relaxed atmosphere!  New Germany welcomes musicians of all ages and talents to participate.  Spectators are also welcome to join in the fun. 

Saturday August 7

Aquatic Adventure

Meet @ Lake House, 10:00 A.M. 

Come to New Germany State Park and take a paddle around the Lake. Discover the history of how the lake came to be. Also learn about the Lake’s aquatic plant life. Bring rubber boots and remember to wear sunscreen!

Pre-registration is required due to limited supplies.

  (Please contact Ranger Station for registration and information)  

  (must register before 8:00p.m. on Friday, August 6)  

A Hummingbird’s Life

Lake House, 3:00 p.m.  

Have you ever wanted to know the life story of a Hummingbird? Our Park Naturalist will uncover the veiled world of Hummingbirds from birth to death. Also learn ways to attract Hummingbirds to your own backyard. Appropriate for all ages.  

Appalachian Folk Music with Greg Latta

Lake House @ 7:00 P.M.

Dr. Latta is a self-taught master of a great variety of folk instruments. 

This award-winning musician puts on an entertaining and professional show of several different types of traditional music. 

Sunday August 8

The Plants Around Us

Lake House, 1:00 p.m

Grab your field guide and test your I.D. skills with the different plants found here at New Germany State Park! Help the Naturalist put together a leaf collection and flower press. Bring a camera and your own supplies if you want to make one as well.  

Thursday August 12

Star Party

Nature Center, 9:00 P.M.

Join local amateur astronomers to learn about the night sky.  If the weather cooperates, the evening will end with a rendezvous at Parking Lot 5, where you can see some unique features in the sky using a high-power telescope.  This is a peak night for the Perseid meteor shower! 

Friday August 13

Owl Prowl

Parking Lot # 5, 8:30 p.m.

Have you ever wanted to see an owl in the wild? Come out to New Germany State Park for the opportunity to do just that! Join the Park Naturalist and see how owls survive in darkness. Appropriate for all ages.  

Saturday August 14

Smooth n’ Scales

Lake House, 2:00 p.m.

Kids of all ages! Slither your way over to New Germany State Park for an afternoon of reptiles and amphibians! Get close and personal with native species found in Western Maryland. Also learn about similarities and differences between the two. There will be a kids craft available after the program.  

Eco-Escort

Lake House, 5:00 p.m.

The Park Naturalist wants to show you different ways to live

Eco- Friendly. Learn money-saving tips along with creative ideas and alternatives to living “GREEN”.  Instead of throwing away that old pair of shoes, bring them to New Germany State Park for a fun activity. All ages. 

Mysterious Moths, Beautiful Butterflies

Schoolhouse Nature Center, 8:30 p.m.

Can you tell the difference between moths and butterflies? Join the Park Naturalist on the search for the truth. Hunt and catch moths to learn about the different species. A campfire with S’mores will end the program.  

Sunday, August 15

Novelty Nose

Lake House, 1:00 p.m.

Have you ever wondered how a bear finds his food? Come out to New Germany State Park and explore the life of a Black Bear. Activities and interesting facts will be presented by our Park Naturalist. Get the chance to touch real bear fur and see an actual skull! Kids of all ages are welcomed!   

Friday, August 20

Old Time Jam

Lake House, 6:30-9:30 P.M.

Enjoy bluegrass, folk and gospel music in a relaxed atmosphere!  New Germany welcomes musicians of all ages and talents to participate.  Spectators are also welcome to join in the fun. 

Saturday, August 21

Sandy Adaptations

Lake House, 2:00 p.m.

Grab your buckets and shovels and head out to New Germany State Park! Create a make-believe creature out of sand. Come up with a name and a habitat that matches your creature’s adaptations. The winner of the most creative and believable creature will win a prize!  

Recipes with Nature

Lake House, 5:00 p.m.

This program will open your eyes to something pretty tasty! The Park Naturalist will point out certain edible plants and how to properly prepare them- Bring your own wild recipes or come to taste something new! Appropriate for all ages.  

