Maryland Steams into 55th Annual Steam Show

Arcadia in Baltimore County, Maryland became well known when it was chosen as the model for the fictional hometown, also called Arcadia, on the 2003 - 2005 CBS television series Joan of Arcadia.

This small rural idyllic town (the post office is in fact labeled not Arcadia, but Upperco) is today equally celebrated for the Maryland Steam Historical Society’s annual Steam Show – this year its 55th annual show is from September 16 to 19.

The show draws huge crowds from across the country – people who are interested in steam traction engines, other steam-operated equipment, gas and diesel tractors and engines, antique farm equipment of all kinds, horse-operated equipment, and displays of all of these. There are threshing, sawmill, and shingle sawing demonstrations on all four days.

Activities include a consignment sale at 2pm on the Thursday of the Show; an antique tractor pull at 6pm Friday; and a pedal tractor pull for kids at noon, and an antique car display, all on Saturday.

It also features a huge flea market and crafts display. Food is available all day long, beginning with breakfast.

The Steam Show is at the Arcadia Fire Company grounds, located 3 miles south of Hampstead and 5 miles north of Reisterstown. Members can be reached at the fairgrounds (410-374-1332) about one month before the start of the show until it closes.

For more information about top events in Maryland take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Maryland.

For more information on the Steam Show visit the Maryland Steam Historical Society at www.marylandsteam.org

Many May Festivals in Maryland

There’s a good chance you'll find a Maryland festival in May that's right up your alley.

For starters, there are at least three spring festivals in the early part of May. Hurry to Leonardtown for the Southern Maryland Spring Festival from April 29 to May 2. Then there is the Towsontown Spring Festival in Towson on the first weekend in May and Springfest from May 6 to 9 celebrates spring and the upcoming summer season at the south end of Ocean City’s famous Boardwalk

There are folk dance performances, live music for dancing, vendors and raffles at German-American Festival on May 2 in Jessup.

There are two top fine arts festivals. Visit National Harbor along the Potomac River for the Washington International Arts Festival on May 1 and 2 – and Downtown Bethesda for the Bethesda Fine Arts Festival May 8 and 9.

For all that jazz, on May 8 the Eastern Shore town of Berlin – 15 minutes from Ocean City – becomes an outdoor blues and jazz lounge with the Berlin Blues & Jazz Bash. Also on May 8, enjoy smooth jazz amid two blocks of plant and shrub displays, craft exhibitors and food vendors at Carroll County's Westminster Flower and Jazz Festival.

Dust off your kilt and take the family to a celebration of Scottish culture at the Frederick Celtic Festival on May 8 at the Frederick Fairgrounds. A week later, May 15, the Scottish Games take place at Fairhill Racetrack and Fairgrounds.

For epicurean delights try the Calvert Wine and Arts Fest on May 8 in Sunderland. Wine in the Woods runs May 15-16 in Columbia and Wine in the Garden on May 27 at the Howard County Conservancy in Woodstock.

Kent Island Day May 15 at Stevensville commemorates the founding of Kent Island in 1631 and you can meet the Faeries at the Maryland Faerie Festival, May 15 and 16 in Upper Marlboro.

On the last day of May there is the now famous Ridgely Lions Club strawberry shortcake and ice cream – among much else – at the Ridgely Strawberry Festival in Sutton Park, Ridgely.

For more information about top events in Maryland, take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Maryland at http://www.topeventsusa.com/state-events-maryland.html

For more details on events in Maryland visit http://visitmaryland.org

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS IN MERRY MARYLAND

Enjoy the splendor of this holiday season with a spectacular array of festive celebrations throughout Maryland. Here is just a sampling of Maryland events and festivities.

The Gaithersburg Winter Lights Festival has returned to Seneca Creek State Park for its 14th annual winter wonderland display through to January 2, 2010 (Closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1). This is a great outing for all ages, particularly if you’ve got children to entertain! Drive through the 3.5-mile light display, or take the open-air trolley.

The Garden in Lights on December 11-14, 17-21, 26-28 and 31 (closed during inclement weather) at Annmarie Garden Sculpture Park and Arts Center, Solomons, Calvert County, is a delightful holiday light show full of imaginative creations and holiday “I Spy” games for children. Holiday art exhibits, refreshments and activities inside.

The Carroll County Farmers’ Market has all of your holiday needs at the Christmas Market and Handmade Craft Show to December 19 (8am-2pm) at the Agriculture Center, 700 Smith Ave, Westminster, Carroll County. More than 50 vendors with juried crafts, Christmas decorations, fresh-baked goods, gourmet food items, fresh greens and wreaths for sale.

The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum, 901 West Pratt Street, Baltimore City hosts Holiday Festival of Trains at the B&O through to January 3, 2010. One of the mid-Atlantic’s best holiday celebrations of toy trains and model railroading layouts. Santa will be present for visits with children on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the festival.

Enjoy lively Celtic harp music, shop for unique holiday gifts and enjoy hot wassail at the Celtic Christmas December 12-13, 19-20, 1-5pm at Boordy Vineyards, Hydes, Baltimore County. Wine tastings from Maryland’s oldest winery are also available.

Take a leisurely evening Candlelight Stroll on December 11-12, 18-19 through historic Annapolis, Maryland’s state capital since 1695. Guided tours begin at the City Dock information booth.

Historic Berlin, Worcester County, celebrates Victorian Christmas on Saturdays and Sunday, through to December 25. Berlin celebrates the season with life-size animated storybook displays, horse and carriage rides, visits with Santa, concerts, Victorian fashion show and teas.

Main Street, Quantico, Wicomico County hosts the 20th Annual Candlelight Tour of Historic Homes and Churches December 12-13, 5-8pm.

On various dates in November (now past of course) and December, St. Michaels, Oxford and Easton celebrate the holiday season in Talbot County’s picturesque hamlets with Talbot Twinkles – caroling, storytelling, festival of trees, “olde tyme” holiday parade, “midnight madness,” “moonlight madness” and other special events.

For more information about top events in Maryland take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Maryland at http://www.topeventsusa.com/state-events-maryland.html

Or, take a look at the official web site for Maryland at http://visitmaryland.org