Weather folklore (?)

With the weather being as the weather is these days, bad thoughts are surfacing. Was that really it? Summer’s over already? According to the meteorologists the weather will straighten itself out by the end of week. Warm temps will return and we can go back to boating, swimming, bicycling…. The weatherforecast for McHenry, Deep Creek Lake, is calling for daytime temps in the high 70s and NO RAIN for the weekend! Enjoy it (while it lasts), this winter might get . . .

Deep Creek Lavender Farm in Accident, MD

Worth a trip! If you are in the Accident area, drive up to the Lavender Farm! It’s just off 219, simply follow the signs. Anne Davidson and her family are growing and harvesting lavender on their farm. Visitors are allowed to stroll through the fields, pick some lavender and rest on one of the many benches, enjoying the beautiful setting. In their pretty farm shop you can purchase everything lavender, like soap, candles and decorative items. Want lavender for your own backyard? They also sell lavender plants!

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Snowshoeing Anyone?

Deep Creek Lake offers yet another winter activity that many people probably aren’t aware of ……… snowshoeing tours. Yes, you heard me correctly snowshoeing! I never thought about it being an option here but why not? It is a great total body workout and lets you enjoy the outdoors in the winter months. Not everyone can ski or snowboard but I think almost everyone can snowshoe. I myself was introduced to it when visiting Quebec, Canada many years ago and . . .

Goosebumps and Grapes

Tonight is the official kick off of the 17th Annual MSP/NRP Deep Creek Dunk with Goosebumps and Grapes. Join the festivities at the Honi Honi Bar from 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. for a night of wine sampling inside a heated tent and a bonfire. The cost of admission is a $20.00 donation to the Special Olympics of Maryland. While there you can pre-register for the dunk tomorrow. The wine is being supplied once again by the Republic National Distributing . . .

Winter Storm Watch for Garrett, Preston and Tucker Counties

Tomorrow Saturday, February 21, 2015 a Winter Storm Watch has been issued. Please use extreme caution as heavy snow is expected from about 10:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M. and then turning over to a Wintry Mix for the evening hours. With the 17th Annual MSP/NRP Deep Creek Dunk going on use extreme caution if you are out and about. http://www.weather.com/weather/alerts/localalerts/l/21541:4:US?phenomena=WS&significance=A&areaid=MDZ001&office=KPBZ&etn=0004&tid=411881

2015 Deep Creek Dunk

The time has arrived yet again for the Annual Deep Creek Dunk. The 17th Annual MSP/NRP Deep Creek Dunk is scheduled for this Saturday, February 21st. The preparations have already begun as they have started to remove the ice behind Uno’s. Right now the weather looks like it will be great for the festivities 34 degrees with a pretty good chance of some snow showers. If you are still interested in participating it is not too late. You can join . . .

President’s Day

I couldn’t think of a more suitable image to represent President’s Day than one of Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. The actual origin of the holiday dates back to 1885 when it was officially established to recognize George Washington’s birthday which is February 22nd. The holiday is officially called Washington’s Birthday which the federal government still refers to the day. Senator Steven Wallace Dorsey of Arkansas was the first to propose Washington’s Birthday as a federal holiday, and in 1879 . . .

Roses are Red…..Violets are Blue…..

There are many different stories as to how Valentine’s Day came about. The first theory is based on Christianity and the Catholic Church is about a priest known as Valentine during the reign of Emperor Claudius II. Claudius had decided that single men made the best soldiers so he outlawed marriage for all young single men. It is thought that Valentine did not approve and he started marrying young lovers on the sly. When the Emperor discovered what he was . . .

Groundhog Day or Candlemas Day???

Everyone knows about Punxsutawney Phil but did you know the history behind the tradition of Groundhog Day. It’s roots were derived from the ancient Christian tradition of Candlemas Day, when clergy would distribute blessed candles to families at the beginning of winter. The candles were supposed to represent how long and cold the winter would be.The Germans expanded on this tradition with the addition of the hedgehog that would predict the weather. On February 2nd in parts of Europe it . . .

Garrett County Ice Fishing Contest

It is that time of year again! The Garrett County Ice Fishing Contest has begun and will continue until March. Now that the lake has frozen over it’s time to get those reels back out and bundle up. All fish must be caught in Garrett County waters. A winner will be picked weekly and posted in the Republican. Contestants must have their fish weighed and measured at Deep Creek Outfitters, 32 Outfitter Way, McHenry, MD.