The Hancock Arts Council will present a variety show Friday at 7 p.m., in the Performing Arts Auditorium at the Town Hall and Community Center, 126 W. High St.
This is in celebration of the Arts Council’s 10th anniversary and of completion of major improvements to the performing arts space in the building.
Grants totaling more than $100,000 from the Appalachian Regional Commission, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Division and the Community Partnership of Washington County, along with donations from the public have allowed for renovations, including refinishing the floor, installation of a new heating and air- conditioning unit, and the purchase of stage lights, a curtain and a new sound system.
‘Breakfast in the Park’
Saturday will be a busy day around Hancock. If you are hungry, you can enjoy “Breakfast in the Park” — Widmeyer Park, that is — served up by the Hancock Lions Club from 7 to 10 a.m.
Area youth are invited to the annual fishing rodeo at Tonoloway Rod and Gun Club at the lake along Woodmont Road.
Between 8 and 11 a.m., those ages 13 and younger can fish for free prizes.
Meanwhile, on High Street, the All-American Soap Box Derby local race starts at 9 a.m. Racers from the Tri-State area will compete in two divisions for a chance to go to Akron, Ohio. The event is sponsored by AC&T and Hancock in Motion. To register, contact Scott Fox at 301-678-6613.
Carnival on the way
The annual firefighters carnival, sponsored by the Hancock Volunteer Fire Co., will be held June 7 to 11 in Widmeyer Park. Participants can ride all night, every night for one price.
‘Love Your Neighbor Day’ to be held June 11
Hancock Assembly of God’s 11th annual “Love Your Neighbor Day” is set for Saturday, June 11, at the church at 431 N. Pennsylvania Ave.
Held rain or shine, the event runs from noon to 4 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Features of the day include musical entertainment, skits, food, beverages, snow cones, games, prizes, inflatable bounce and free yard sale items.
Six new bicycles will also be given away, as will gift certificates for a local grocery store. The event also includes a classic car cruise in and a special appearance by Miracle Man Gerald Mayham.
Barge Bash set for June 18
Get ready to weigh anchor when Hancock’s ninth annual Barge Bash takes place on Saturday, June 18.
Sponsored by the Hancock Arts Council, the Town of Hancock, and the National Park Service, the popular yearly event is held on the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal in the area of Church Street and Canal Road. Before the main boat parade begins, the one-mile “Bash Dash” will be held in the morning, from 9 to 10, with heats for different ages and abilities.
The run starts at Hancock Middle Senior High School and ends at the Church Street parking lot of the Rail Trail. There is an entry fee of $6 per runner. At 10 a.m., entries for the Barge Bash assemble for viewing at the Rail Trail parking lot and Canal Street. At noon, barge entries are placed in the canal, and at 1 p.m., the nautical parade begins. Prizes are awarded at 2 p.m.
Variety show set for Friday
Individuals, families, friends and groups are all invited to be creative with their barges while competing for prizes. In addition to the barge parade, there will be live music, food vendors, photo opportunities and demonstrations. Registration fee for a barge is $50 per entry. Forms are available at Town Hall, 126 W. High St., or online at www.washco-md.net.
‘Heritage Ride’ planned for Aug. 20
Register now for the “Heritage Ride,” planned for Saturday, Aug. 20. Featuring Civil War Churches in Washington County, the ride begins in Hancock at 7 a.m. with breakfast and tours at St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church (built 1835) and ends with lunch and tours at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Lappans, (built 1842).
In between, riders on motorcycles and cars tour along scenic byways of our region to see other pre-Civil War churches. Information and registration is at www.stmarkslappans.org. The first 50 registrants receive a free commemorative keychain.
Hancock graduates to walk across stage
And finally, Thursday evening members of the Hancock High School Class of 2011 walk across the stage of the school auditorium and into their future.
Commencement begins at 6 p.m., with admission by ticket only. Jenna Hull is valedictorian, and Rebecca Burcham is salutatorian. Congratulations to them and to each and every graduate.