Tunes and Tales from the Coal Mines

Schoolhouse Nature Center, 7:00 P.M.

If you live in Maryland, chances are your electricity comes from coal.  Learn more about the history of coal mining in the Appalachian Region.  Park Ranger Melissa McCormick will present an evening or stories and songs about coal mining – history of mining in the area, life in the mining towns, and struggles of the miners. 

Sunday, August 22

Wild Dye

Recreation Hall, 2:00 p.m.

The Park Naturalist will show you 100% Natural Dyes found in the Wild. Participants will be able to purchase and dye a T-shirt for $2.00-

Be creative with the world around you!

Pre-registration required due to limited supplies.

(Please contact Ranger Station for registration and information)  

(must register before 4:00p.m. on Saturday, August 21) Ages +3 

Friday, August 27

Owl Prowl

Parking Lot # 5, 8:30 p.m.

Have you ever wanted to see an owl in the wild? Come out to New Germany State Park for the opportunity to do just that! Join the Park Naturalist and see how owls survive in darkness. Appropriate for all ages.  

Saturday, August 28

Hide and Track

Lake House @ 2:00 p.m.

Join the Park Naturalist on the quest to discover what track belongs to what animal! See if you can tell the subtle differences. Also, make a plaster cast of your favorite wild animal. Ages +3  

Intro to Fly-Fishing

Lake House, 4:30 p.m.

Have you ever wanted to learn how to Fly-Fish? Ranger Luke Mongrain will show you how! Bring your own fishing pole and learn certain techniques. Also find out where to go fly-fishing in Garret County.

Ages +5    

Scales ‘N Tales

Lake House, 7:00 P.M.

This popular program features live birds of prey and reptiles.  Hear their stories and learn how you can help protect wildlife. 

Sunday, August 29

Honey Do List

Lake House, 1:00 p.m.

Come to new Germany State Park and Learn about the life of a Honey Bee. See what is on their daily to do list in order to survive. Plus get the chance to taste organic honey straight from the hive. Appropriate for all ages.

Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center - July Schedule Updates

Here is an updated schedule for July at the Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center. 

TriState Festival, Auction & Cruise-In, July 16 and 17

Join Local Volunteers to Make a Difference

The TriState Festival, Auction & Cruise-In is a great 2 day family affair to be held at the Garrett County Fairgrounds.  Local volunteers of Mennonite and Brethren churches have been working year-round to create items for the auctions and craft tables.  Celebrate the spirit of helping others as you enjoy the homemade specialty food items, browse the shopping and take a relaxing ride in a horse-drawn surrey operated by local Amish.  

Beginning on Friday, July 16, a giant Silent Auction will be on hand to greet enthusiastic buyers.  One-of-a-kind items including handcrafted wood and craft items, artwork, chain saw, gift certificates for local entertainment and B & B stays will be offered.

A market place will offer fair-trade handicrafts from around the world at the Ten Thousand Villages table, baked goods,  plants, woven rugs, crib quilts, Amish-made half-moon pies (dried apple schnitz) and books - both new and used.  There will be craft and cooking magazines available if you are a collector or looking for a great bargain.

   
Saturday July 17 will begin with a delicious pancake and sausage breakfast and will follow with chicken BBQ, homemade doughnuts, strawberry shortcake and more.   Hayrides will be a lot of fun.   A classic auto cruise-in will be held on the grounds for your viewing pleasure.  The cruise-in is sponsored by the Oakland, MD car club and is lending a hand to help the less fortunate in the United States and around the world.  The first 50 entries will receive a free dash plaque.

At 10:00 a.m. the benefit auction will begin - Over 100 beautiful quilts and wall hangings, handmade by local Mennonites and Amish, Feed Sack wall hangings and handcrafted furniture including children’s furniture.  Pedal bikes including John Deere bike, tractor and wagon.  Husqvarna chain saws (brand new) and a special antique section.  

