THURMONT,
Md. – Though Thurmont and Emmitsburg have grown over
the last 50 years, their roots remain rural. Nothing demonstrates
that better than the continued popularity of the community
show, which celebrated 50 years on Sept. 8-9.
At
the first Thurmont Community Show in 1957, 394 exhibits
competed for $155 in premiums.
“At
our first show, we probably had less than 100 people attend.
...In 1969, we moved to Catoctin High and the show really
grew,” said Rodman Myers, president of the show committee.
For
the 2006 Thurmont and Emmitsburg Community Show, over 3,000
exhibits competed for $9,000 in premiums.
The
highlight of the opening evening events was the introduction
of the past chapter sweethearts and ambassadors. They came
from as far away as North Carolina to be a part of the show.
Becky
Myers Linton, the 1957 chapter sweetheart, said, “I
think all of us here tonight we’re still ambassadors
and we still like to promote agriculture.”
Candace
Lenhart was elected as the 2006 ambassador.
Richard
Troxell, a native of Thurmont, was the featured performer
during a Saturday evening concert. Troxell is an internationally
acclaimed tenor who has sung numerous operatic roles, both
on stage and in recordings. He made his debut as a Carnegie
Hall soloist in 2003-2004, performing in Bach’s “Magnificat.”
Another
annual event was the showing and sale of livestock in the
barn area at the side of Catoctin High.
Morgan
Cole, 13, of Thurmont, had her pigs at the show. While farming
runs in her family, Morgan said she like raising animals
because “it’s fun showing them and being with
my friends.”
Candace
Butler, 13, of Thurmont, has been raising animals for four
years. She had her pigs at the community show.
“My
mother and sister did this and it seemed fun so I decided
to do it,” Candace said.
At
the other end of the school in the main gymnasium, other
exhibits were displayed along with the ribbons they won,
including vegetables, flowers, baked goods, photos, preserves
and crafts.
Between
the two exhibit areas, local businesses displayed their
services. The Thurmont Public Library held its popular book
sale, which was crowded with people looking for deals on
books.
“This
is the first year that it’s been run the by Friends
(of Thurmont Regional Library) and it seems to be one of
the biggest years for donations,” said Thurmont Librarian
Erin Dingle.
Priscilla
Rall, a local artist, manned a booth for the Frederick County
Veterans History Project. The project is seeking the stories
of county veterans to record and preserve their stories.
“This
is great,” Rall said. “If you’re not here
on Friday night, you aren’t anywhere. The whole town
comes out to see what’s here and get good food.”
