42 Annual Autumn Glory Festival at Wisp

Garrett County’s Autumn Glory Festival was listed #1 Fall Festival by msn.com and has continued to grow since it was started 42 years ago to celebrate Fall in Maryland’s mountains. Two large parades, antique shows, musical entertainment, storytelling, art exhibits, quilt shows, buggy rides, craft shows, food vendors, a car show, a mountain farmer’s market and a wide variety of activities makes this much more than an annual “leaf-peeping” event. From Wednesday’s kick-off reception through Sunday’s No Hands Ice Cream Eating Contest, there is plenty of excitement and lots of fun. Thursday’s Fireman’s Parade with fire and rescue units from up to 200 miles away is followed by the Oktoberfest celebration, with its own Oom Pah band. Friday offers the Official Maryland State Banjo Championship. Besides the sidewalk vendors, muscial entertainers and Grand Feature Parade, Saturday also offers the Maryland State Fiddle and Mandolin Championship. Oakland is the hub of many Autumn Glory events, but activities are scattered throughout the county.