72 HOURS June 25, 2026

2026

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JUNE 25

Iniko

Solo artist To share Pride message at annual Frederick Pride Festival

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CAPTAIN ELECTRIC JUNE 25 2000s Throwbacks

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Live Mus ic Craft Be ˙ Food verages

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‘WELCOME TO THE ROCK’: Totem Pole Playhouse hosts regional premiere of ‘Come From Away’ PAGE 20

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FREDERICK PRIDE: Pet Names will be one of several performers at this year’s festivities PAGE 14

MORE SPLASH FOR YOUR CASH: I rented a stranger’s pool.

Here’s how it went. PAGE 9

INSIDE THIS WEEK Music ......................................................... 6 Family ........................................................ 7 Frederick Mom ..................................... 8

JULY 8

Getaways ............................................. 10

DIAMOND ALLEY Dance/Rock/Variety

Art ......................................................... 12 Cover Story.............................................14

AUG 12

Books .......................................................16

DENI STARR BAND Classic Rock

SEPT 9

MAGICAL MYSTERY GIRLS Beatles Tribute

Comics ......................................................17

6:30-8:30 PM

Buckeystown Pike (Rt. 85) & Crestwood Blvd. Exit 31B off I-270 www.ShopWestview.com 2 | Thursday, June 25, 2026 | 72 HOURS

Classifieds ...............................................18 Theater..............................................20 Calendar ................................................. 21

ON THE COVER: Singer-songwriter Iniko will perform as the headline act of this year’s Frederick Pride festival and will be in conversation the following day, 4 p.m. June 28, at the Maryland Ensemble Theatre in Frederick for Spill the Tea. Photo by Iniko

PUBLISHER Geordie Wilson EDITOR Lauren LaRocca llarocca@newspost.com REVENUE DIRECTOR Connie Hastings CALENDAR EDITOR Sue Guynn sguynn@newspost.com Submit a calendar listing for your event 10 days prior to publication at newspost.com/calendar.

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HIGH FREDERICK PRIDE IS HERE

The Frederick Center’s annual celebration of the LGBTQ+ community arrives this weekend. The festivities begin June 26 with the Frederick Pride Parade at 7 p.m. through the streets of downtown Frederick, followed by official afterparties at locations around town. The main festival runs 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 27 at Carroll Creek, with drag performances, live music, food trucks, hundreds of vendors and nonprofits, a beverage garden, a children’s area and an official afterparty that evening at The Lodge in Boonsboro featuring drag artists Victoria Black and Loosey LaDuca. The weekend closes June 28 with the Pride Ride, the Brunch Crawl and Spill the Tea, an intimate conversation with this year’s guest of honor and musical headliner Iniko.

SONGS OF HOPE AT THE BALLPARK

Harry Grove Stadium will bring something a little different on June 26, when the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hosts Songs of Hope, a free, family-friendly community event open to people of all faiths and backgrounds. The evening runs from 5 to 9 p.m. and includes an outdoor picnic with free food and food trucks on the stadium grounds, hands-on family activities, and live music from local choirs and groups including the Frederick County Mass Choir, the Washington DC Polynesian Group and the AFA Jazz Ensemble. The headlining act is a live broadcast from 7 to 9 p.m. of the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square concert at the Hollywood Bowl, featuring performances with Donny Osmond, David Foster, Katharine McPhee, Stephanie J. Block and Sebastian Arcelus. All activities are free.

RENT A STRANGER’S POOL THIS SUMMER

If you don’t have a pool and spending another summer sweltering in the backyard isn’t appealing, Swimply might be what you’re looking for. The platform — essentially an Airbnb for private pools — lets you book a time slot at someone’s home pool by the hour, without any lodging required. Hosts set their own rules around guests, bathrooms and whether pets can swim, and all the details are listed on each pool’s profile. Frederick County has five Swimply-certified hosts, ranging from a pet-friendly backyard pool with an 18-person capacity to a space that can accommodate up to 75 guests.

FREE KIDS’ CONCERTS AT BAKER PARK

The Celebrate Frederick Summerfest Family Theatre series is underway at the Baker Park Bandshell, with free performances every week through Aug. 13, running from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Coming up: Frederick’s own Mr. Jon & Friends, a Parents’ Choice Award-winning children’s music act, will perform June 25. King Bullfrog, a kiddie rock trio known for their Americana flair will take the stage July 9, and many more to follow. Shows are free and open to all ages. Come out to enjoy a morning at the park with the kiddos.

LOCAL ARTIST RAISES MONEY FOR ANIMAL WELFARE

Frederick artist Justin Callas has been doing something quietly creative since the Frederick Festival of the Arts: he rented a U-Haul, opened the back and turned it into a mobile gallery rolling through downtown. Large mystery prints of his work are available for $30, with $8 from each sale going to the Animal Welfare League of Frederick County. He’s at $80 raised toward a $150 goal and is continuing the promotion through June 27. Prints can be purchased at aletterfromjustin.com.

SCHOOL STUDENTS!

BIOTECHNOLOGY SUMMER CAMPS Engineering Genes & Exploring Genetic Traits July 6–10, 2026

The Business of Bioscience July 13–17, 2026 Explore biotechnology through hands-on lab experiences and entrepreneurial learning. Extract DNA, study genetic traits and discover how biotech innovations become real-world businesses.

9 a.m.–5 p.m. daily at Hood College 401 Rosemont Ave. Frederick, Maryland $650 per week (includes lunch)

Space is limited— save your spot!

OW REGISTER N

PUBLIC ART OPPORTUNITY ON THE BALLENGER CREEK TRAIL

The Frederick Arts Council is looking for local artists to design and fabricate two permanent sculptural pedestals for installation along the Ballenger Creek Linear Trail, a heavily used path for walkers, runners, cyclists and families. The pedestals — each measuring 36 inches tall by 28 inches wide — will serve as functional bases for rotating sculptures, and the FAC is encouraging creative interpretations of the traditional pedestal form. Preferred materials include stone, timber, reclaimed hardwood, weathered steel and other durable, low-maintenance options that work with the natural landscape; plastics are not permitted. The opportunity is open to Frederick County-based artists and teams. Applications are due via SlideRoom by July 9. Find more info and the full guidelines at frederickartscouncil.org.

LEARN MORE : hood.edu/

biosciencecamps

72 HOURS | Thursday, June 25, 2026 | 3

Thank you, SilverVox

THE INAUGURAL SILVERVOX FILM + MUSIC FESTIVAL REMINDED US WHAT THIS CITY IS C APABLE OF — AND WHAT WE STAND TO LOSE

BY LAUREN LAROCCA llarocca@newspost.com

I needed that.

Frederick needed that.

The tagline of the SilverVox Film + Music Festival was “Creativity connects us,” and it’s true. Music, art, film, conversations — stories and ideas bring us together. I witnessed and experienced so many chords of resonance during the festival, which ran June 1821 in Frederick.

The most overt display of connection came when Cults frontwoman Madeline Follin leaned over to touch the reaching hand of a super fan in the sea of 20-somethings below, after he’d been dancing nonstop and belting out the lyrics to every song. The whole auditorium cheered for him in that moment.

But there were so many points of connection throughout the festival: The film created by DIIV that screened behind them during their (incredible) set at the Weinberg felt like a stroke of luck — or genius — for an inaugural film fest. Rae Boyd giving an onstage shoutout to her parents in the audience and her sister who couldn’t make it. The hometown premiere of Sasha Carrera’s “Spinsters” feature film and all the people who made it happen coming together for the screening.

Watching the documentary short about Mike Egan after being drawn to his SilverVox poster artwork and learning that his obsession with death (and art) led him to become a funeral director in Pittsburgh. The list went on and on.

Neither Cults nor DIIV is touring right now (Cults is in the midst of finishing another studio album), but they came to our small city to perform these one-

Photos by Lauren LaRocca

Madeline Follin mesmerized the Weinberg Center crowd, leading Cults as the headline performance of Saturday night.

She told the audience it was her first time in Frederick, and she loves it. BELOW: Detail of the festival poster, designed

by Mike Egan, who was also the subject of a short documentary. off shows for us. And the crowd, though somewhat modest in size for a venue the size of the Weinberg, was so grateful. The backto-back acts brought a 180 tonal shift, but both felt equally at home on the stage. And it was refreshing to see so many people standing at the front of the Weinberg auditorium, young and old, dancing and moving to each song, some donning DIIV and Cults shirts and jackets.

And without this devolving into a laundry list of thanks — because there are too many people to thank — I have to mention a few: Carrie Delente and Clark Kline for their vision in spearheading this beast of an event (for an inaugural festival, they were awfully ambitious); Dan Silver for

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booking an incredible slate of artists; Walter Chalkley and his adept sense of finding smart, thoughtful films to screen, as he did when he ran the former Frederick Film Festival (F3); and Jeffery Keilholtz and Melissa Wintringham for their creative vision and tireless work to make this event not only happen but be the best it could be. We noticed. We thank you.

For four days, the city felt like a carnival of delights for the arts community.

I wandered throughout town to multiple venues to catch film shorts and documentaries, talks, concerts and parties. There was never a dull moment.

Fortunately, I only experienced one bit of FOMO, as I ducked out of a filmmaker Q&A early

to rush to Sky Stage to catch one slice of one performance while en route

to the FSK Hotel to buy some festival merch and then load it into my car several blocks away and then — what direction to go?

— back to the Delaplaine to catch the next film on my list, all while missing the first 10 minutes of the screening and Daryltron’s first performance with a live band and a bunch of regional acts I wanted to see — this when the festival had reached a climax point on Saturday afternoon and music was running across four stages simultaneously while film screenings dotted the town.

Earlier, on Friday afternoon, the experimental shorts block was taking place inside the Blue Elephant (Blue Elephant proper — the upstairs gallery space). It was an inspiring feast for the eyes that felt like 90 minutes spent wandering a contemporary art museum (in fact, the films were akin to those you’d see playing on loop at major art exhibitions).

Before the screening, festival interim director Clark Kline told the audience that the SilverVox team wanted the festival to be inclusive; rather than screen only narratives and documentaries, they included experimental films and music videos in their program, which we were about to see.

The short that stayed with me the most was essentially a music video but certainly a film in its own right. Titled “Sunday Artist,” it juxtaposed closed businesses (stores, banks) with rising stocks, Airbnbs and people scrolling dining apps; a “stop hiring humans” sign alongside homeless encampments; modern hellscape as backdrop for a girl strumming a guitar and singing about it. The end refrain — “let’s all go to

the mall” — was particularly haunting.

Another highlight for me was discovering artists I knew nothing about prior to watching a film about them, like comic artist Paul Pope and “master clown” Philippe Gaulier. The latter was the subject of the film “Philippe Gaulier: The Man Who Waits for Freedom,” created by Christiaan Hendriksen and Frederick native Samuel Tressler IV. The sharp-witted Gaulier was known for his “via negativa,” or “negative way,” where he would essentially break down actors through mockery or ruthless criticism until they reached an ego death and an epiphany. Students interviewed in the film explained the experience: going to Gaulier’s school day after day, trying harder but still getting flop after flop, until something he said led them to a breakthrough.

And then they showed up onstage changed, having found their pleasure and leading the audience through the weird, unique journey of their creation, unabashed.

Tressler, who studied under Gaulier in France, took audience questions after the screening, and when asked what it was like working with him, he remarked, “Oh, he was horribly difficult to work with.” His admiration for him was evident though.

Tressler, self-described as more filmmaker than actor, said he learned to aim for truth, rather than technique.

The school ultimately taught actors how to get free. I found the film particularly poignant after learning, at its conclusion, that Gaulier passed away in February.

The documentary screening of “Rave Culture: A New Era” at the Y Arts Center on Friday left me wondering what has happened to our culture, much less subculture, and has social media dissolved it completely? Are we now living in the era of subsubcultures — micro-cultures to be found through hashtag-led rabbit holes on TikTok? But then, with sweat-

FROM TOP: A crowd gathers in the 7th Sister courtyard for the Opening Night Party on June 18, which was open to SilverVox VIP and Filmmaker Passholders.

DIIV wowed the audience with their performance Saturday night at the Weinberg Center.

Rae Boyd gets the crowd dancing at the Weinberg Center.

tinged UK acid house still thumping in my body, I walked outside onto Church Street on a gorgeous afternoon — on to my next stop — and I realized I was witnessing culture all around me.

Musicians and filmmakers will never stop experimenting with sound and form. Actors will never stop stretching themselves to embody new characters. Artists will never stop making art, because it’s a compulsion.

And likeminded people of all generations will keep finding each other in small galleries and bars and indie arthouses — while they last.

Whether there is a defining culture of the 2020s, I don’t know.

“Dystopia” comes to mind, but that is not what I saw on the streets of Frederick last week.

Yes, great indie venues come and go and our beloved Blue Elephant will soon be turned into luxury condos, but there are zine meetups on Tuesday nights at Sandbox Brewhouse, a new weekly open mic at Cafe Nola and monthly lit readings at Sky Stage. Brain Dead Live is bringing the best regional acts to town, and Tim Walther just started booking national acts at RAK Brewing.

And every once in a while, Frederick gets blessed with someone or a small group of people who have the vision and gumption to put together something even grander — Flying Dog’s “Summer Sessions” concert series on the brewery’s lawn in the mid-2010s; the Frederick Music Showcase and the multi-venue music fest The Thing, both spearheaded

by Colin McGuire and The Frederick News-Post; the FNP x Flying Dog collab Frederick Fall Fest; the SilverVox Film + Music Festival … and if only for a few days, we see what’s possible here.

Lauren LaRocca is the editor of 72 Hours. Find her on Substack and Instagram @karmarocca.

72 HOURS | Thursday, June 25, 2026 | 5

MUSIC

The JoGo Project brings jazz, go-go and a sense of community to Baker Park

BY S.D. PRICE

Special to The News-Post

For 12 years, The JoGo Project has been chasing a musical idea that shouldn’t work nearly as well as it does.

Take the improvisation and musicianship of jazz.

Blend it with the percussion, call-and-response and community spirit of Washington, D.C.’s homegrown gogo tradition. Then put it in front of audiences throughout the DMV. The result is a sound that has earned the group multiple IF YOU GO Wammie Awards, appearances The JoGo Project at venues including the Kennedy performs at 7 p.m.

Center, Blues Alley and the DC June 28 at the Baker Jazz Festival and a reputation as Park Bandshell, 21 N. one of the region’s most unique live acts.

Bentz St., Frederick, On June 28, Frederick audias part of Celebrate ences will get a chance to expeFrederick’s Summer rience that blend firsthand when Concert Series.

The JoGo Project performs as Admission is free. part of Celebrate Frederick’s Summer Concert Series at the Baker Park Bandshell.

For saxophonist and bandleader Elijah Jamal Balbed, the connection between jazz and go-go starts with a familiar ingredient.

“At the core, we’re a go-go band, with all the traditional go-go elements, percussion, vocalists and call and response,” Balbed said. “One thing we almost always have is a horn section, and when you listen to some of my favorite bands, Trouble Funk, Rare Essence and of course Chuck Brown, they always had horns.”

Those horns, he said, provide a natural bridge between the two genres.

“When you have horn players, oftentimes they can play multiple different styles, including jazz. That just kind of brings the jazz elements and the elements of D.C. go-go together.”

The JoGo Project was formed in 2014 while Balbed was participating in Strathmore’s Artist-in-Residence program. Like many young groups, the band spent its early years searching for its identity.

