Wisdom In Action

Showing posts with label garrett county fair. Show all posts

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Garrett County Fair Board Awarded $20,000 State Grant

courtesy Republican News

Sep. 4, 2008

Gov. Martin O'Malley announced Friday that the state has approved a $20,000 grant to help fund a strategic economic development study of the Garrett County Fairgrounds.
"Agriculture is an important part of the county's economy and a big influence with regard to our heritage and culture," said Denny Glotfelty, chairman of the Board of Garrett County Commissioners. "This grant will help sustain and promote interest in agriculture-related activities and businesses throughout the county."

Awarded through the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED), the grant is being used in conjunction with matching funds from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and $8,600 from Garrett County government and the Fair Board.

The study will help determine if the fairgrounds and its buildings are being fully utilized, while maintaining its main function as an agricultural and community center.

"The board is pleased the study is being funded by DBED, ARC, and Garrett County," said Debra Friend, president of the board of directors of the Garrett County Agriculture Fair Inc. "We recognize that increasing the utilization of the fairground facilities will contribute to the continued viability of the fair itself, as well as make space available to county residents and businesses in which to hold a variety of events."

The five-month study is being conducted by HOK Smith Forkner, Knoxville, Tenn., which has been responsible for the planning and design of over 180 fairgrounds throughout the U.S., including the Maryland State Fair, Montgomery County Agricultural Fair, and the state fair of Virginia.

"This grant represents a continuing commitment to support rural Maryland's agricultural industry by maximizing the opportunities the Garrett County Fairgrounds can offer to residents and businesses," said O'Malley. "We are pleased to leverage state funding with ARC and our local partners for this important study."

If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Long & Foster Real Estate for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Photo Gallery Garret County Fair 2008

Live at the Garrett County Fair!

I'm sitting in the display barn at the Garrett County Fair on a beautiful Saturday evening at the lake! The sun is just starting to set and you can see the last flicker of light shining on the vehicles parked along Garrett Highway. I have been fortunate to have had many friendly faces stopping by to visit me at the Long & Foster booth. I am always amazed at just how many people are in town for one of Garrett County's greatest traditions. Jack from Mountaineer Log & Siding has been here for a while, as well, and he seems to know everyone that walks by! Even with the market in a downturn, I have had many people asking specific questions about properties in and around Deep Creek Lake, Accident and Oakland - they feel that there are some good deals out there, and they are right! It has been a long time since you could find decent primary homes in the county for under $100,000. In fact, I just checked and there are 32 homes on the market at $100k or less - that's good news. Housing is becoming affordable again for people who live and work in Garrett County - it's been a few years since you could say that.

I was also fortunate to enjoy a few staples of the agricultural fair this week: A BBQ chicken dinner at the Lion's Club Pavilion, Rotary french fries, taking my kids to the carnival rides and ferris wheel, the banging of the demolition derby, strolling through the barns to see the cows, sheep, pigs and horses, and seeing all of the vendors & crafts in the display barns.

Later on, I'll upload a gallery of photos that I took on the boat ride over today, and throughout my travels at the fairgrounds. Check back!