Also many pieces of beautiful one-of-a-kind art created especially for the auction - items from Spruce Forest Artisans – pottery and handcrafted stained glass items.   Vacation lovers will wish to bid on the six vacation opportunities from Washington, DC, Laurel Highlands and Amish country. 

Train excursion tickets for the Potomac Eagle and Mountain Thunder runs will be available.  Local naturalist and Garrett College professor Kevin Dodge will offer a guided nature walk in Garrett County.

There will be plenty of kid’s activities including an auction just for them at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, hands-on creating comforters and hayrides.  Everyone can bring their pennies and small coin to help make a difference for this year’s Penny Power project which will help the hungry feed themselves around the world.

All proceeds benefit victims of hunger, famine and war, both worldwide and in the United States through Mennonite Central Committee, the relief and development arm of Mennonite and Brethren churches, based in Akron, PA (www.mcc.org).  The American Institute of Philanthropy’s Charity Watch gives MCC an “A” rating.

The benefit will be held at the Garrett County Fairgrounds on Rt. 219S in McHenry, MD (Deep Creek Lake) 13 miles south I-68 exit 14A, 28 miles west of Cumberland, MD.  For further information or to obtain a schedule of the Saturday auction, call (814) 442-4594 or go to www.tristatesale.org  for a preview of sale items which will be continually updated. 



   

Fire on the Mountain Fireworks

Don’t Miss The Fire On The Mountain Fireworks Display Sponsored by Hugh Umbel Companies

Fireworks will light up the sky this July 4th at the annual Fire On The Mountain Fireworks Display Sponsored by Hugh Umbel Companies.

The display is set to begin at dark. The fireworks are launched from the top of the Bear Claw Tubing Park at Wisp Resort. Prime viewing locations include the Scenic Overlook on Route 219, Wisp Resort and from a boat on the lake, particularly around McHenry Cove. The rain date is July 5. The Property Owners’ Association of Deep Creek Lake is the Supporting Sponsor for this year’s Fire on the Mountain Fireworks Display.

“I would like to thank Wisp Resort for their generous donations of time and resources,” said Joyce Bishoff, Interim President of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce. “Enjoy Independence Day activities throughout the weekend! Saturday, don’t miss Accident’s Homecoming Celebration including their 11 am Parade and the Independence Day Celebration at Broadford Park Recreation Area. On Sunday, enjoy an Independence Day concert from the Garrett Community Concert Band & the Garrett Choral Society at 7:30 pm on the lawn at Garrett College before wrapping up your celebration with a big bang at Fire on the Mountain.”

For more information, please stop by www.visitdeepcreek.com, call 301.387.4386 or email info@garrettchamber.com.

Summer Activities Kicking In with All Earth Eco Tours

All Earth Eco Tours announces their first week of The Bonfire Extravaganza and Toddler Tuesday starting the week of June 21st and continuing through Labor Day. Both programs now in their 10th year. All Earth Tours would also like to let everyone know that the nesting pair of American Bald Eagles on the Savage Reservoir have successfully hatched a pair of eaglets and that they are expecting good eagle action on their kayak tour as the young eaglets learn how to fish and be eagles.

Bonfire Extravaganza- Deep Creek Lake's longest running family entertainment event. A journey back in time that's fun for the whole family! An evening of storytelling, costumes, dancing, drumming, song, and of course... marshmallow roasting. A Deep Creek Lake family entertainment activity that's affordable and fun. Wednesdays at Deep Creek Lake State Park Amphitheater. Call for full info 8:00PM until 10:00PM. $5 per person.

Toddler Tuesdays- Let little ones have some time for unstructured interactive play at several different 'play' stations. Then take a 'wee' hike to explore the nearby playgrounds, make a trip to the aviary to see the hawk and the owl, come back for juice and a snack, create a simple arts project and sing some fun songs. Tuesdays 10:00AM until 12:00 Noon. Discovery Center. $15 per child. Call for info and reservations.