“Early on, like any new band, we were trying to figure out what our vision was and what our sound would end up being,” Balbed said. “There were periods where it was more like a jazz fusion group.”

Over time, as the lineup evolved and featured vocalists became part of the project, the band’s direction became clearer.

“We started finding that middle ground between a traditional jazz group and a cranking go-go band,” he said.

That balance remains central to the group’s approach today. Jazz melodies, improvisation and sophisticated arrangements coexist alongside the rhythms and audience interaction that have made go-go a cultural cornerstone throughout the Washington region.

Maintaining that balance requires collaboration.

6 | Thursday, June 25, 2026 | 72 HOURS

Courtesy of Celebrate Frederick

JoGo will play the Baker Park Bandshell.

Balbed credits much of the band’s success to the musicians around him, including veteran percussionist Shahid, who has been playing go-go music since the late 1970s, as well as vocalists and songwriters who help shape the group’s original material.

“I’m blessed to be surrounded by incredible musicians, vocalists and artists,” Balbed said. “When we’re in the studio, I’m not too big of a man to ask for help or rely on the people around me for suggestions.”

That collaborative spirit has helped produce some of the band’s most recognized work, including “Dear Draylen,” which won a Wammie Award, and the recent single “JoGo Groove,” which earned the group another Wammie this year for Best Funk Song.

Still, accolades are not what keep Balbed motivated.

For him, the reward comes from watching audiences connect with the music.

“When we have a great show and we’re able to connect with our fans and make new fans, that’s what keeps us going,” he said.

That connection is something Balbed learned firsthand while performing with the Chuck Brown Band.

One lesson in particular has stayed with him.

“One of the great things I learned from playing with Chuck Brown himself is how a concert can feel

like a family gathering, like a backyard barbecue, but it can also still be a show,” he said.

It’s a philosophy that feels especially suited to Frederick’s Summer Concert Series, which draws audiences of all ages to Baker Park throughout the summer.

While The JoGo Project has performed on some of the region’s most recognizable stages, Balbed said every audience brings its own personality.

“Every concert is a personal experience,” he said.

“Especially in go-go, it’s driven by call and response and creating a personal connection with the audience.”

For listeners interested in exploring the band’s music before the performance, Balbed recommends starting with “JoGo Groove,” a song inspired by the Soul Searchers era of Washington funk and soul.

“It’s a groovy song, it’s catchy and everybody can dig it,” he said.

As for what he hopes audiences take with them when the night is over, Balbed’s answer has little to do with awards, genres or even individual songs.

Instead, he hopes they leave feeling something.

“I hope people leave with their souls replenished,” he said, “with a smile on their face and a groove in their heart.”

S.D. Price is a Frederick-based writer better known as hip-hop recording artist Demetrius.

FAMILY

Celebrate Frederick Announces the Summerfest Family Theatre lineup Celebrate Frederick has announced the performers for the 2026 Summerfest Family Theatre. The series began June 18 and features free children’s performances at Frederick’s Baker Park Bandshell weekly through Aug. 13, from 10 to 10:45 a.m.

JUNE 25 Mr. Jon & Friends Frederick’s own Mr. Jon & Friends makes multiple Parents’ Choice Award-winning music for kids and their families. Mr. Jon plays over 250 shows a year for kids, sharing the stage with bands like The Pop Ups and The Imagination Movers. Mr. Jon & Friends makes music for kids that inspires fun, laughter and dancing. Sometimes with a band, sometimes as a duo and sometimes solo, the music of Mr. Jon & Friends is sure to bring a smile to your face!

JULY 9 King Bullfrog King Bullfrog is a kiddie rock trio that plays high-energy tunes that are developmentally appropriate for kids Guava Jelly and grownups alike. Formed in 2017 after meeting in an early-childhood music class where Steve taught Jeremiah’s daughter, King Bullfrog has performed hundreds of shows throughout the nation’s capital region. With their Americana flair, their rock ‘n’ roll chops and their serious silliness, King Bullfrog delights audiences young and old(er).

ence and penchant for family fun, Guava Jelly infuses authentic rhythms and dynamic percussion into every show.

Bridgette Michaels (lead singer-songwriter) transforms familiar songs into island-inspired celebrations that will have all ages up and dancing. Dawn Madak (vocals/percussion) brings a high-energy performance that creates an infectious groove that gets everyone moving to the beat. Let your worries drift away as Guava Jelly transports you to a sun-soaked Caribbean paradise through their vibrant, feelgood music.

AUG. 6 Theatricks presents Mark Lohr Classic Comedy Show Mark Lohr — physical comic extraordinaire! Mark uses the circus skills of juggling, plate spinning, hat tricks and more to hilariously entertain the young and the young at heart. A smorgasCourtesy photos bord of family fun guaranteed to leave the entire family rolling in the aisles!

Mark has toured extensively with his unique blend of circus and slapstick comedy, wowing audiences wherever he goes! Performance credits include The Kennedy Center, Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, The George Carden International Circus and The Kim-Tom Clown Festival (Shanghai, China).

AUG. 13 Fyutch & Aura V JULY 16 2026 GRAMMY nominee Fyutch Maryland Symphony Orchestra presents “Hip-Hop Harmony,” a Brass Quintet presents “Big Brass high-energy dance party for all ages Barnyard” about self-love and empowerment.

The Maryland Symphony OrchesAudiences will learn dance moves, tra’s Kinder Konzert program introducsign language and recite positive afes young children to the fundamentals firmations while exploring identity, of music through live, engaging perforsafe spaces and eco-conscious habmances. Students explore concepts such its. Fyutch has been featured on The as rhythm, melody, dynamics and harToday Show, Tamron Hall and at Billmony while learning how different inboard. He also performs music with his struments work together to create music.

8-year-old daughter, Aura V. “Big Brass Barnyard” brings these ideas While each performance is free to to life with an interactive concert featuring the public, Celebrate Frederick enthe MSO Brass Quintet. Through playful courages guests to bring a canned barnyard themes and bold brass sounds, Big Brass Barnyard is an interactive, live musical concert presented by the Maryland Symphony food item in lieu of admission to supchildren are introduced to the unique Orchestra (MSO) Brass Quintet. port the Foodbank Program operated voices of brass instruments and experiby the City of Frederick Housing and edu-tainer Ms. Niki on a colorful adence the excitement of live orchestral mu- sic’s most compelling and talented emerging artists, Ms. Niki is a member venture through upbeat original songs Human Services. Non-perishable items sic in an accessible, memorable way. such as canned meats and vegetables, of the GRAMMY-nominated 1 Tribute and classics with a twist you’ve never JULY 23 soups, peanut butter, cereal, rice and Collective’s “All One Tribe” album fea- heard before. pastas are preferred and appreciated. turing “Rainbow.” Described as “a new Ms. Niki JULY 30 age cross between Mary Poppins and For more information, contact CelNicole “Ms. Niki” Addison is a clasMs. Frizzle,” Ms. Niki is sure to please Guava Jelly ebrate Frederick at 301-600-2841 or sically trained singer-songwriter from audiences of all ages. Join music visit celebratefrederick.com.

Known for their Caribbean influWashington, D.C. One of family mu72 HOURS | Thursday, June 25, 2026 | 7

The Frederick Mom’s recommendations for the weekend of June 26

Activities to do with the kids this weekend, courtesy of The Frederick Mom. Discovery Days: Farmyard Friends!

11 to 11:45 a.m. June 26 Walkersville Library, 2 S. Glade Road, Walkersville Free Head to the yard at the Walkersville LiTIFFANY MAHANEY brary this Friday for Farmyard Friends — a mobile petting zoo with live farm animals. Share your kids’ love of animals, spark curiosity, and enjoy a memorable experience with furry and feathery friends.

Summer Palooza 6 to 8 p.m. June 26 Creative Children’s Center, 2538 Jefferson Pike, Jefferson $10/person; $5/students of CCC Get ready for an evening full of fun and summer vibes! Join the Creative Children’s Center for their All-Star Summer Palooza, a family-friendly event packed with exciting activities for all ages. Kids can enjoy bounce houses, pony rides, carnival games, dunk tank, face painting and more. Food trucks will be on site.

Animal Adventure Kids Night Out 6 to 9 p.m. June 26 Pediatric Movement Center, 4640 Wedgewood Blvd., Suite 103, Frederick $35/child Roar, hop, and stomp your way through an exciting night of animal fun at PMC — the Sensory Gym & Therapy Clinic in Frederick. This event is open to children ages 6 to 10 of all abilities. Kids will eat pizza, play wild games and create animalinspired crafts to take home.

Pre-registration is required; visit pediatricmovementcenter.com.

Frederick Pride Parade & Festival 7 p.m. June 26 and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 27 Carroll Creek Linear Park, 43 S. Carroll St., Frederick Free

riders, for an unprecedented $100,000 prize money! Guests are welcome to spectate, bring a picnic, cooler and folding chairs and cheer on the horses! Food and ice cream are available for purchase on site. Free parking and shuttles to the entrance, too! Bring the whole family for an exciting day!

Minion Mayhem Storytime 10:30 to 11 a.m. June 27 Thurmont Regional Library, 76 E. Moser Road, Thurmont Free A free 30-minute family storytime is hosted by FCPL Photo by Maya Kuntze for Erin Gilmore Photography at the Thurmont Library this Saturday. Even better, it’s On June 26 to 28, the Maryland International CCI and Horse Trials will celeMinion-themed. Check out this brate 20 years of The Maryland Horse Trials. Shown here, the 2025 Maryland banana-powered adventure filled with unexpected twists Horse Trials. and pure Minion mayhem!

21. Register: https://bit.ly/ This weekend, join your Stories, movement, music community and local LGBTQ+ FCPRFountainRockCampfire and fun for the entire family.

Silver Mane Free Event family and friends on the Creek Designed for ages 0 and up 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 27 to celebrate and uplift each with a caregiver.

Silver Mane Stables, 4240 other with love and pride.

Emmitsburg Community Jefferson Pike, Jefferson Friday will be the second Heritage Days Free annual Frederick Pride Parade 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. June If you haven’t visited at 7 p.m. We will be marching 27 yet, Silver Mane Stables is throughout the streets of E. Eugene Myers a community-driven horse Downtown Frederick with Community Park, 201 W. riding and training facility in color, music, support and joy.

Lincoln Ave., Emmitsburg Jefferson, and they’re throwing On Saturday, Frederick Pride Free welcomes you to Carroll Creek a party! Expect a full day of Celebrate the historic fun on the farm! Rain or shine, small town of Emmitsburg this to enjoy drag performances, visit this free event and check a food court of the best local Saturday at its annual Heritage out 30 vendors, great food food trucks, hand-picked Day! Families can check out and treats, and time spent with history tours at the National musical guests, hundreds of the horses. Trainers will be local vendors and nonprofit Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann offering horse rides, so your organizations, a designated Seton, as well as two national little humans can hop on while monuments and two museums beverage garden with the top you grab photos, or admire the that are open to explore. Enjoy local breweries and wineries, animals behind the fence. Plus, kid rides and activities, a craft a pride shop, a children’s area there’s a free Kid Zone with and more! and vendor show, hayrides ring toss, cup toss, dinosaur Campfire at the Park and barrel rides — plus the darts and giant yard games!

8 to 10 p.m. June 26 Emmitsburg Community pool Free parking, pet-friendly and Fountain Rock Park, is open and free! Be sure to free admission!

8511 Nature Center Place, catch the parade, listen to Maryland Horse Trials Walkersville music at the bandstand, get Throughout the weekend $5/person a drink at the beer garden Loch Moy Farm, 1235 Park We all know summer and, finally, stay for the Mills Road, Adamstown evenings are better around Independence Day fireworks Free the campfire. So join that start around 10:30 p.m.

Did you know Frederick Frederick County Parks and Rain date is set for June 28 County is home to a worldRec at Fountain Rock Park for (fireworks only). class equestrian competition?

Campfire at the Park, a fun Middletown night filled with games, roasted The public is invited to the Independence Day Fireworks 20th Anniversary of The marshmallows, nature fun 5 to 10:30 p.m. June 27 Maryland Horse Trials at Loch facts and a night hike to end Middletown Community the evening. Campfires will be Moy Farm to watch some of Park, 7628 Coblentz Road, the nation’s top equestrian Middletown held throughout the summer athletes compete, alongside Free from 8 to 10 p.m. on June 26, Your family won’t want talented up-and-coming young July 10 and 24, August 7 and

8 | Thursday, June 25, 2026 | 72 HOURS

to miss this all-day event!

The town of Middletown is celebrating Independence Day this Saturday! Festivities begin at 5 p.m. and fireworks begin at approximately 9:30 p.m. A rain date is yet to be determined. Check middletown.md.us for more info and updates.

Dads Meet Up 12:30 to 2 p.m. June 28 Crybaby Cafe & Toy Library, 7 W. Main St., Middletown Free for dads, $5/child Why should moms get all the social fun events?! This Sunday, dads can meet up for a casual get-together at Crybaby Cafe. Meet new local friends, swap fatherhood stories, and check out the new spot (it’s a café and a toy library)! Free for dads to meet up, and $5 per kid if you bring your child to play during your afternoon hang, where kids will get unlimited playtime.

Books in the Barn 2 to 4 p.m. June 28 Grape Creek Farm, 9011 Water Street Road, Walkersville Free Books in the Barn is opening this Sunday! Grape Creek Farm welcomes all ages to browse the many shelves of books lining the inside of their barn, each one free to read and take home if they’d like. They set out hundreds of books for all ages in hopes of bringing joy to kids and some relief to the parents. The books range from toddler to teens to chapter and adult books, too. There is also a place to donate your own gently-used books. Visit the farm’s many animals and enjoy an afternoon with new reads.

The next Books in the Barn event is July 26.

Tiffany Mahaney is at least a fifth-generation native to Frederick County, and she now proudly raises her own family here. She is the owner of The Frederick Mom. To see more local family-friendly things to do, follow her at @ thefrederickmom.

TRIED IT

I rented a stranger’s pool. Here’s how it went.

BY TIFFANY MAHANEY

need a quiet pool to do their exercises in without being bothered.”

With summer here, my exWHY WOULD A HOMEcitement is at an all-time high OWNER LEASE OUT THEIR thinking about days spent by the POOL TO STRANGERS? pool, making memories of family Hosts (the homeowners) are cannonball competitions, back- making a decent side hustle by yard grilling and endless games renting out their pools. Maybe of Marco Polo. their kids have left the nest, and That is, when we get invittheir pool gets used less and ed to a friend’s pool or buy pub- less. To offset the cost of mainlic pool passes (along with 200 tenance, hosts can make money other families) because we don’t by letting strangers hang out in have one at our house. their backyard.

For those families like mine And legally. With Swimply, (the pooless), I bet you’ve wished potential hosts have to apply to at some point that you had a be a part of the network. Their pool to dip in and cool off in the pools are vetted, giving strangsummer, or to host a party for ers (I mean, guests) peace of those summer birthday babies. mind. In return, Swimply takes Enter Swimply. a 15% cut from all pool rentals, Swimply is like Airbnb, but and hosts keep the other 85%. for pools, where you can book Helmer let me know it’s “ala time to basically rent a strang- ways daunting to open your er’s backyard with all its amenihome to people you don’t know, ties, for your own private party or but for us it is worth being able family dip. to supplement our life with the “But are the owners home?” extra money we make. We’ve “What if we need to use the been able to both cover our bathroom?” monthly pool maintenance with I can hear the questions sort- Swimply and have extra to put ing through your mind, so let towards our family.” me share our experience using HOW DOES SWIMPLY Swimply, from one pooless per- WORK? son to another.

