The Autumn Glory Festival 2016 Deep Creek Lake. There are a few towns in this wonderful country we live that have a unique and special way about them when it comes to the Autumn/Fall season. Downtown Oakland, Maryland, which is just a hair outside of Deep Creek Lake, blooms like a rare and cherished flower around the Autumn season. They boast the famous Autumn Glory Festival, which goes on for five wonderful days as we peak in the fall season. The many fun events that are hosted by this popular festival are as special as the breathtaking fall foliage itself.
Here are some of the events that were a huge hit this year: Antique Show, Autumn Glory Kick-Off Reception & Dinner, Autumn Glory Sale at Simon Pearce, Banjo & Mandolin Championship, Bear Creek Traders Autumn Glory Tent Sale, Bingo, Classic Car Show, Corn Maze, Craft Shows, Live Downtown Entertainment, Downtown Farmers Market, Fiddle Championship, Fireman’s Parade, Grand Feature Parade, Historic Mt. Lake Park Tours, Horseback Trail Rides, Ice Cream Eating Contest, Oktoberfest Dinner, Great Pumpkin Race & Festival, Ski & Snowboard Swap, Southern Girls Basketball Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser, Tournament of Bands, Woodlake Tree Farm Autumn Glory Sale.
Locals love the Oompah night during the Fireman’s Parade which was standing room only this year with the addition of the local band Boathouse after the Oompah band finished up. My little boys loved watching the many firetrucks come during the popular night time parade.
The Autumn Glory parade itself is definitely the star of this 5-day event. Some folks have been going since they were little children. This year the weather was perfect in the upper 60’s/lower 70’s and the leaves looked spectacular looking down this Mayberry-resembling town. The participation is always impressive and the streets were lined with adults and children ready to enjoy a wonderful day together. How can you not love clowns, Shriners, tractors, beauty queens, floats, Scottish bagpipes, cheerleaders, marching bands, horses, firetrucks, antique hotrods, mountaineers in coonskin caps, political delegate’s and Maryland’s Governor??
Did I mention that Travel & Leisure ranked Oakland Maryland #2 America’s Best Towns for Fall Colors? Nuff said… Check it out.