2010 All-American Whitewater Festival at ASCI

The All-American Whitewater Festival is being held this weekend at ASCI.  The festival is a celebration of whitewater recreation in honor of American veterans. On Saturday, check out the Whitewater Parade and Figurehead Contest, get wet and paddle for prizes in the Veteran’s Race, or take a guided rafting trip down the world’s only mountaintop rafting park. Whitewater demonstrations all Saturday as well – watch everything from freestyle kayaking to ‘Mattress Surfing.’ Kayak Club Competition on Sunday. Memorial Day Paddling is open to all and 10% of rafting proceeds go to Team River Runner.
 

Live Blogging from Bear Creek Crossing Bed and Breakfast

The Deep Creek Blog is taking on a new project.  My family and I are spending the weekend at Peggy and Buzz Gosnell's Bear Creek Crossing B&B and I'm looking forward to bringing you the experience via some "live blogging".

This trip was originally scheduled for the weekend of the Snowpocalypse...the first one, early in February.  We finally managed to get it back on the schedule and we are coming, rain or shine!    We are looking forward to some great food, relaxation and general fun around Deep Creek Lake and Garrett County.  The plan was to take in activities such as snow tubing and ice skating, but we'll keep our options open depending upon the weather. 

Check back this weekend for blog posts complete with photos and perhaps even some video. 

Winterfest

This weekend, February 20 and 21, is Oakland's Winterfest Event .  

Saturday's activities include the ice dragon slide, ice throne, ice sculptures, live ice sculpting displays, ice bowling, horse-drawn sleigh rides, music by Preston Madrigals, snowmobile races, wine tasting, snowman competition and arts & crafts vendors.

Sunday's activities include ice dragon slide, ice throne, pancake breakfast at the fire hall, ice sculptures, live ice sculpting display, horse-drawn sleigh rides, ice bowling, music by Maria Rose and Danny Elswick and arts and crafts!  

WinterFest Preparations in Oakland

Mountain Stone Media presents WinterFest preparations in Oakland.

Midweek Deals At Wisp Resort

Wisp Resort has made it easy and affordable to get outdoors and recreate this winter with promotional deals midweek Monday thru Thursday beginning January 4 thru the end of the 2009/2010 Winter Season.

Midweek Madness Lodging Package: Starting at $59 pp/pn.  Receive 1-night’s lodging at the Wisp Resort Hotel and a 1-day lift ticket.  Valid Sunday thru Thursday, non-holiday, prices are per person, person night based on double occupancy and availability, advanced reservations required, other restrictions may apply.

Monday – BOGO Day:  Buy One Extended Day Lift Ticket for $39 and Get One Extended Day Lift Ticket FREE!  No coupon required! Excludes January 18 and February 15.

Tuesday – Student/College Day:  Present a valid 09/10 Student/College ID at any ticket window to receive a $21 Extended Day Lift Ticket, $36 Extended Day Lift & Rental Package, $8 Snow Tubing and more.

Roy Roger’s Day:  Visit a participating Roy Roger’s location and with minimum purchase, receive a coupon for discount to Wisp Resort including a $21 Extended Day Lift Ticket, $36 Extended Day Lift & Rental Package, $8 Snow Tubing and more.

Smiley’s Pizzeria Day:  Visit the one-and-only Smiley’s Pizzeria in Deep Creek Lake and with minimum purchase, receive a coupon for discounts at Wisp Resort.

Wednesday – Local’s Day – Where everyone is considered local!  No coupon required.

$21 Extended Day Lift Ticket, $36 Extended Day Lift & Rental Package, $8 Snow Tubing and More!

 Thursday – Season Pass Swap Day:  Present a valid 09/10 Season Pass from ANY OTHER ski resort to receive a $21 Extended Day Lift Ticket.

McDonald’s Day:  Visit a participating McDonald’s location and with minimum purchase, receive a coupon for discounts to Wisp Resort including a $21 Extended Day Lift Ticket, $36 Extended Day Lift & Rental Package, $8 Snow Tubing and more.