Dubbed the Airbnb of swimWHY WOULD I RENT A ming pools, Swimply operates as STRANGER’S POOL? a marketplace for people to rent Unlike a hotel pool or city’s private pools by the hour. public pool, it’s private. It’s the Swimply is really more than main reason to own a pool — for renting a pool, too. You’re realthe privacy. Through Swimply, ly getting the entire backyard. you get that private swim (solo or The service has expanded to inwith invited friends) without the clude the rental of private sport courts, like pickleball and basdaily maintenance that comes with owning a pool, and there’s ketball, and backyard amenities no lodging required (like with a like screened-in kitchens and tiki hotel). Once you dry off, you and huts. Some residences also offer your guests are out the door with hot tubs, event spaces and even entire homes. no commitment.

When you go to the Swimply Renting a private pool is app or website, you can search good for solo self-care days, family swims, pool parties, photo for a pool in your area that’s perfect for your location and needs. shoots and nighttime dips.

Filter by distance, price, diving Local Swimply host Kylie boards, you name it. Prefer saltHelmer of Frederick reminded water, heated pools — pick that. me of other reasons why peoNeed a cabana chair for teleple might want to book a private pool. There are “parents of working while the kids splash their summer day away — pick children with autism that thrive pools with shaded patios. There in more private environments are subcategories for every and want the calmness of a prineed. vate pool,” she said, “families Dogs are allowed to swim, with a reactive dog that loves to too, for some residences, usually swim but can’t be around othat an extra fee. ers in public, and community On Swimply, you can mesneighbors who are recovering from surgery or an injury that just sage the owners questions, Special to The News-Post

for a pool day!”

When I asked her what guests are most memorable, she replied, “mermaid photo shoots and little doggies in the cutest little swim vests are always so fun for us to see!”

Teal Tranquility Frederick Hosted by Alex Max capacity: 25 guests Pet-friendly: no Burnside Bluehaven Frederick Hosted by Dave Max capacity: 10 guests Pet-friendly: yes, but not in pool Vallhalla Frederick Hosted by Dave and Gabby Max capacity: 75 guests Pet-friendly: no Countryside Oasis Frederick Hosted by Trish and Gus Max capacity: 50 guests Pet-friendly: no KNOW BEFORE YOU RESERVE • No lifeguard on duty • Bring your own snacks and drinks • Towels may be an extra charge, so bring your own • Parking is available, but be Tiffany Mahaney mindful this is a private residence in a neighborhood with Rent a pool by the hour on those hot summer days. often limited extra spaces • Discounts often available for browse the pictures and pool di- four-hour pool party and invitweekdays mensions and make reservations ing more guests to enjoy. Every • Each host sets house rules, right online. pool mentions the guest limit in which are laid out on the listing.

The most popular question is its listing, so you can book acBe respectful, arrive on time and about access to bathrooms. Yes, cordingly. leave the space as you found it. hosts offer private restroom acIn Frederick County, I found ALL-IN-ALL five Swimply-certified hosts! If cess inside their home, unless What a cool way to spend you’re traveling, though, don’t of course that residence hapyour summer when it’s scorching worry. Swimply has over 15,000 hot outside! Maybe you won’t be pens to have a guesthouse. All restroom information is listed on hosts in more than 150 cities pampered like you would at an across the U.S., Canada and Aus- all-inclusive resort, but this is an each owner’s profile.

It’s hard to think of this next tralia. You’ll likely find one wher- affordable deal. question, but I also wondered ever you’re vacationing.

Whether it’s a swim with the ... will the hosts be home during SWIMPLY POOLS IN kids, laps with the pup or a pool my time swimming? While the FREDERICK COUNTY party for that August child, space is completely yours for the The Helmer Pool Swimply is a great option to time you reserved, the answer Frederick know about. depends. Some hosts stay home, Hosted by Kylie Tiffany Mahaney is at least a and some aren’t there. Each listMax capacity: 18 guests fifth-generation native to FredPet-friendly: yes ing will say. erick County, and she now The host, Helmer, told me Most pools average $50 an proudly raises her own famThe Helmer Pool has booked “so ily here. She is the owner of hour with a minimum of two many different groups over the hours of renting. Upon checkThe Frederick Mom on Instaout, the platform adds a 10% ser- years getting together for many gram, where she features famdifferent reasons: Girls nights, vice fee. ily-friendly places, events and For my family, we escaped lo- birthdays, work-from-pool friend businesses in and around Frederick. Follow her @thefredercally so a two-hour dip was fine groups, and families traveling from different towns to meet up ickmom. for us. But imagine a three- to 72 HOURS | Thursday, June 25, 2026 | 9

GETAWAYS

History, art and the outdoors collide in Abingdon

BY SHUAN BUTCHER

Special to The News-Post

Abingdon, Virginia, has welcomed travelers for more than two centuries now. Nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Southwest Virginia, the town is situated along the historic Great Road, a pre-Revolutionary path that was used by pioneers to settle the American frontier. Visitors today know that Abingdon is a special place. The town is as authentic as it is distinctive, with its natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities and vibrant cultural scene.

As settlers traveled through the area and called the region home, artisans followed to support them. And artisans are present today, continuing in the historic trades of weaving, basket making, pottery and woodworking, making everything from furniture to musical instruments.

Abingdon is located along The Crooked Road Heritage Music Trail, where America’s music was born ... and still lives on. This music trail has several venues that keep the spirit of timeless music alive and includes genres like bluegrass, mountain gospel and old-time.

These music styles were influenced by early Germans, Scots-Irish and African Americans, and generations Barter Theatre in Abingdon, Va. of families and musicians work together today to keep the music traditions going.

A visit to Abingdon wouldn’t be complete without taking in a show at Barter Theatre. Known as the State Theatre of Virginia, it is now the longest-running professional equity theater in the nation. The Barter, which dates back to the Great Depression and gets its name from the proposition that local residents could barter food for their theater ticket, has seen the likes of Gregory Peck, Ned Beatty, Wayne Knight (for you Seinfeld fans), Ernest Borgnine and countless others grace its stage as famous alumni. The theater has two performance spaces and year after year puts together a stunning lineup of plays and musicals.

For more artistic ventures, visit the William King Museum of Art, a center for art and cultural heritage.

Housed in a historic 1913 former school and perched on top of a hill The Tavern in Abingdon, Va. overlooking the city, the William 10 | Thursday, June 25, 2026 | 72 HOURS

Photos by Shuan Butcher

King Museum of Art has been an integral part of the cultural fabric of Southwest Virginia. The museum has hosted exhibits from artists such as Ansel Adams and O. Winston Link to the Wyeth family and Frank Lloyd Wright. With multiple galleries, artist studios and an outdoor sculpture garden, it is worth checking out.

In addition to the world-class arts and cultural scene, Southwest Virginia is also a world-class recreation destination. The primary reason for this is the Virginia Creeper Trail. This former rail line started out serving the Virginia-Carolina Railroad, hauling lumber, iron ore, supplies and passengers, and got its name from the slow movement of the early steam locomotives up the railroad’s steep grades. Now it is a National Recreation Trail and passes through the Mt. Rogers National Recreation Area in the Jefferson National Forest. The trail crosses several scenic bridges, through

woodlands and farmland and by waterfalls. It also intersects with the Appalachian Trail in a couple different places. You can catch a trailhead right in Abingdon. And if you don’t have your own bikes, the Virginia Creeper Trail Bike Shop is less than a block away, where you can rent them for an unforgettable experience.

When searching for a truly unique place to stay in Abingdon, check out the Historic Hattie House. This beautifully restored boutique inn was established in 1885. Situated in the heart of Abingdon’s Arts District, the inn is just steps away from the many vibrant galleries, shops and restaurants that line the downtown streets. The Historic Hattie House blends Appalachian heritage with modern design, giving you the feel and sense that you are at home rather than in a hotel.

Each space, from the individual rooms to the hallways and common

spaces, honors the past while embracing the present. From the moment you arrive, with the relaxing music playing in your room to the complimentary cookies provided to guests, you feel invited and delighted to be there.

You can’t go wrong with the array of culinary options in Abingdon either. Select from casual places such as JJ’s Restaurant and Sports Bar and the Gopher Hole to more fine dining choices like The Tavern or Sisters American Grill.

JJ’s reminds me of a typical neighborhood hangout, with lots of screens to enjoy the current game or sporting event. Their menu of comfort food is offered at a great value, and their signature special burger is not only a feast for the eyes but the taste buds as well.

The Gopher Hole is another sports entertainment lounge, but actually provides you with an opportunity to actively engage in sports and recreation. From their indoor stateof-the-art golf simulators, which allow you to play a world-class virtual course, to a putting course, dartboard and billiards, you can have fun and enjoy a meal at the same time. Order either the chicken pimento po-boy or the pimento cheese sandwich.

But one place you must have dinner at is The Tavern. This iconic dining destination is housed in Abingdon’s oldest original historic building. Originally built in 1779, the structure once served as a stagecoach stop and tavern, the first post office west of the Blue Ridge and a hospital during the Civil War. It is considered Virginia’s oldest bar and the eighth oldest in the nation. As a result, it has hosted some notable guests over the years.

The ambiance has kept true to its historic nature, and you can dine by one of the fireplaces inside. The menu includes hearty steaks and fresh seafood, but also has some German-influenced classics such as Jagerschnitzel.

Another not-to-miss restaurant is Sisters American Grill. Located inside the historic Martha Washington Hotel & Spa, a 19th century structure that once was home to the Martha Washington College for Women, this upscale culinary spot offers thoughtfully crafted dishes with locally sourced ingredients.

Depending on your mood, you can select from elevated pub fare to some traditional fine dining selections on their menu. Regardless

Downtown shopping in Abingdon, Va.

IF YOU GO Abingdon, Va., is home to Barter Theatre (bartertheatre.com), the William King Museum of Art (williamkingmuseum.org) and the Virginia Creeper Trail, with bikes available to rent at the Virginia Creeper Trail Bike Shop (vacreepertrailbikeshop.com). For lodging, the Historic Hattie House (historichattiehouse.com) is steps from downtown. Dining options include JJ’s Restaurant and Sports Bar (eatatjjs.com), the Gopher Hole (gopherhole.golf), The Tavern (facebook.com/abingdontavern), Sisters American Grill (themartha.com/sisters-american-grill) and Feel Good Berry Bowls Café (orders.cake.net/11457514). For shopping and artisan crafts, visit the Southwest Virginia Cultural Center and Marketplace (swvaculturalcenter.com). Learn more at visitabingdonvirginia.com.

Abingdon Muster Grounds in Virginia. of what you select for your main course, start with the fried green tomatoes as an appetizer and enjoy their wonderful, and complimentary, bread service that is available.

As for breakfast, start at least one of your mornings off at Feel Good

Berry Bowls Café. After one visit, you’ll likely come back because their amazing menu will truly make you feel good about your visit and your order. There are some truly unique breakfast concoctions that you might not find anywhere else, from their

signature acai and smoothie bowls to sandwiches with unique and bold flavors. Scabbo’s BELT, for example, has bacon, bacon jam, egg, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato and mayo on your choice of buttermilk biscuit, toast or bagel.

As for shopping, there seem to be unlimited opportunities in Abingdon as well. The Southwest Virginia Cultural Center and Marketplace is a one-stop shop for regional artisan crafts and traditional music, with an educational focus. The Holston Mountain Artisans is an artist cooperative featuring over 100 local artists. The Arts Depot, located in an 1860s historic freight station, houses a fine arts center with galleries and working studios for artists in the area. And Zephyr Antiques has four floors of vintage furniture, decor, collectibles and memorabilia.

So there’s plenty to do in Abingdon. The town makes a great weekend getaway destination.

However, if you stay for that short of a time period, you will leave wanting more.

Shuan Butcher is a writer, nonprofit professional, event planner and avid traveler. He writes from Frederick.

72 HOURS | Thursday, June 25, 2026 | 11

”Different Drummer” — through June 28, Blanche Ames Gallery, 4880 Elmer Derr Road, Frederick. Art exhibit by Ted Luck. Call 301473-7680 or email gallery@ frederickuu.org for gallery hours or to request and appointment to view the show. ”2 by 2” — through June 28, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. This watercolor series, by Scott Ponemone, of couples’ portraits began in 2017, continued through the COVID pandemic, and concluded in 2025 after 86 paintings were completed. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

301-698-0656, delaplaine.org. ”The Language of Flowers” — through June 28, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Acrylic and mixed media with enbroidery by Ali Wunder. Drawing from her collection of vintage and heirloom textiles, Wunder’s paintings include embroidery, fabric and pattern tissue, which she says are more than embellishment, they are a means of preserving not just beauty but belonging. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

301-698-0656, delaplaine.org. ”Invitation” — through June 28, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Paintings by Lorena Long, inspired by the poem by Mary Oliver, echoing its gentle call to pay attention. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 301-698-0656, delaplaine.org. ”Beyond the Blue Horizon” — weekends through June 28, EastSide Artists Gallery, 313 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Distinct yet complementary styles of mother and daughter exploring light, atmosphere and the shifting edges of the horizon. Featuring Arden McElroy and Jill Hossler. Gallery hours are noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. eastsideartistsgallery. com. ”Brush Stories” — through June 28, Links Bridge Vineyards, 8830 Old Links Bridge

Road, Thurmont. Some of the latest paintings by The Tuesday Painters, a group of 10 local artists who have met on Tuesdays, some for as long as 30 years, to paint together and inspire each other. Artists: Emily Sloviko, Sandra Cook, Linda Goddard, Sabora Haider, Pam Kaelber, Noralie Katsu, Don Ouellette, Mary Pfister, Kristin Simanek and Jodi O’Connell. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, or by appointment. 301466-2413, linksbridgevineyards.com. ”Watercolor on Wee Hours” — through June 28, Triangle Art Studios, 7711 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda. Paintings by Alexis Dominique Cortel Limpiado, Philippine-born artist now based in Frederick. Gallery hours are 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday. 301-215-6660 or bethesda.org. ”The Gift of Love” — through June 29, Sandbox Brewhouse, 880 N. East St., Frederick. Art show by Phylinda Moore. 50 percent of profits will be donated to The Judy Center and Moon Valley Farm’s Food for Health program. Hours are 4-9:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 3-10:30 p.m. Friday, noon to 10:30 p.m. Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday. phylindamoore.com.

2026 National Juried Exhibition — through July 12, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Works in a variety of media. The Delaplaine’s annual juried show features works by artists from around the region and the nation. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

301-698-0656, delaplaine.org. ”Light & Shadows Provide Inspiration” — through July 28, Washington County Arts Council, 34 S. Potomac St., Hagerstown. An exhibit by the Gaithersburg Fine Arts Association. Parking at the A&E parking deck, 25 Renaissance Way, Hagerstown. 11 a.m.7 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, Tuesday by appointment only. 301-791-3132, washingtoncountyarts.com. ”A Study of Trees” —

12 | Thursday, June 25, 2026 | 72 HOURS

tings around the world, from Vietnam to Bangladesh. The world is different after dark: different light, different skies and cityscapes, different people. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 301698-0656, delaplaine.org. ”U.S. of Art: Reflections on 250 Years” — July 4-26, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Work in a variety of media. For our nation’s semiquincentennial, we invited artists to create work reflecting on their personal experiences as Americans as well as how they engage with the histories of their communities and families, and their hopes for the future. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 301-698-0656, delaplaine.org. ”Over 70 Show” — July 18Courtesy photo Aug. 30, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick.

