The St. Leonard Fun Fair sponsored by the St. Leonard Vision Group to benefit the St. Leonard Volunteer Fire Company #7 in Calvert County, took place this Saturday, October 21. The Saint Leonard Vision Group is a St. Leonard area citizen's organization that supports cultural, heritage, and community-building activities.  Their simplified slogan is "working to make St. Leonard a better place to live, work and play" explained President Andrea Clarke and Treasurer Fred Dellinger. Saturday's festival was definitely in keeping with this slogan.

Kim Gott from the Calvert County Government Emergency Management Division had one of many impressive displays at the fair.  The Division works with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to plan for potential disasters both natural and man-made.  They have an annual drill with the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant, and also coordinate with local fire companies for disaster drills.

The Jordan family The Bay Net Photos by Tom Latchaw

The Potter's Place church was present, helping children express their artistic desires by painting a variety of gourds with bright colors and amusing patterns.  They are a Southern Baptist Outreach and Ministry headed by Pastor David Keyser.  Additionally, the church has an active Awana group headed by Mr. Jordan, pictured with his family, left. The Potter's Place meets at the Dowell House Community Center in St. Leonard on Sunday mornings from 9am to noon with worship services and church school. 

One of the most popular tables at the fun fair was the face painting for the children presented by the St. Leonard Elementary School community group.  Mrs. Gionfriddo was kept very busy painting face after face, patiently creating imaginative designs.

Grover's Lawnscape team

After narrowly escaping from serious personal injury (just kidding) I thought I was leaving when I discovered that the real party was inside the firehouse.  Table after table of arts, crafts, and foods and gift ideas lined the space normally occupied by emergency vehicles. 

One of the vendors was Mr. Harry C. Knott, an excellent woodcarver.  He had a display of walking sticks, carved birds and fish.  He has been carving for about 6 years now, and just last year took a class on carving birds.  His birds were superb representations of Cardinals, Juncos (snowbirds), Goldfinches and Catbirds.  When he's not carving, Harry can be found working part time at the Flag Ponds Nature Park.

On my way out there was one more treat in store; a tasty delicacy I'd never tried before - hot pepper jelly.  I know it sounds odd, but the combination of the sweet jelly with the hot peppers served on a schmear of cream cheese on a cracker was delicious!  Many thanks to Tish Lucas for the culinary surprise.

Links related to this article:

St. Leonard Volunteer Fire Department               

St. Leonard Vision Group                

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