Contact Wisp Resort for participating locations and complete details.  All promotions subject to change without notice, minimum purchase required for certain offers, void where prohibited. Wisp reserves the right to accept or deny any ID or Season Pass, offers begin January 4, 2010 and expire end of 09/10 Season, other restrictions may apply.

Wisp Resort is Maryland’s only 4-season ski, golf and recreation destination, overlooking Deep Creek Lake in the heart of Garrett County. Wisp Resort is less than a three-hour drive from the metropolitan areas of Washington, DC, and Baltimore, two hours from Pittsburgh and a 45-minute drive from Morgantown, West Virginia and Cumberland, Maryland.

 

Need a Last Minute Gift?

Adventure Sports Center International is offering their once a year special - 20% off all gift certificates for $100 or more until December 31, 2009.  Certificates can be used for guided rafting and rock climbing, kayaking, geocaching, and more.   Order online at www.adventuresportscenter.com or call 301-387-3250.

Wisp Resort Adds New Ice Skating Rink

Wisp Resort continues to expand their winter amenities to go beyond skiing and snowboarding.  This winter Wisp Resort is installing an Ice Skating Rink near the Bear Claw Snow Tubing Park to offer guests another family-friendly activity.

The 50’ X 85’ oval Ice Skating Rink operates by running cooling pipes under a floor that are powered by a 100 ton chiller to keep approximately two to three inches of water frozen.  A mini-Zamboni® will groom the surface daily for Skaters.   The Ice Skating Rink at Wisp will have the true ambiance of a winter ice skating wonderland with benches to rest on, twinkle lights hung, a bonfire area near and warm beverages to sip.  It will be the only Ice Rink in Garrett County and has a tentative opening date of Saturday, December 19, 2009.

The Ice Skating Rink will operate in conjunction with the Bear Claw Snow Tubing Park and Mountain Coaster hours of operation.  The cost of a 90-minute session with ice skate rental is $16 per person.  A 30-minute lesson is available for $20 with advanced reservations.  An Intro-to Ice Skating Package is $29 and includes a 90-minute session, skate rental and 30-minute lesson.  Bear Claw Adventure Packages are available which include a Snow Tubing session, Mountain Coaster ride and Ice Skating session, prices vary based on day of the week.  Groups of 20 or more may be eligible for discounts on Ice Skating, call Wisp Group Sales Team at 301.387.4911.

Garrett Barn Quilts

The Times-News reports on four barns that display quilt squares as part of the Garrett Barn Quilts project.  Information is provided for those interested in taking a self-guided tour at www.garrettbarnquilts.org. 

Autumn Glory Festival Starts Today

The 42nd Autumn Glory Festival starts with tonight's kick-off reception.  For details on Garrett County's famous festival, visit www.autumgloryfestival.com.  ___________________________________________________________________________________________

Open House at Friend's Store

Deep Creek Lake State Park is hosting an Open House at the historic Friend’s Store on Sang Run Road, October 3rd from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm.  Bring your friends and family to see what has been done to restore and preserve the history of Friend’s Store in the Sang Run area.  Park staff and Volunteer groups have been working hard to prepare for the re-opening of the store in the Spring of 2010. 

At 8:00 am Birding at Sang Run will be offered by Connie Skipper, one of Garrett County’s most avid birders.  Bring your binoculars and discover local breeding birds.   Learn how to bird by ear and listen for distinctive songs. Meet Connie at the Sang Run kayak put-in parking lot, just past the Store. 

All day long people can enjoy Monarch Butterfly tagging, hay rides, pumpkin carving, basket weaving demonstrations, Historical talks about the grounds and building and much more.   From 12:30 – 3:00 pm, there will be demonstrations of Apple cider pressing and tasting.  For more information on this event and others offered, please call the Discovery Center, open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, 301-387-7067.

Pictured above is "Friend's Store" by Robert Yonke. 

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