“Brush Stories,” an exhibition featuring paintings by the Tuesday Painters, is on view at Links Bridge Vineyards in Thurmont through June 28. Shown here, Works in a variety of media. A signature of the Delaplaine’s “Hang Your Hat,” by Emily Sloviko.

Creative Aging Month, this anplores the quiet beauty found nual exhibition celebrates lothrough July 31, Gifts Inn within the overlooked and the cal artists over age 70 and Boonsboro, 16 N. Main St., showcases a wide range of Boonsboro. Nature photogra- ordinary. Opening reception styles, techniques, and inter5-8 p.m. July 4. Artists’ talk phy by Bruce Wilder. Open2 p.m. July 18. Hours are noon ests. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ing reception 1-3 p.m. June to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Monday through Saturday, 14. 301-432-0090 or giftsinn11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 301noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. 240boonsboro.com.

367-9770 or nomagalleryfred- 698-0656, delaplaine.org. ”America Punctuated: ”Obsessed: Ink Drawings erick.com.

Contemporary Responsby Jim Haller” — Aug. 1-30, ”Impressions of Maryes to 250 Years of America” land” — July 4-26, Links Bridge Links Bridge Vineyards, 8830 — through Aug. 23, Frederick Old Links Bridge Road, ThurVineyards, 8830 Old Links Book Arts Center, 127 S. Carmont. Part of the Wine and roll St., Frederick. There’s a big Bridge Road, Thurmont. Part Art Series. This is a unique exdifference between “America!” of the Wine and Art Series, hibit featuring beautiful, bigfeatures recent paintings by and “America?” In 1962, Marger than life renditions of old Tom Richie and Lissa Abrams tin Speckter, an advertising medicine bottles from the and their ongoing impresexecutive and hobbyist letartist’s collection. Hours are sions of Maryland farmland, terpress printer in New York, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and landscapes, still-life and peoinvented the interrobang, a mark of punctuation that com- ple engaged in daily activities. Sunday, or by appointment.

301-466-2413, linksbridOpening reception 1-4 p.m. bines the question mark and gevineyards.com.

July 11 with demonstration the exclamation point. FBAC ”Impressionistic Landof their plein air technique hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. scapes” — Sept. 5-27, Links Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 1-3 p.m. Hours are 11 a.m. to Bridge Vineyards, 8830 Old 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Thursday and Friday, and Links Bridge Road, Thurmont. noon to 6 p.m. Saturday. fred- or by appointment. 301-466Part of the Wine and Art Se2413, linksbridgevineyards. erickbookarts.org. ries. Pastel landscapes by pro”Mundane-Sacred” — July com. fessional artist Brian Jernigan. ”Night Journeys” Pho3-26, NOMA Gallery, 437 N. Opening reception 1-3 p.m. tography After Dark” — July Market St., Frederick. ColSept. 6. Hours are 11 a.m. to 4-Aug. 30, Delaplaine Arts laborative exhibit by moth6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Freder-daughter Lily Sellers and or by appointment. 301-466erick. Photography by Rich Annie Quinlan. Rooted in a 2413, linksbridgevineyards.

Isaacman. These works ofshared reverence for the natcom. fer nighttime views in setural world, the exhibition ex-

Leslie King and Pat Scull to exhibit at TAG in June

TAG/The Artists Gallery will feature artists Pat Scull and Leslie King in June.

“We Sing of Home” is a body of work inspired by the song of the same name and the context of choral singing through which the artist discovered it. Using figurative ceramic sculpture, Leslie King illustrates the collective experience of joy and creative fulfillment in singing, particularly in a group, and the connection of song to our deepest feelings.

“It’s hard to communicate the joy of singing as part of a group,” said King. “I especially love when the harmony is in you, and all around you, when lyrics and music mesh together, when the rhythm literally moves you, when you are paying attention, and when we just nail it.”

Pat Scull’s “Aliens Among Us” reflects her fascination with scale and perspective. After looking at images of magnified insects recently, she thought that if humans were the same size as insects, the human obsession with racial and geographical segregation would switch to universal feelings of sheer terror, much as she imagines would happen if aliens invaded Earth.

At the same time, Scull read an article by retired astronaut Ron Garan, who described looking at Earth from space. He realized how tiny our home is, with all of life protected only by a thin blue atmosphere. Scull began a new series of sculptures, concentrating on creating half-insect, halfhuman figures. She decided to use markings inspired by Asian, Greek, African, European and Native American ceramic and art to create this body of work. The figures are interesting in their uniqueness, their hidden assets.

“Some are viewing Earth from a distance, perhaps as a place to escape from or to,” said Scull.

To accompany this series, Scull created video animations featuring these new paintings and sculptures using Adobe Firefly. She edited the videos using iMovie and then created accompanying music with a mini synthesizer and GarageBand software. In her exhibit, labeling of the paintings and sculptures used in the video includes a QR

Courtesy photos

Work by Leslie King.

Courtesy photo

Ballenger Creek Linear Trail.

Frederick Arts Council seeks artists for Ballenger Creek Trail pedestal sculptures

“An Immigrant Considers,” by Pat Scull. link to the videos, which can be viewed on a phone while visiting the exhibit.

“Aliens Among Us” is on view June 5 to 28. Visitors can meet the artists at the opening reception from 5 to 8 p.m. June 6. The artists will also present a talk and closing reception at 5 p.m. June 27.

Hours are noon to 8 p.m.

Friday and Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. The gallery is at 501 N. Market St., Frederick. See theartistsgalleryfrederick.com or call 301-228-9860 for details.

The Frederick Arts Council has opened a call for artists to design and fabricate two sculptural pedestals for permanent installation along the popular Ballenger Creek Linear Trail.

Selected artists will create innovative, site-responsive works that integrate thoughtfully into the surrounding landscape. The pedestals must use durable natural or sustainably sourced materials, withstand Maryland’s seasonal weather while remaining safe for public interaction, serve as compelling bases for future sculptures and enhance the trail’s visual identity and recreational appeal.

One pedestal will be installed at the Ballenger Creek Trail, 5301 New Design Road, Frederick. The second site is near Executive Way and Macon St. Each pedestal must measure 36 inches tall by 28 inches wide and be securely anchored to a pre-existing concrete pad. Designs should also address how rotating sculptures can be safely mounted on top.

The project encourages creative interpretations of the traditional “pedestal” — functional bases that double as standalone public artworks.

Artists should draw inspiration

from the corridor’s natural ecology, movement, history and community character. Preferred materials include stone, timber, reclaimed hardwood, sticks, earth-based or rammed materials, weathered steel in dialogue with natural elements and other durable, low-maintenance options that harmonize with the environment. The use of plastics is not permitted.

The Ballenger Creek Linear Trail is a heavily used public path for walkers, runners, cyclists and families. Proposed works must be ADA-conscious, avoid sharp or hazardous elements, require minimal maintenance and blend seamlessly into the landscape.

This opportunity is open to artists and artist teams based in Frederick County. Proposals will be judged on artistic excellence, originality, site appropriateness, material choices, feasibility, durability and the applicant’s ability to complete the project on time.

Applications are due via SlideRoom by 11:59 p.m. July 9.

See frederickartscouncil.org for complete guidelines and the full project brief.

72 HOURS | Thursday, June 25, 2026 | 13

Frederick Pride 2026 brings a wee parties and performances to down

Frederick Pride 2026 kicks of 26 with a weekend of events ce brating the local LGBTQ+ comm their friends, families and allies. celebration, hosted by The Fred ick Center, is exp to draw tens of t sands of visitors IF YOU GO downtown Frede Frederick Pride’s In Frederick, Prid just one day — ev parade steps off at run throughout t 7 p.m. June 26, folmonth of June, f lowed by the festival Pride proms to d from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. queen story time June 27 at Carroll The weekend Creek Linear Park in gins with the sec downtown Frederick. annual Frederick Both events are free.

Parade at 7 p.m.

Learn more at thefred26, marching thr the streets of do erickcenter.org. town Frederick w color, music and joy. Official afterparties follow th rade at locations around downt The main festival runs 11 a.m 6 p.m. June 27 at Carroll Creek heart of downtown Frederick. T includes drag performances, a f truck court, live music, hundred local vendors and nonprofit org zations, a beverage garden feat local breweries and wineries, a shop and a children’s area. An o afterparty follows that evening a Lodge, featuring meet-and-gree and performances by drag artis

Solo artist Iniko to share

BY JILL GARTZ

Special to The News-Post

Brooklyn-born singer-songwriter Iniko will perform as the headline act of this year’s Frederick Pride festival and will be in conversation the following day, 4 p.m. June 28, at the Maryland Ensemble Theatre in Frederick for Spill the Tea. Shown here, Iniko arrives at GLSEN’s Rise Up benefit on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, in Los Angeles.

Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP

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Thursday, June 25, 2026

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Iniko is the headlining musical performer at the Frederick Pride Festival, a jam-packed weekend of events celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.

The second annual Frederick Pride Parade will take place at 7 p.m. June 26, kicking off the two-day festival June 27 to 28.

Pronounced “ee-knee-co,” the solo singer, who is of Jamaican descent, has ties to Frederick. Iniko’s stepmom is from the area, and the two would regularly visit for various holidays.

“For me, it’s kind of like a full circle moment, returning to this place where I do have a lot of childhood memories, and for it to be for Pride is really cool

as well,” they said. “I myself am queer, so if I get the opportunity to perform for other queer people, other folks who are part of the LGBTQ+ community, I’m gonna take it.”

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Iniko says performing at New York Pride is always a lot of fun as well.

“Every single time I get to see New York City shut down, it’s so refreshing.

There are cars everywhere, and people are always working, so to see this space that’s normally dedicated to working people being taken up by queer bodies, gay people, lesbian people — it’s a beautiful thing to see.”

A Pride festival performer since 2023, Iniko loves hitting the stage about twice a year to celebrate.

“Ever since I started taking my artistry seriously, I have been reaching

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ff June elemunity, . The derpected thous to erick. de isn’t vents the from drag es. d becond k Pride . June rough ownwith d queer he patown. m. to in the The day food ds of ganituring Pride official at The ets sts Vic-

Pet Names talks queerness, community and music ahead of Frederick Pride

BY MINA FOUTCH

Special to The News-Post

Staff file photos by Katina Zentz

Scenes from Frederick Pride at the Carroll Creek Amphitheater in 2025. toria Black and Loosey LaDuca.

Pride weekend continues June 28 with the Pride Ride, for those who want to see the city and spend time with friends, or the Brunch Crawl, a self-guided tour of some of Frederick’s favorite local restaurants.

The weekend closes with Spill the Tea, an intimate conversation with this year’s guest of honor and

musical headliner Iniko.

Frederick Pride encourages attendees to plan ahead for parking and transportation downtown.

For volunteer opportunities, a full event schedule and answers to frequently asked questions, visit thefrederickcenter.org. Questions can also be emailed to TFC@ thefrederickcenter.org.

The Frederick Pride Festival has grown a long way from its start more than a decade ago, when about 100 people gathered to celebrate the local LGBTQ+ community. This year’s festival, expected to draw tens of thousands to the streets of Frederick, will once again fill Carroll Creek with food trucks, vendors and drag performances. But for many attendees, live music remains one of the festival’s most anticipated draws — a thread of connection that ties the celebration together.

Many notable musicians are performing at Frederick Pride this year, including local folk rock duo Pet Names, returning for a third time. Maggie Lin and Camila Reynolds-Dominguez, a married couple who are also members of the queer community, say their presence at Pride carries extra meaning. Ahead of the festival, they spoke with us about queerness, the power of community and the ways their music nurtures both.

You have both expressed queerness as being an integral aspect of your band, Pet Names. In what ways do you think being queer makes you a better musician?

Camila: It changes your

Katie Simonian

Maggie Lin (vocals, bass) and Camila Reynolds-Dominguez (guitar, drums, vocals) perform as Pet Names. perspective. Being a queer person, I feel kind of on the outskirts generally, and I think being in that mode of (See PET NAMES 24)

Pride message at annual Frederick Pride Festival

housands of people at one time. I tarted to discover not just who I am, ut why I am and why I am here. ... ride is just another extension of me haring that message. The message n and of itself is to remind people to e human again. I know what it’s like o feel like you can’t, to feel like you ave to move through the world being omeone or something you’re not.”

Iniko, who also goes by Iniko Ijhara, ays the name means “a shining star orn amongst troubled times.”

“Ever since I was a kid, I’ve had his very strange hyper-awareness f my existence and other people’s xistence,” they said. “When I learned hat my name meant, I was like, okay, ell, I have to go live up to this. I knew I ad to strive for something bigger.”

Noting that we live in volatile

times, Iniko shares, “We need music that gives people that courage, that bravery, to exist fully as themselves and to be as authentic as possible.”

Iniko also identifies as nonbinary and is autistic, a diagnosis that came later in life.

“I just knew that I was different from other people. One thing I noticed about myself is that I care more about what others go through and how perception affects how they are treated in society. I was asking questions that the people around me weren’t asking. I was kind of ostracized because of that.”

Iniko adds that we live in a “very volatile state and time” where being human is seen as strange, and being in touch with your humanity is seen as “odd” or “out there. ... The music

I create is so incredibly human that I think it’s so important for me to share it.”

When asked about their musical style, Iniko said, “I can’t give a specific answer. I am all over the place. My music is essentially an amalgam of all genres. R&B, soul, pop, rock and folk music, with some elements of jazz. It’s all of those at the same time.” Their latest project focuses on folk fusion and dance hall music with a Jamaican twist.

“I just can’t be physically put into a box, because I use music to understand what it is that I’m feeling.”

Iniko listens to rock music when angry, soul music when grounding is necessary and jazz music when seeking stimulation. Every genre for me serves as a different channel for a

different emotion.”

Iniko has performed officially since 2018.

“I haven’t reached the 10-year mark.

I feel for every artist. This is when things really start bubbling.”

As far as long-term goals, Iniko said, “I’m still doing what I need to do to get to the places I would like to be. I’m not there yet. All of this, performing for people who are ostracized or marginalized — that’s a big part of my journey.”

Follow Iniko on Instagram @in.iko.

Jill Gartz is a freelance journalist, radio news anchor and blog writer.

She has a lengthy background in radio news and now owns her own business, Write4U!MtAiry. Gartz also enjoys hiking and reading. She can be reached through write4umtairy.com.

72 HOURS | Thursday, June 25, 2026 | 15

BOOKS

Singer-songwriter Steven Gellman publishes his first LGBTQ+ coming-of-age novel

BY JENNIFER LEE

Special to The News-Post

From songs that tell stories of everyday life, award-winning Americana folk singer-songwriter Steven Gellman has written his first novel, “Somewhere in Nowhere,” a young adult fiction story that explores the real-life challenges of navigating adolescence in an ever-changing world.

His debut novel, released by NineStar Press on April 14, centers on queer identity and teen anxiety in a Jewish coming-ofage story. The audiobook version is narrated by award-winning narrator Michael Crouch.

When Gellman finally decided to write a novel, he chose a genre that brought him joy during his youth — the classic coming-of-age story. Judy Blume, especially, inspired his love of reading. Her books taught him everything his parents did not, and he wanted to do the same for LGBTQ+ kids now.

Gellman has long championed authentic queer storytelling — first through his music and now through his debut novel.

