Antietam Recreation
November includes a fantastic family tradition at Antietam Recreation. Enjoy a dinner buffet, fun cowboy activities and an exciting drama production featuring the Guinness Book of World Records holder and World Champion Roper Andy Rotz. This annual show is packed with action, comedy, stunts, and a heartwarming Christmas message. The show continues through December. See: www.antietamrecreation.com.
Trains of Christmas
The annual Trains of Christmas at the Hagers-town Roundhouse Museum is anticipated to be bigger and better than ever, and it begins Nov. 24. Thousands of hours of preparation go into putting together what's been called "the Mid-Atlantic's best model train display and museum." Children positively adore this annual event, and the annual Trains of Christmas has received national news. See: www.roundhouse.org.
Battlefield candles
Please mark your calendars for one of the most awe-inspiring sights that you can ever see.
Every year at the Antietam National Battlefield, hundreds and hundreds of volunteers light more than 23,000 candles (luminaries), and the annual event is set for Saturday night Dec. 2. Each candle represents a casualty from the "Bloodiest Day in American History."
It's the 18th Annual Antietam National Battlefield Memorial Illumination. 23,110 luminaries are displayed, row upon row, over a 4.5-mile route throughout the battlefield in honor of the fallen soldiers of the Battle of Antietam. There is no admission charged, but donations are accepted. The battlefield usually opens at 6 p.m. for the Memorial Illumination, for more information, see: www.nps.gov/anti/planyourvisit/luminary.htm.
Festival of Trees
The annual Festival of Trees begins on Wednesday Nov. 29, and this year runs through Saturday, Dec. 2, at the Robinwood Medical Center.
There are some great events scheduled during this year's festival. For more information, see: www.festivaloftreesinhagerstown.com.
One of those, events includes the Maryland State Boychoir Holiday Concert on Friday Nov. 30, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Robinwood Medical Center. Delight in the holiday spirit while enjoying this internationally acclaimed choir, it will fill you with joy.
There are so many wonderful things going on, be sure to look at the events calendar on the CVB's Web site, for a listing of activities throughout Washington County: www.marylandmemories.com, or stop in to the Downtown Hagerstown Visitors Welcome Center to pick up a calendar and to browse the gift shop.
The Hagerstown-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization whose mission includes helping attract visitors to Hagerstown and Washington County. The CVB helps to create vibrant growth for the local economy by promoting, developing and expanding the local visitor industry.
Tom Riford is president and chief executive officer of the Hagerstown-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau. He can be reached at 301-791-3246. His column appears monthly in The Daily Mail. The CVB's Web site is: www.marylandmemories.com.