When Gellman was younger and first coming out, there was an LGBTQ+ bookstore in D.C. called Lambda Rising. “It was a beacon of light for so many of us,” he Courtesy photo said.

Steven Gellman published his debut novel in April.

Every Saturday morning, he went to a support group for “gay kids” and panic attacks. where” is fiction, he put his own real-life down and wrote. the group always stopped at the bookHe has also released a companion experience into it — his anxiety and panGellman has always been a book lover store. Gellman still owns the first book ic disorder. and reader, so moving from songs to nov- EP of songs inspired by the novel, availhe bought there — “Reflections of a Rock els was a natural evolution. able on limited-edition hot-pink vinyl and “This was something I could write Lobster” by Aaron Fricke.

Curious Iguana bookstore in downBandcamp. about from an honest place,” he said.

It was also at Lambda Rising that he Gellman isn’t done yet. He recently Gellman felt the story could be set in a came across the music of Romanovsky & town Frederick hosted the “Somewhere in Nowhere” book launch April 18 at The submitted the manuscript for his second fictional place with lively characters while Phillips, who were instrumental in GellFrederick Center, and readers wishing for novel, and a third book is in the works. still infusing his own truth into it — doman becoming a singer-songwriter. Roing so gave the story of Simon Bugg subsigned and personalized copies can still Though each book stands alone, when manovsky’s songwriting really spoke to order through Curious Iguana. “Someread together they share the same world. stance grounded in lived experience.

Gellman — his words opened doors of where in Nowhere” is also available Gellman wrote “Somewhere in NoHis ideas come directly from the songs possibilities Gellman didn’t know existwhere” for all the kids out there with ed for a “gay kid who wanted to write and through national book retailers, but Gell- he’s written — in fact, all three novels are man encourages readers to support their titled after songs he has written, each ex- panic disorders and mental health play guitar.” panded into a full-length story. local indie bookstores. challenges. He wants those kids to He believes that everyone deserves His songs, however, are sparked from Gellman may be known for his muknow that he sees them and underto see themselves and not feel so alone stands them. He thinks it might sound — so he writes, whether through songs or sic, but his first novel has been featured in real life.

“There’s a saying in folk music: Three a bit cliche, but wants all those kids to books. Either mode of storytelling leaves countless podcasts and blogs, along with reviews, Q&As and interviews — this book chords and the truth,” Gellman said. know — it truly is OK to not be OK. its imprint. hit the spot for so many.

When Gellman began writing songs, “I want my readers to feel all the Though Gellman was, and still is, a Gellman wasn’t always as cool as he is he created mini-dramas on topics he feels. To laugh, and to cry. That’s real singer-songwriter, he never considered now. “I was a lonely, weird kid, and books, knew nothing about — they were soulless. life, after all,” Gellman said. himself an actual writer until one fateGellman isn’t planning to give up ful day at the Gaithersburg Book Festival, music, and animals were what pulled me He had no connection to them. When he through hard days,” he told Jeffrey Davies started writing about things he knew, his music to become a novelist full-time, when someone asked him what he did just yet — he enjoys doing both right for a living. Singer-songwriter — it’s in the of Jeffrey Reads. His YA novel mirrors his songwriting took flight. own mental health journey — the book reHe said this also applies to his novnow. title. Books have a way of shining a light flects his truths of crippling anxiety and el writing. Though “Somewhere in Noon stories that remain hidden, so he sat Learn more at hiddenpoet.com.

16 | Thursday, June 25, 2026 | 72 HOURS

THE LONG BOX

Grief and awards I

am, at present, tapping on my in the age group. Fifty-six is far too keyboard at the very end of the young. This month — in late June C concourse of Dulles airport, — I will turn 56 myself, an almost listening to a droll gate agent inconceivable number of turns verbally corral frustrated passengers around the sun to me. with oversized check-in luggage I haven’t read “Persepolis,” nor onto a full flight to Italy. do I think I ever will. There Nobody is smiling. are many great works — Me, I’m on my way back critically acclaimed and to the U.K., a necessary impactful — in this odd but unpleasant excursion field that are important following the death of my and groundbreaking, and mother in April. I’m on a over which I hum and haw Lufthansa flight booked whenever they’re brought through Expedia and up, responding with a, “Hm, CLIFF CUMBER operated by United. My maybe I’ll read it.” gate has changed three (I won’t.) times due to storms and I have I dispute that you need to read an convinced myself this is somehow author’s work or even like it to know an omen. Modern travel is enforced their impact. insanity.

Changing gears abruptly, part of Marjane Satrapi died earlier this how the world measures impact — to month, age 56. You may not know her, a degree — is through awards. but her graphic memoir, “Persepolis,” And the season is upon us. which recounts life as a young girl An Eisners ballot hit my inbox a in revolutionary 1979 Tehran, was a few weeks ago and voting wrapped hugely influential, critically acclaimed June 5. This is the field’s most work that led her to global fame. prestigious in-industry award — the Satrapi, according to a statement comics’ Oscars, as they’re known, in given by her family to Agence a kind of analogical way that doesn’t France-Presse, “died of sadness.” really hold up. But to us in the Personally, with condolences industry, even a nomination speaks to her family at what is a deeply well of those named (and is used copiously in marketing). Eisners sad time, that sounds like the kind are handed out at the San Diego of euphemism we use to disguise Comic Con, despite the con having suicide. And it’s an understandable an almost intangible link to comics human anti-mortality stigma to anymore. talk-about-it-but-not-talk-aboutThe awards, named for legendary it, even if not to do so conveys a slight tone of discomfort, shame and writer-artist Will Eisner, who embarrassment. The thing is, “grief,” invented nearly every aspect of modern comics storytelling, saw which is incorrectly synonymously last year’s publications generate an used here rather than the more accurate “depression,” is something unprecedented list of nominations for so-called independent we need to be open to discussing, publications. For example (plug not less, especially as the creatively incoming), I was delighted to see a inclined are statistically more likely nod for “Drome,” by Jesse Lonergan, to suffer from mood disorders. who I met at the Small Press Expo In any case, I’m not sure that in Bethesda in September, the day matters here. Grief is a strange before I accidentally stole his seat creature. while waiting for the con to open.

Satrapi’s death jabbed into an Lonergan is a gent, as well as being interstitial entry point of my own one of the industry’s most exciting ongoing grief.

In last month’s column, I outlined creators ... Jesse, I’m pulling for you, what it’s like to be at the age when a) and also name-dropping, but also pulling for you. fewer years are ahead than behind I do mention awards not just and b) how those years are slowto gild my own lily (whatever that motion robbing me of my comics means in practice, as I can’t imagine heroes.

Despite my unfamiliarity with her that would be easy), but also to seamlessly segue into a completely work, Satrapi’s death hit me right

self-serving few paragraphs.

Ahem. [Pulls out crumpled piece of paper.] I promised I wouldn’t cry.

Haha. I didn’t even really prepare remarks.

[Warm, humble and slightly smug look around the audience.]

I’d like to thank the MarylandDelaware-District of Columbia Press Association for a second place recognition for my column from last year, “Death, comics and finding the Holy Grail,” which lurched out of my keyboard following the death of my father.

[Bats eye-lashes and throws an obsequious smile to camera.

Pretends to wipe away a tear. Music crescendos. I am led offstage.]

After a 30-second Google search that tells me my passion hobby is an area with “few landmark areas of recognition,” I’ve been unable to find any recent instance where

a column about comics has won a newspaper award. This isn’t exactly a fertile field for journalistic prizes (or journalism. See past columns.) I’m not entirely sure a regular column about the sequential art forms appears anywhere, certainly not in a U.S. paper, anyhow.

Here, I’d insert a meaningful Robert-Redford-in-”Jeremiah Johnson”-gif-style nod and wry smile to my editor, Lauren LaRocca, and the Frederick News-Post, who allow me column inches each month to bang on about this mad little field that I love.

So thank you, Lauren, the NewsPost and you, the reader. I hope my page is an adequate liner for your birdcage. (Old journalism joke.)

Now, where do I pick up my awards check?

(EDITOR’S NOTE: There is no cash award for MDDC recipients.)

72 HOURS | Thursday, June 25, 2026 | 17

Local Mentions

Local Mentions

Local Mentions VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

.C OM

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New Midway Vol. Fire Co. Doors Open: 5:00 Games Start: 7:00 Admission: $25.00 includes 20 Reg. Games 3 Specials and $500 Minimum Jackpot Extra Cards Available Food and ATM Available For Info Call 301-898-7985

Rainforest Falls – Exploring the Nature of God July 13 – 17, 2026 5:30–6 pm FREE Dinner 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm VBS Music, Wacky Experiments, Games, Bible Stories, & Tons of Fun!!

Elementary School ~Age 5 (completed Kindergarten) thru ~ 5th grade (completed) Please register @ office@bushcreekchurch.org If you have any questions or concerns please call 301.252.6308 Bush Creek Church of the Brethren 4821A Green Valley Road Monrovia, Md. 21770 https://vbspro.events/p/bccobrainforestfallsvbs2026 301-865-3013

CASH BINGO Sunday, July 19

CASH BINGO - JUNE 28

And most last Sundays of the month Frederick Elks Lodge 289 Willowdale Dr. Doors open 11:30 - bingo begins 1:00 $25 in advance - $30 at door Admission includes 16 regular games and 2 jackpots Additional games available for purchase Cash only - ATM on site To reserve - email or call 301-662-3301 x27 (ignore voice mail prompts - just dial 27) Also bingo every Tuesday afternoon Doors open at 11:00 - bingo beings 12:30 KMCNITT53@AOL.COM

12" COLD CUT SUBS

Wolfsville Ruritan July 15th (pick up 3-6pm at Ruritan Park) Order by 7/5 at RuritanClubMD@aol.com (preferred) or 301-293-2426 LTOM on the side $8 each.

BUFFET DINNER

Mt. Airy VFC Auxiliary Thu, July 2, 2026 4-7p or until sold out Eat in or Carry-out Fried Chicken & Fried Shrimp, and 6 assort. sides Adults: $18; Children 6-12: $8.00 Under 5 is FREE; ($2 extra for all carry-out) Mt. Airy VFC Reception Hall 1008 Twin Arch Rd, Mt Airy Credit or Debit Cards Accepted

18 | Thursday, June 25, 2026 | 72 HOURS

Carroll Manor Fire Co’s

PAPER SHREDDING EVENT Free-will offering.

Professional Shredding Company On-Site from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, June 27 and

PULLED PORK DINNER and BBQ CHICKEN DINNER CARRY-OUT

Saturday, June 27 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Pre-orders by 6/24 $18.00 pulled pork platter or BBQ chicken platter w/cole slaw & baked beans. Pulled pork sandwich w/chips $12. Bake table, Major credit cards accepted.

Carroll Manor Fire Co. 1809 Ballenger Creek, Point of Rocks 301-874-5642 or online www.carrollmanorfire.org

HENRY'S BLACKTOP PAVING, LLC 301-663-1888 • 301-416-7229 henrysblacktoppaving @gmail.com Call for FREE est.

MHIC 3608

Woodsboro American Legion Auxiliary Doors open 1 pm, games @ 1:30 pm $40 for 25 games, includes 3 specials @ $150 and 2 jackpots @ $500; Reserve early and receive free special game-call Peggy at 301-514-7164; King tuts, bingo balls, h older jars and door prizes; Food, drinks, baked goods available.

Donate canned food item for local food bank and receive free special game.

Proceeds benefit scholarships, veterans, and youth.

CATOCTIN MOUNTAIN ORCHARD

Available in our Market: Strawberries, Apricots Evercrisp, Pink Lady, Granny Smith, Gold Rush & Fuji Apples.

Rhubarb, Asparagus, Tomatoes, Spring Onions, Kale, Fresh Baked Fruit Pies, Apple Cider Donuts, Fresh Apple Cider, Flower Arrangements, Boquets Hanging Baskets, Potted Flowers Specialty CMO Ice Cream, Fruit Slushies, Jams & Jellies.

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72 HOURS | Thursday, June 25, 2026 | 19

THEATER

‘Welcome to the Rock’: Totem Pole Playhouse hosts regional premiere of ‘Come From Away’

BY SHUAN BUTCHER Special to The News-Post

Totem Pole Playhouse, located in Fayetteville, Pennsylvania, is presenting the regional premiere of “Come From Away,” one of the most uplifting and celebrated musicals of the modern era.

The show opened June 19 and runs through July 4.

For those not familiar, it’s the story of neighbors helping neighbors, strangers becoming family and a community that reminded the world what compassion truly looks like. As this nation approaches the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the musical is based on the real events when 38 planes, carrying nearly 7,000 passengers, landed in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland after the United States closed its airspace.

What happened next became one of the most remarkable and heartwarming stories to emerge from that difficult week. The people of Gander — population just 9,000 — opened their homes, schools, churches and kitchens to complete strangers, proving that even in moments of uncertainty and fear, kindness and generosity can bring people together.

“Come From Away” is filled with powerful storytelling, humor, soaring music and unforgettable characters. The show moves at a thrilling pace, with a talented cast portraying dozens of real people whose lives intersected during those extraordinary days.

This show marks the 18th appearance at Totem Pole Playhouse for Frederick actor Taylor Whidden.

She has been eyeing the show since she first heard the score. “The minute it dropped, I was like, that’s the show,” Whidden said. “I will do it.”

Julie Cardia, a Los Angeles-based performer with 30 years on stages across all 50 states, began working on the music during the pandemic shutdown. “I started working on the songs,” she said. “I’ve wanted to do this show since Covid.”

The show is structured as a true ensemble piece — 12 actors portraying dozens of characters — and that format is central to why both performers are drawn to it.

“It’s not the most commonly used format,” Whidden said of the ensemble structure. “You have to find 12 really

underscored,” Cardia noted. “Nearly all of the dialog is completely underscored, meaning there is a tempo rhythm that you gotta get your line in there.” Far from being a constraint, she said the relentless forward motion is clarifying.

“It helps you, because it’s like: stop acting. Trust the music. Trust that this is underscored. Leave your ego at the door, and go with what they tell the story they wrote.”

Whidden agreed, describing the score as emotionally instructive. “When you are in Gander and the planes have just landed, you’re playing the community of Gander — the music is like this really intense movement,” she said.

“And then you get to the plane, and the music becomes this droning chant, because you’re on the plane for 28 hours and you don’t know what’s going on. If you really just let yourself open to how they wrote the show and you just inhabit the feelings that the music gives Photos courtesy of Totem Pole Playhouse you, it’s really hard to not automatically respond to those emotions.”

“Come From Away” rehearsal.

The show’s message resonates today, as much as it did when it was Newfoundlander character drawn first produced. “I think we need from local community members. The IF YOU GO to understand that we as humans challenge, she said, goes beyond “Come From Away” continues through are capable of these moments of accents and costumes — though compassion and selflessness and July 4 at Totem Pole Playhouse, 9555 Golf Beverly’s Texas drawl and Annette’s connection and love and joy, and we Course Road, Fayetteville, Pa. Performances Newfoundland lilt are part of how she can tap into that anytime we want,” navigates the switches. are at 2 p.m. for matinees and 7:30 p.m.

Whidden said. “We shouldn’t be waiting “Instead of putting on a character, for evening shows. Tickets are available at for the next disaster or drama for us to you’re inhabiting the human,” Cardia totempoleplayhouse.org or by calling the show up for one another.” said, echoing her director’s guidance. box office at 717-352-2164.

Cardia, who lived through the Los “Beverly is in charge of an aircraft, and her crew, and her passengers. So there’s Angeles fires earlier this year, found talented people that work together. her own version of that message in the going to be a much more nurturing The energy is there, everything comes experience. “I don’t know what I would quality to her.” together to make this piece.” But when it have done without our neighbors,” she For Whidden, the weight of works, she said, something remarkable said. “We all informed one another, we portraying real people adds a layer happens. “We bring our individuality to of responsibility she takes seriously. “I were there for one another. You don’t the table, and then we come together as have to sit here and go, who was this realize your own power. So maybe let’s an ensemble, and it’s this beautiful thing person? How do I tell their story best?” not wait for the next tragedy. We’re to witness when you really start to feel going to do it today.” she said. “I feel such a responsibility to that rhythm.”

For audiences anywhere in America, truly tell the stories of these people, Cardia drew a parallel to the show’s this story celebrates many of the same because they are so important and so own subject matter. “Everyone is coming impactful. The stories of these people values we hold dear — community, from different walks of life, backgrounds, are incredible, and that’s something that generosity, resilience and the simple religious backgrounds, races,” she said. I really take to heart.” idea that when people need help, you “We’re going to find it as an ensemble, show up. By the end of the evening, Both performers pointed to the but they found it as human beings music itself as a kind of compass during you’ll laugh, you may shed a few tears, because they were open to it.” and you’ll leave the theater reminded rehearsal. The show is almost entirely Whidden and Cardia carry multiple of the goodness that still exists in the underscored — dialogue is delivered roles in the production. Cardia plays against a constant musical pulse, leaving world.

Beverly Bass, who became the first Shuan Butcher is a writer, nonprofit little room for actors to linger or secondprofessional, event planner and avid female American Airlines captain in guess. traveler. He writes from Frederick.

1986, as well as Annette, a composite “Not every musical is completely

20 | Thursday, June 25, 2026 | 72 HOURS

Thursday June 25 CLASSES

Military/First Responder Interviewing 101 Class — 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Veterans Service Center, 1750 Monocacy Blvd., Suite A, Frederick. Learn to translate the skills you learned in the military or as a first responder into civilian terms to win your next interview.

Pre-registration required.

240-651-8889. info@veteranservicescenter. org. veteranservicescenter.org/events/.

People’s Insurance Counsel Division Info Session — 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 E. Moser Road, Thurmont. The People’s Insurance Counsel Division (PICD) represents Maryland consumers’ interests regarding homeowners (HO) and medical professional liability (MPL) insurance issues. We review insurance company filings and consumer complaints ranging from premium increases to denials of claims to determine if there are insurance issues which need to be brought to the attention of the state legislature. 18 and older.

301-600-7200. bbrannen@ frederickcountymd.gov. tinyurl.com/5n7fdxxz.

ETCETERA 2026 Exhibits at the Museum of Frederick History — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Museum of Frederick County History, 24 E. Church St., Frederick. Take a deep dive into various topics that have defined Frederick’s history, as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary and our County’s role in the Revolution. Featuring brand new exhibits: “Cultivating Independence: Frederick in the Revolution,” “Witnessing Revolution,” “All Saints Street: Avenue to the History

of Frederick and Its African American Community,” “Growing Gold: A History of Frederick’s Goldfish Industry,” and returning favorites: “Etchison Connections,” “Timeless Toys,” “24 E. Church Street,” “Decorative Arts. See our all new and renovated exhibits, March 7 through Dec. 12! $10 adults, $5 seniors and students.

Outreach@FrederickHistory.org. frederickhistory.org.

DCFS Family Support Specialist — 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 E. Moser Road, Thurmont. Need help navigating forms, benefits, or services?

Representatives from the Frederick County Division of Child and Family Services will be onsite during open office hours to provide one-on-one assistance for those families with children ages up to 24 years. Stop by to ask questions, complete paperwork, or learn about available programs. No appointment required — just drop in and get the support you need.

301-600-7200. bbrannen@ frederickcountymd.gov. tinyurl.com/2etcb9mf.

Duplicate Bridge Pairs Games — noon to 4 p.m. at Church of the Transfiguration Memorial Hall, 6909 Maryland Ave., Braddock Heights. Looking for a competitive mind sport? Frederick Bridge Club’s ACBL sanctioned duplicate games allow you to hone your skills and meet other bridge enthusiasts. All are welcome. We host Pairs Games ($8) weekly on Monday (299 Limit and Open) and Thursday (Open).

If you need a partner or want to brush up your skills, contact Membership Chair, Maria, at frederick@bridgewebsemail.com or check out our website. $8. frederick@bridgewebsemail.com. www.bridgewebs.com/frederick/home.html.

Curious Iguana Presents: Author Michelle L. Cullen — 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at

Frederick Book Arts Center, 127 S. Carroll St., Frederick. An evening of mystery with author Michelle L. Cullen and her new release, “A Field Guide to Murder.” The story follows Harry Lancaster, a retired anthropologist who now spends his days as a nosy neighbor with his binoculars and young caretaker Emma in tow. Michelle will be joined in conversation by fellow mystery writer Melinda Mullet, author of “A Ghostwriter’s Guide to Murder.” Following their discussion, Michelle will answer questions and sign books. Copies of “A Field Guide to Murder” will be available for purchase at the event. 18 and older. curiousiguanaevents@gmail.com. curiousiguana.com/event/michelle-l-cullen/.

FAMILY Summerfest Family Theatre: Mr. Jon & Friends — 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the Baker Park Band Shell, North Bentz and Second streets, Frederick. Frederick’s own Mr. Jon & Friends is multiple Parents’ Choice Award winning music for kids and their families. Mr. Jon plays over 250 shows a year for kids, sharing the stage with bands like The Pop Ups and The Imagination Movers. Mr. Jon & Friends makes music for kids that inspires fun, laughter, and dancing. Sometimes with a band, sometimes as a duo, and sometimes solo, the music of Mr. Jon & Friends is sure to bring a smile to your face! Bring a canned food item for the city’s Foodbank Program.

301-600-2841. celebratefrederick.com.

Frederick County ‘Patriotic’ Holiday Tree Display — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Heritage Frederick, 24 E. Church St., Frederick.

Visit the decorated ‘Patriotic’ holiday tree display at Heritage Frederick, a historical and cultural organization that includes the Museum of Frederck County history.

The Frederick County affiliates of the

Federated Garden Clubs of Maryland, Inc., (i.e. Green-walled Garden Club, Tasker’s Chance Garden Club and The Garden Club of Frederick) ‘Patriotic’ holiday tree display is a celebration and tribute to commemorate 250 years of Independence. Highlights feature a wide array of beautifully designed handcrafted ornaments and decorations representing the interpretations of the picturesque words of Francis Scott Key’s “Star-Spangled Banner.” $10 adults and $5 for seniors and children.

301-663-1188. outreach@Frederickhistory. org. frederickhistory.org/.

Tween/Teen Leadership Camp with Oh Crit! (Grades 5-12) — 10:30 a.m. to noon at Emmitsburg Branch Library, 300 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. Join us every Thursday this summer for a Tween/Teen Leadership Camp and earn Community Service hours each week. This week Oh Crit! performs improv comedy fused with Dungeons & Dragons! Join them as they embark on an adventure of twists and turns, bizarre characters, occasional epic failure … After the performance, we will make pressed flower bookmarks for our community service project.

301-600-6329. www.fcpl.org/.

Maryland Opera Presents: Puppets & Papageno — 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Emmitsburg Branch Library, 300 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. An interactive presentation featuring large puppets seen simultaneously with the performers. “Tuska” and “Donnertello” learn that, while singing solos in the opera is fun, the real joy comes from singing together. All ages.

301-600-6329. www.fcpl.org/.

Art in the Park- Leaf Rubing Journal — 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Greenbrier State Park,

Founding Memberships Now Open!!

June 12-August 9!

72 HOURS | Thursday, June 25, 2026 | 21

21843 National Pike, Boonsboro. Use recycled materials to create a small journal.

Walk around the Greenbrier lake and collect leaf rubbings. from different species of trees and see how many you can identify! Bring back your filled journal to the Nature Nook to choose a prize. All ages.

301-791-4767. laura.nalven@maryland.gov. dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/ western/greenbrier.aspx.

Rabbits in the Library — 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Emmitsburg Branch Library, 300 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. Hop on into the library to learn all about rabbits! Join members of the Rabbit Raisers 4-H Club and their furry friends for an evening of education and enjoyment. All ages.

301-600-6329. www.fcpl.org/.

Game Night (All Ages) — 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Middletown Branch Library, 31 E. Green St., Middletown. A night of tabletop gaming and fun. From card games to board games, stop by to play a favorite or to try something new. Games will be provided, but feel free to bring your own to play too!

301-600-7560. frederick.librarycalendar.com.

Miss Maryland and Miss Maryland’s Teen Competition — 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at The Maryland Theatre, 21 S. Potomac St., Hagerstown. Experience the magic of Miss Maryland and Miss Maryland’s Teen competition. Witness incredible talent, leadership, and glamour as young women from across the state compete for life changing scholarships on the way to Miss America. Preliminary Night #1 is June 24, #2 is June 25, Miss Maryland’s Teen Finale is June 26, and Miss Maryland Finale is June 27. $35 - $75. 301-790-3500. boxoffice@ mdtheatre.org. www.mdtheatre.org/miss-md-and-miss-mdteen.

“How to Train Your Dragon, the Musical, Jr.” — 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Hiccup is a young viking who defies tradition and befriends one of his deadliest foes — a ferocious dragon he calls Toothless.

Together, the unlikely heroes fight against the odds to save both their worlds in this wonderful theatrical adaptation. NOTE: This production is presented by student performers. $17-20. 301-694-4744. contact@ marylandensemble.org. tinyurl.com/y4uzh97b.

MUSIC

Alive@Five: Captain Electric — 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Carroll Creek Outdoor Amphiteatre, between Market and Carroll streets, Frederick. 2000s music. Food, beer, wine, cocktails, mocktails. 21+ only, valid ID required. Drink tokens $7 each. $5 cash or credit. downtownfrederick.org.

Friday June 26 CLASSES

Line Dancing Under the Stars — 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. at FAC’s Sky Stage, 59 S. Carroll

St., Frederick. Fitness professional and author Tanya Pershin starts off the evening with a brief lesson followed by dancing to all your favorite country-and-beyond line dance jams! Additional instruction is given partway through the evening for new steps to expand your repertoire. Give-what-youcan donation entry ($10 suggested) goes to benefit charities. All-ages, beer/wine available to purchase for 21+ with ID. $10 suggested donation. skystage@ frederickartscouncil.org.

ETCETERA Fellowship Fridays — 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Veterans Service Center, 1750 Monocacy Blvd., Suite A, Frederick. Fridays through Dec. 25. A free hot breakfast each Friday which includes eggs, bacon, sausage, French toast, breads, muffins, fruit, juices, and Black Rifle Coffee Company coffee.

Breakfast is open to all Active Duty, National Guard, Reservists, Veterans, Military Retirees, Law Enforcement, First Responders, and their families. Breakfast is followed by a nondenominational Bible study at 10:30 a.m.

Attendance is not required to enjoy a warm breakfast with others who have served. info@veteranservicescenter.org. veteranservicescenter.org/events/.

Salsa Night Beach Party! — 8:30 p.m. to 12 a.m. at Rockwell Brewery, 8411 Broadband Drive, Frederick. A special night of Latin dance, celebration and awesome music!

Grab your dancing shoes, put on that cool hot beach outfit and get ready to groove to the rhythms! Start out the night with a quick salsa dance lesson, then it’s time to hit the dance floor. No experience necessary, all are welcome! Cash cover at the door.

21 and older. $15. 240-575-9755. info@ rockwellbrewery.com. tinyurl.com/36svdapf.

FAMILY Frederick County ‘Patriotic’ Holiday Tree Display — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Heritage Frederick, 24 E. Church St., Frederick.

Visit the decorated ‘Patriotic’ holiday tree display at Heritage Frederick, a historical and cultural organization that includes the Museum of Frederck County history.

The Frederick County affiliates of the Federated Garden Clubs of Maryland, Inc., (i.e. Green-walled Garden Club, Tasker’s Chance Garden Club and The Garden Club of Frederick) ‘Patriotic’ holiday tree display is a celebration and tribute to commemorate 250 years of Independence. Highlights feature a wide array of beautifully designed handcrafted ornaments and decorations representing the interpretations of the picturesque words of Francis Scott Key’s “Star-Spangled Banner.” $10 adults and $5 for seniors and children.

301-663-1188. outreach@Frederickhistory. org. frederickhistory.org/.

Discovery Days: Farmyard Friends — 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at Walkersville Library, 2 S. Glade Road, Walkersville. Head to the yard at the library and visit a mobile petting zoo with live farm animals. Share your kids’ love of animals, spark curiosity, and enjoy a memorable experience with furry and feathery friends.

22 | Thursday, June 25, 2026 | 72 HOURS

fcpl.org.

Summer Palooza — 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Creative Children’s Center, 2538 Jefferson Pike, Jefferson. Family-friendly event packed with exciting activities for all ages. Kids can enjoy bounce houses, pony rides, carnival games, dunk tank, face, painting and more.

Food trucks will be on site. $10 person, $5 students of CCC. 301-8349007. cccmaryland.com.

Miss Maryland and Miss Maryland’s Teen Competition — 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at The Maryland Theatre, 21 S. Potomac St., Hagerstown. Experience the magic of Miss Maryland and Miss Maryland’s Teen competition. Witness incredible talent, leadership, and glamour as young women from across the state compete for life changing scholarships on the way to Miss America. Preliminary Night #1 is June 24, #2 is June 25, Miss Maryland’s Teen Finale is June 26, and Miss Maryland Finale is June 27. $35 - $75. 301-790-3500. boxoffice@ mdtheatre.org. www.mdtheatre.org/miss-md-and-miss-mdteen.

“How to Train Your Dragon, the Musical, Jr.” — 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Hiccup is a young viking who defies tradition and befriends one of his deadliest foes — a ferocious dragon he calls Toothless.

Together, the unlikely heroes fight against the odds to save both their worlds in this wonderful theatrical adaptation. NOTE: This production is presented by student performers. $17-20. 301-694-4744. contact@ marylandensemble.org. tinyurl.com/y4uzh97b.

Campfire at the Park — 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Fountain Rock Park & Nature Center, 8511 Nature Center Place, Walkersville. Join Frederick County Parks a fun night filled with games, roasted marshmallows, nature fun facts and a night hike to end the evening.

Campfires will be held throughout the summer from 8-10 p.m. on June 26, July 10 and 24, Aug. 7 and 21. Register: https://bit. ly/FCPRFountainRockCampfire. $5 person.

FESTIVALS “Songs of Hope” - A Free Community Event to Benefit Women & Children — 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Frederick Keys Harry Grove Stadium, 21 Stadium Drive, Frederick. This open-house event benefits women and children in Frederick and the surrounding area and it’s for everyone. Come eat, listen to live music, and connect with neighbors across faith, background, and community.

Picnic 5-6 p.m. with free hot dogs, local musicians, food trucks. 6-8 p.m. stadium opens with local charity groups, volunteer opportunities, kids’ activities, music. 7-9 p.m. watch a live stream from the Hollywood Bowl featuring the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square’s “Songs of Hope” charity concert. joan.orchard@gmail.com. facebook.com/share/1AtkS45RDJ/.

Frederick Pride Parade 2026 — 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Downtown, Frederick. The streets will

be filled with color, music, and the tangible joy of the LGBTQ+ community as we celebrate Frederick Pride’s annual parade!

Featuring bands, clubs, drag talent, local businesses and nonprofits, and more, the Frederick community is invited to show their pride, express themselves, and dance to the beat of their own drum. Details at website.

301-383-8787. TFC@thefrederickcenter.org. frederickpride.org.

GALLERY Painting Demonstration by Nathaniel Williams — 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Lockhouse Gallery, 17 W. Potomac St., Brunswick .

American Realist oil painter Nathaniel Williams, of Brunswick, will conduct a painting demonstration. He has traveled the country to paint his landscapes and is nationally recognized as an accomplished oil painter in the American suburban and rural landscape genre, capturing ordinary places and inviting us to delve deeper into their emotional impact. Light food, wine, and beverages will be served.

301-969-6676. kim@lockhousegallery.com. www.lockhousegallery.com/.

MUSIC

Brunswick Live! — 4 p.m. to at Downtown Brunswick , Brunswick . Happening on the last Friday of every month through August, Brunswick Live! brings downtown to life with extended shop hours, live music, and special events. brunswickmainstreet.org/event/brunswicklive-2/2025-12-26/.

Sky Stage Drum Circle — 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at FAC’s Sky Stage, 59 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Drum circle facilitator, Ayanna Gallant of Aya Cultural Arts Studio, weaves together her training in Village Music Circles, West African drumming, and mindfulness, to guide participants in a rhythmic journey — playing amazing rhythms together, inviting various instruments from around the world, songs, movement, and whatever else rhythmically moves you. All are welcome, drums provided. Drop in on 4th Fridays, May through October. $10 suggested donation. 301-662-4196. skystage@frederickartscouncil.org. frederickartscouncil.org/programs/skystage/.

Bethesda’s Summer Concert Series — 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Woodmont Triangle, 7900 Norfolk Ave., Bethesda. Every Friday, free outdoor concerts by some of the best bands in the DMV! Tables and chairs can fill up quickly, so be sure to arrive early to grab your seat. For the full summer lineup, please visit Bethesda.org.

301-215-6660. sparker@bethesda.org. www.bethesda.org/summer-concert-series/.

Baltimore Children’s Choir in Concert — 7 p.m. to at John Wesley UMC, 129 N. Potomac St., Hagerstown. This concert will feature a varied and engaging program designed to uplift and unite listeners with an expansive repertoire ranging from traditional classical choral works to vibrant multicultural pieces and dynamic contemporary selections. While admission is free, a free-will offering will be received during the performance to help offset the choir’s regional touring expenses.

Christopher Cross in Concert — 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, 750 Hollywood Drive, Charles Town, W.Va. Christopher Cross burst onto the music scene with his 1980 self-titled debut album, winning five Grammy Awards, including — for the first time in Grammy history — the “Big Four” most prestigious awards: Record of the Year (for the single “Sailing”), Album of the Year, Song of the Year (also “Sailing”), and Best New Artist.

Ticket information online. 21 and older. www.hollywoodcasinocharlestown.com/ entertainment.

Saturday June 27

but many are essential to a healthy garden.

Learn how beneficial insects support pollination, pest control and overall garden health.

301-600-1596. arembold@umd.edu. tinyurl.com/MG26BugMe.

Roundtable Fencing — 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Walkersville Branch Library (YARD), 2 S. Glade Road, Walkersville. Join Roundtable Historical Fencing for an exciting hour that includes an educational overview, visual demonstration, safety review and interactive experience about the sport of fencing.

301-600-8200. www.fcpl.org.

ETCETERA

CLASSES

Growing Fruits & Vegetables in Containers — 10 a.m. to noon at University of Maryland Extension Office, 330 Montevue Lane, Frederick. Even in limited space — deck, porch, patio or balcony — you can grow your own produce! See how to grow vegetables, herbs and small fruits in a variety of containers. Learn how to select the proper plants for different sized containers, to group plants by their needs, and to elevate containers for easy access without stooping.

301-600-1596. arembold@umd.edu. tinyurl.com/MG26VegContainer.

Bug Me: Importance of Insects in Gardens — 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at University of Maryland Extension Office, 330 Montevue Lane, Frederick. Insects are often seen as pests,

Frederick Pride Activity — 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. The festival takes place from 11 a.m.–6 p.m.) Take a break from the heat and stop in to the Delaplaine to make a themed project during community festivals.

301-698-0656. jclark@delaplaine.org. delaplaine.org/event/activity-frederickpride-festival/.

Myersville Farmers Market — 9 a.m. to noon at Municipal Parking Lot, 301 Main St., Myersville. This market shares in the celebration of local products, fresh foods, and community. Saturdays through Oct. 31. myersvillefarmersmarket.com.

2026 Exhibits at the Museum of Frederick History — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Museum of Frederick County History, 24 E. Church St., Frederick. Take a deep dive into various

topics that have defined Frederick’s history, as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary and our County’s role in the Revolution.

Featuring brand new exhibits: “Cultivating Independence: Frederick in the Revolution,” “Witnessing Revolution,” “All Saints Street: Avenue to the History of Frederick and Its African American Community,” “Growing Gold: A History of Frederick’s Goldfish Industry,” and returning favorites: “Etchison Connections,” “Timeless Toys,” “24 E. Church Street,” “Decorative Arts. See our all new and renovated exhibits, March 7 through Dec. 12! $10 adults, $5 seniors and students.

Outreach@FrederickHistory.org. frederickhistory.org.

Frederick Farmers Market (new location) — 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Westside Regional Park, 632 Contender Way, Frederick. frederickfarmersmarket.com.

Visit the National Road Museum and Trolley Station Museum — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at National Road Museum, 214 N. Main St., Boonsboro. Explore the history both the Historic National Road and the trolleys of central Maryland through this two-museum experience in Boonsboro! Donations appreciated.

240-769-0898. Director@ NationalRdFoundation.org. nationalrdfoundation.org.

Art & Architecture Walking Tour — 10:30 a.m. to noon at Heritage Frederick, 24 E. Church St., Frederick. Look at Frederick with new eyes. Experience the history and beauty of downtown as we explore some

of the popular architectural styles, local art and history. Tour starts at the Museum of Frederick County History. Pre-registration required. $5, $8, $10, $12. 410-707-1105. Outreach@ FrederickHistory.org. www.cognitoforms.com/HeritageFrederick1/ WalkingTourTicketReservation.

Swingin’ Harmony Big Band Music - Live!

— 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Rockwell Brewery, 8411 Broadband Drive, Frederick. Are you ready to swing! Swingin’ Harmony back by overwhelming popular demand! Bonus — Guest vocals from crooner Steve Burgoon (think Frank Sinatra!). This is a show for ALL ages and ALL genres. You will definitely enjoy this night.

240-575-9755. info@rockwellbrewery.com. tinyurl.com/34brktre.

Swingin’ Harmony at Rockwell Brewery — 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Rockwell Riverside Brewery , 8411 Broadband Drive, Suite K, Frederick . Swingin’ is in the air! Swingin’ Harmony big band jazz band is back for a great evening of music. Jazz standards, funk, rock, pop and Sinatra classics. Bring your dancing shoes, this 18-piece band will get you moving. matthew.buckner@hotmail.com.

Harmonybands.org.

Ghost Tours of Historic Frederick — 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Brewer’s Alley Restaurant and Brewery, 124 N. Market St., Frederick. Take a remarkable journey through Frederick’s gruesome and bloody past. Nearly 300 years of war, executions and revenge. True documented stories of the “paranormal”

PRESENTED BY:

FREDERICK

WEEKEND JUNE

26-28 2026

DOWNTOWN FREDERICK, MD & CARROLL CREEK PARK

FrederickPride.org

HEADLINING PERFORMANCES: GUEST OF HONOR INIKO AND LOOSEY LADUCA | VICTORIA BLACK | JOY+SOUL | EVOLUTION OF THE REVOLUTION

72 HOURS | Thursday, June 25, 2026 | 23

PET NAMES (Continued from 15) existence makes you try to think about what different angles you can find to express yourself inside of.

Maggie: Being queer has led me to do a lot of self-reflection and interrogation of things that society presents as strict or rigid, and question: are they really? Is that justified? Is it for good reason?

Translated to music, it has an approach that can be very rigid, like sticking to a certain genre.

Camila: It’s like you think that you should do it a certain way because that’s just how it’s done.

Maggie: Yes, we’re very DIY. Right now, we’re doing all of our own recording, engineering and producing. So, not being afraid to try something just because it’s not the way it’s been done in the past is a muscle that I’ve been able to strengthen through being queer and thinking about things from that angle in other parts of my life.

Camila: Also, when I came out, I started looking for queer people and queer things everywhere. You start building this lineage for yourself of different queer reference points in music. There’s a lot of discovery oriented around trying to find queer artists. The queer artists that I’ve discovered have also shaped my musicianship just by listening to them.

Pride being so heavily community-centered, can you share some of your personal queer idols or folk musicians that have inspired you and your writing?

Camila: It’s hard to say where the line stops between appreciation and inspiration. The music that we write is kind of an amalgamation of our own tastes. Jackie Shane is a Black trans artist from the 60s who has a song called “Comin’ Down” which is not so much the folk genre but has some great soul which has inspired us. Some other folks that we love to cover are individuals like Tracy Chapman.

We love the harmonies of Simon and Garfunkel and Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. We’ve been really into playing this song by Labi Siffre that is so simple and elegant. Also, artist Woody Guthrie in terms of that resistance theme. Some of the riffs on albums of these artists have definitely inspired the stuff we’ve written.

So much of your original music aligns with the mission of Pride.

Would you name a few songs of yours that describe the overall atmosphere of the festival or that express some of the feelings that come along with identifying as a queer individual?

Camila: We got married last October, and we have a song called “TV Light” that sort of tells the story of us falling in love.

From being friends, where our elbows are brushing and our knees are touching and our hearts are going crazy — and be-

IF YOU GO Pet Names will perform at Frederick Pride on June 27 at Carroll Creek Linear Park in downtown Frederick. The festival runs 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is free. Performance times for individual acts were still being finalized at the time of printing. Learn more at thefrederickcenter.org. tention to, and that make us emotional.

Those are the things we are feeling really deeply and almost have no choice but to write about them.

Knowing that there is a queer and queer-adjacent audience in attendance, what feels different about performing at Pride rather than a regular gig of yours?

Maggie: We’ve played a lot of Pride festivals over the years and have developed a pretty robust repertoire of cover songs that are by or are celebrating queer artists and the artists that queer people love to listen to. It’s really fun to play those songs in a space where everyone knows them and wants to sing along. We are able to showcase and celebrate the artists that are part of our shared musical history that are important to us as queer people but are also important to music at large.

Camila: Yeah, this is our third year playing Frederick Pride. I think people are paying attention in a different way and willing to participate and to buy in to the musical experience in a different way. Everyone is committed to making sure everybody has a good experience and you don’t find that in a lot of venues.

Courtesy photo Pride is sharing art and community with like-minded people. A lot of our music Maggie Lin (vocals, bass) and Camila Reynolds-Dominguez (guitar, drums, vocals) perform as Pet deals with queer themes so it’s expressNames. ing queerness throughout art and sharing it with people who will be receptive ing anxious about ruining our friendship. these themes within it. Can you shed Maggie: I would say also, “Great Big light on your decision to pair an Appa- to that.

Maggie: And I guess more generalChange,” which is a song on our new allachian folk-rock sound with political ly, we’re in a time where authentic exisbum. It talks about some themes that dialogue? are also outside of queer rights but that Camila: There is a long history of po- tence is resistance because our commukind of feeling of it being time for us litical commentary in those genres and it nities are under attack and so Pride and Pride festivals being a place where you to come together collectively and be a sort of falls in a type of tradition. Knowcommunity with each other in order to ing that resistance has always been at the can show up authentically yourself in make change. I think that is what pride is earliest roots of this genre has been real- your own community is a really important space. all about, too. “Beyond the End” is also ly cool to connect with and then do ourCamila: We’re always excited to play another one. We both grew up in the selves. It’s both inspiring and also kind church, and neither of us are religious of depressing how many themes are the Pride festivals and to celebrate with our community. It’s something we’ll be aimnow, but it is really steeped in that musisame in music from 60 to 70 years ago. ing to do every year. cal tradition which is something we kind Maggie: I would also say that folk is This interview has been edited for of miss — that communal, casual singa genre that is really focused on storylength and clarity. ing. So, we wrote “Beyond the End” to be telling and that’s a big part of that musiMina Foutch is a writer from Hagera sort of secular hymn that’s about supcal tradition. The stories that we feel most stown who has always found solace in porting each other and lifting each othstrongly about telling are the ones that words. A poet at her core, her pieces er up. we’re seeing every day. It’s hard to eshave been previously published in mulIt’s unavoidable that political com- cape the political realities that we’re livtiple literary magazines. In her free time, mentary and queer liberation often ing in, especially as the people who are she is probably reading something draappear in the same conversations — being persecuted. Those are the stories your album “In the Flesh” has many of we want to be elevating and bringing at- matic with a cat on her chest.

24 | Thursday, June 25, 2026 | 72 HOURS

with “Maryland’s Oldest Operating Ghost Tour!” Reservations recommended. $17 adult. 301-668-8922. info@ marylandghosttours.com.

MarylandGhostTours.com.

FAMILY Fun on the Silver Mane Farm — 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Silver Mane Stables, 42240 Jefferson Pike, Jefferson. Silver Mane Stables is a community-driven horse riding and training facility. 30 vendors, food and treats, and time spent with the horses. Trainers will be offering horse rides, a free Kid Zone with ring toss, cup toss, dinosaur darts, and giant yard games! Free parking, pet-friendly, and free admission!

301-208-1964. silvermanestables.com.

Maryland Horse Trials — 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Loch Moy Farm, 1235 Park Mills Road, Adamstown. Did you know Frederick County is home to a world class equestrian competition? The public is invited to the 20th Anniversary of The Maryland Horse Trials to watch some of the nation’s top equestrian athletes compete, alongside talented up-and-coming young riders, for an unprecedented $100,000 prize money!

Guests are welcome to spectate, bring a picnic, cooler, and folding chairs and cheer on the horses! Food and ice cream are available for purchase on site. Free parking and shuttles to the entrance, too! Bring the whole family for an exciting day!

301-514-0111. themarylandhorsetrials.com.

AARCH Story Time — 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at AARCH African American Heritage Center, 125 E. All Saints St., Frederick. Children 4 -8 are invited to join AARCH for a joyful and engaging story time experience where history, culture and imagination come alive!

301-908-0239. aarchsociety@gmail.com. aarchsociety.org/.

Frederick County ‘Patriotic’ Holiday Tree Display — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Heritage Frederick, 24 E. Church St., Frederick.

Visit the decorated ‘Patriotic’ holiday tree display at Heritage Frederick, a historical and cultural organization that includes the Museum of Frederck County history.

The Frederick County affiliates of the Federated Garden Clubs of Maryland, Inc., (i.e. Green-walled Garden Club, Tasker’s Chance Garden Club and The Garden Club of Frederick) ‘Patriotic’ holiday tree display is a celebration and tribute to commemorate 250 years of Independence. Highlights feature a wide array of beautifully designed handcrafted ornaments and decorations representing the interpretations of the picturesque words of Francis Scott Key’s “Star-Spangled Banner.” $10 adults and $5 for seniors and children.

301-663-1188. outreach@Frederickhistory. org. frederickhistory.org.

Minion Mayhem Storytime — 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 E. Moser Road, Thurmont. A free 30-minute family storytime. Even better, it’s Minionthemed. Check out this banana-powered adventure filled with unexpected twists and pure Minion mayhem! Stories, movement, music and fun for the entire family.

301-600-7200.

Explore Frederick’s Oldest House — 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Schifferstadt Architectural Museum, 1110 Rosemont Ave., Frederick.

Travel back to colonial Frederick. Built in 1758 by German settlers, this sturdy stone farmhouse offers a glimpse of early American life before the American Revolution. Walk through thick-walled but spacious rooms, hear stories of early immigrants, and see how a Frederick County farm family lived more than two and a half centuries ago. $8 over age 15. 301-456-4912. boycerensberger@gmail.com. fredericklandmarks.org.

Miss Maryland and Miss Maryland’s Teen Competition — 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at The Maryland Theatre, 21 S. Potomac St., Hagerstown. Experience the magic of Miss Maryland and Miss Maryland’s Teen competition. Witness incredible talent, leadership, and glamour as young women from across the state compete for life changing scholarships on the way to Miss America. Preliminary Night #1 is June 24, #2 is June 25, Miss Maryland’s Teen Finale is June 26, and Miss Maryland Finale is June 27. $35 - $75. 301-790-3500. boxoffice@ mdtheatre.org. www.mdtheatre.org/miss-md-and-miss-mdteen.

“How to Train Your Dragon, the Musical, Jr.” — 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Hiccup is a young viking who defies tradition and befriends one of his deadliest foes — a ferocious dragon he calls Toothless.

Together, the unlikely heroes fight against the odds to save both their worlds in this wonderful theatrical adaptation. NOTE: This production is presented by student performers. $17-20. 301-694-4744. contact@marylandensemble.org. tinyurl.com/y4uzh97b.

FESTIVALS Frederick Pride Festival — 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Carroll Creek Linear Park, 50 S. Market St., Frederick. Drag performances, a food court of local food trucks, handpicked musical guests, hundreds of local vendors and nonprofit organizations, a designated beverage garden with the top local breweries and wineries, a pride shop, a children’s area, and more! This year is starring our guest of honor and musical headliner, INIKO! 301-383-8787.

TFC@thefrederickcenter.org. thefrederickcenter.org/frederick-pride.

Vine & Vendor: Sips of Summer — 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Links Bridge Vineyards , 8830 Old Links Bridge Road, Thurmont . Spend a summer afternoon sipping incredible wines, shopping local, and soaking in the view at the hidden gem that is Links Bridge Vineyards. Nestled along the beautiful Monocacy River, the Sips of Summer Market brings together live music, local artists & artisans, food trucks, tarot readings, permanent jewelry, flash tattoos, and so much more for a laid-back vineyard experience full of small business charm and summer magic. Family and leashed dog friendly. 301-606-2806.

Dysfunctionallysarah@gmail.com. tinyurl.com/ya4myhwm.

Meet Bob & Freddie. When it comes to local businesses, businesspeople and organizations in Frederick, they know best. Here is a personal interview with a 2025 Best of the Best winner or finalist about why they love what they do, helping those they serve and working in Frederick.

Thai Meric Eatery & Bar 2025 WINNER FOR BEST THAI RESTAURANT 1170 W Patrick St Ste E, Frederick (240) 651-0998 thaimeric.com Facebook.com/THAIMERICEATERY

BOB HISTORY 2024-2025 – Winner,

Thai Restaurant

ABOUT US:

Thai Meric Eatery and Bar offers authentic Thai food inspired by the chef’s childhood and recipes inherited form her grandmother home-cooked meals. With a fine selection of our menu, the chef has also added a flavorful, twist to selected Thai dishes, which will leave your taste bud in awe. Here, we believe that delicious food brings people together to enjoy the simple blessing of life.

WHAT WE VALUE:

We value the strong, fresh, flavorful of traditional Thai cuisine, and delivers surprising tastes and textures in dishes of all varieties, whether savory or sweet. We want our guests who visit us to feel as though they are dining in the home of sophisticated Thai friends.

72 HOURS | Thursday, June 25, 2026 | 25

Emmitsburg Community Heritage Days — 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. at E. Eugene Myers Community Park, 201 W. Lincoln Ave., Emmitsburg. Celebrate the historic small town of Emmitsburg, history tours at the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, as well as two National monuments and two museums that are open to explore. Enjoy kid rides and activities, a craft and vendor show, hayrides and barrel rides — plus the Emmitsburg Community pool is open and free! Be sure to catch the parade, listen to music at the bandstand, get a drink at the beer garden and, finally, stay for the Independence Day fireworks that start around 10:30 p.m. Rain date is set for June 28 (fireworks only). emmitsburgevents.com.

Middletown Independence Day Fireworks — 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Middletown Community Park, 7628 Coblentz Road, Middletown. Festivities begins at 5 p.m. and fireworks begin at approximately 9:30 p.m. Check middletown. md.us for more info and updates.

experience needed! For teens and older.

301-600-8200. www.fcpl.org.

Dive Into Herbal Teas — 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Brunswick Branch Library, 915 N. Maple Ave., Brunswick. From stress relief to sleep aids, teas can be a great addition to your daily routine. Lisa Freel of Traveling Tea Time will lead this exploration into the origin and history of tea including the many types of teas and the health benefits of drinking tea. There will also be an opportunity to sample some herbal blends. This fun and informative gathering will provide new insight into this almost 5,000 year old “accidental” discovery and tradition. 18 and older. 301-600-7250. frederick.librarycalendar.com.

ETCETERA

Mount Airy Cars and Coffee — 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Municipal Lot 1, beside Chewey’s Performance Automotive, 1 Veterans Way, Mount Airy. Want to see some of the most incredible cars in the area, talk with community members who also love Cruise-In — 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Thurmont automobiles and get some coffee? Come Carnival Grounds, 123 E. Main St., Thurmont. check out Mount Airy Cars & Coffee!

Food, music, family-friendly, 50/50, event 301-829-5315. shirts available. Benefits the Guardian Hose mountairymd.gov.

Co. Rain cancels. guardianhose.org.

Ride with Pride — 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at The Frederick Center, 5 E. Second St., Frederick.

MUSIC This year for Frederick Pride, we are keeping the fun going throughout the entire Saturday Live Acoustic — 11 a.m. to 2 weekend from Friday to Sunday night! Join p.m. at Shab Row Stage, 100 N. East St., us on Sunday morning for to RIDE WITH Frederick. Listen to local/regional acoustic PRIDE around Downtown Frederick. Hop on musicians perform behind the Frederick your bike and ride along with your friends Coffee Co & Cafe. Relax in Adirondack and community, and help raise money for a chairs, smell the flowers, drink your good cause. RSVP required. coffee, enjoy a sandwich or muffin, and be $10. TFC@thefrederickcenter.org. entertained. thefrederickcenter.org/frederick-pride.

301-639-1050. todd@toddcwalker.com.

DEEPNTACT Presents: EDM Night at Sky Stage — 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at FAC’s Sky Stage, 59 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Join DEEPNTACT for DJ set performances and light shows to get you on your feet under the stars! A series of dance parties, 4th Saturdays in June and July, 5th Saturday in August. Allages, beer/wine for 21+ w/ID. $10. 301-662-4196. skystage@ frederickartscouncil.org.

Sunday June 28 CLASSES

All-levels Yoga with Yogamour — 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at FAC’s Sky Stage, 59 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Join the Yogamour Team for another season of our all levels yoga classes in the open air venue at Sky Stage located at 59 Carroll Street in the heart of Downtown Frederick, most* Sunday mornings May 10Sept 27. Please bring a yoga mat and water with you. Free parking at street meters on Sundays. $20 or $15 each with 10-class package. 301662-4196. skystage@frederickartscouncil. org. yogamour.org.

Line Dancing 101 — 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Walkersville Branch Library, 2 S. Glade Road, Walkersville. Whether you’re in it for fitness, fun, or just something different, line dancing is a great way to keep your body moving and your energy high. Join us for a beginner line dancing program — no

The Frederick City Market — 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Parking lot , 622 N. Market St., Frederick. Farmers and Artisans market. Real Food, Real Farmers and Local Artisans. A Frederick favorite since 2011!

240-291-8254. Info@frederickcitymarket. com. www.frederickcitymarket.com.

One Vast Hospital: Downtown Frederick Walking Tour — noon to 1 p.m. at National Museum of Civil War Medicine, 48 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Downtown Frederick history is hidden around every corner. Explore downtown Frederick’s storied past with signature walking tours from the National Museum of Civil War Medicine. Every Saturday and Sunday from April through September, walking tours of Frederick’s hospital sites will be available at 10:30 a.m. on Saturdays and noon on Sundays. Walking tours last for an hour to an hour and a half. $15. 301-695-1864. melissa.winn@ civilwarmed.org. civilwarmed.org/walking.

Visit the National Road Museum and Trolley Station Museum — 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at National Road Museum, 214 N. Main St., Boonsboro. Explore the history both the Historic National Road and the trolleys of central Maryland through this two-museum experience in Boonsboro! Donations appreciated.

240-769-0898. Director@ NationalRdFoundation.org. nationalrdfoundation.org.

26 | Thursday, June 25, 2026 | 72 HOURS

Spill the Tea with INIKO — 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. A question-andanswer session with the world famous and Frederick Pride’s Guest of Honor: INIKO. RSVP required. $30. 301-383-8787. TFC@ thefrederickcenter.org. tinyurl.com/377k6fkn.

Telebillies — 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Cactus Flats, 10026 Hansonville Road, Frederick. Country music.

HYPNO NUN Summer Tour 2026 Live at Rockwell Brewery 6/28/26 7PM — 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Rockwell Brewery, 8411 Broadband Drive, Frederick. On their Summer Tour! You are in store for a great night of fun music! Hypno Nun is an original rock band derived from New Orleans influences. No cover charge.

240-575-9755. info@rockwellbrewery.com. tinyurl.com/2fvkhzdr.

Mount Olivet Cemetery History And Mystery Tour — 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 515 S. Market St., Frederick. Discover Frederick’s past as we navigate through the labyrinth of graves, crypts and monuments of Historic Mount Olivet Cemetery. Tour includes intriguing facts about the cemetery’s origin, tombstone design, grave robbing, mass graves, plus stops at other distinctive burial plots, including Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and Civil War. Tour concludes with a visit to the Key Memorial Chapel. Reservations required. (This is not a ghost tour.) $17 for adults. 301-668-8922. info@ MarylandGhostTours.com. marylandghosttours.com.

FAMILY

Tumble Tot — 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Lincoln Elementary School, 200 Madison St., Frederick. A fun, safe space for every toddler to shine. This is an unstructured play time for children under 4 to run free and enjoy a morning of fun! Pre-registration required. $3 city resident / $6 non-city resident. 240344-8760. hboswell@cityoffrederickmd.gov. tinyurl.com/364p9kuw.

Dad Meet Up (copy) — 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Crybaby Cafe, 7 W. Main St., Middletown.

Meet new local friends, swap fatherhood stories, and check out the new spot (it’s a café and a toy library)! Free for dads to meet up, and $5 per kid if you bring your child to play during your afternoon hang. crybabycafefrederick.com.

19th Century Bowman House and Museum — 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Bowman House and Museum Museum, 323 N. Main St., Boonsboro. Hearth cooking demonstrations of 18th & 19th century foods will be prepared according to the meats, vegetables and fruits that would have been available during that time. Stroll leisurely through our raised bed vegetable garden and visit our Potter’s shed.

301-432-5889. info@boonsborohistoricalsociety.org. boonsborohistoricalsociety.org.

They set out hundreds of books for all ages, from toddler to teens, to chapter and adult books. There is also place to donate your own gently-used books. Kona Ice will be on-site with cold treats! Visit the farm’s many animals and enjoy an afternoon with new reads. 703-407-6430.

Explore Frederick’s Oldest House — 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Schifferstadt Architectural Museum, 1110 Rosemont Ave., Frederick.

Travel back to colonial Frederick. Built in 1758 by German settlers, this sturdy stone farmhouse offers a glimpse of early American life before the American Revolution. Walk through thick-walled but spacious rooms, hear stories of early immigrants, and see how a Frederick County farm family lived more than two and a half centuries ago. $8 over age 15. 301-456-4912. boycerensberger@gmail.com. fredericklandmarks.org.

“How to Train Your Dragon, the Musical, Jr.” — 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Hiccup is a young viking who defies tradition and befriends one of his deadliest foes — a ferocious dragon he calls Toothless.

Together, the unlikely heroes fight against the odds to save both their worlds in this wonderful theatrical adaptation. NOTE: This production is presented by student performers. $17-20. 301-694-4744. contact@marylandensemble.org. tinyurl.com/y4uzh97b.

Books in the Barn (copy) — 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Grape Creek Farm, 9011 Water St., Walkersville. Browse the many shelves of books lining the inside of their barn, each one free to read and take home if they’d like. They set out hundreds of books for all ages, from toddler to teens, to chapter and adult books. There is also place to donate your own gently-used books. Visit the farm’s many animals and enjoy an afternoon with new reads. 703-407-6430.

MUSIC

Sunday Brunch Concert Series — 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Shab Row Stage, 100 N. East St., Frederick. Enjoy live acoustic music at the prettiest music stage in Maryland. The Shab Row Stage is located behind the Frederick Coffee Co & Cafe. Relax in Adirondack chairs, smell the flowers, feel the breeze, enjoy your coffee, muffin or sandwich, and relax to live acoustic music.

301-639-1050. todd@toddcwalker.com.

Wildwood Summer Concert Series: 2nd Time Around — 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Wildwood Park, 400 Park Ave., Mount Airy. This husband and wife duo will be performing classic hits including several from Elvis and Patsy Cline. Please bring a sitting chair or blanket to watch the show.

There will be a snow cone vendor on site.

301-829-1424. nhernandez@mountairymd. gov. www.mountairymd.gov.

John PayCheck and the Cavalry Band — 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 West German St, Shepherdstown, W.Va. The son of country music legend Books in the Barn — 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Johnny PayCheck is continuing the family at Grape Creek Farm, 9011 Water St., tradition. $15 advance, $20 door. 304-876Walkersville. Browse the many shelves of 3704. Contact@OperaHouseLive.com. books lining the inside of their barn, each one free to read and take home if they’d like. OperaHouseLive.com.

CAL L

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We can only offer these special savings until 6/30/2026, so call today 301-761-4656

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* This offer is valid for homeowners over 18 years of age. The following persons are not eligible for this offer: employees of Leafguard or affiliated companies or entities, their immediate family members, previous participants in a Company in-home consultation within the past 12 months and all current and former Company customers. Previous/ future purchases are not eligible for a discount or sale price adjustment. Sales tax does not qualify for discount. This offer cannot be combined with any other sale, promotion, discount, code, coupon and/or offer. This promotion has no cash value. Leafguard reserves the right to end any promotion at any time without notice. Offer ends 6/30/26. ** Plan 2531. Subject to credit approval. Interest rates range from 17.99% – 24.99%. Loan amount and rate will vary based on your income and creditworthiness. 18-month promotional period (“Promo Period”) during which interest is billed but will be waived if the amount financed is paid in full before Promo Period expires. Monthly payments are not required during the Promo Period. Any unpaid balance and amounts owed after Promo Period will be paid over 84 monthly payments. Offer expires 6/30/26.

28 | Thursday, June 25, 2026 | 72 HOURS