Farm Life Festival: Twelfth and Maybe Final Year

CHARLOTTE HALL - 10/13/2009

By Shirley Ellis

A sunny warm October weekend in Charlotte Hall saw thousands of attendees heading to the 12th annual Farm Life Festival. There were dozens of vendors, every type of farm implement known to man - some dating back decades, and all sizes and colors of tractors on display and participated in parades.

Also on display were many other large farm machinery and equipment. The barns housed a museum containing over 60 thousand square feet, of farm memorabilia. Those in attendance enjoyed live demonstrations of different farm and craft techniques such as making cedar shingles, crushing rocks, cement block making, and more.

Live music filled the ears and the aroma of food cooking filled the air, all weekend. Children could visit the petting zoo and participate in a variety of activities that included a hayride, barrel train ride, corn play box, and face painting. To delight of many was the antique tractor pull and any antique cars on display.

It was mentioned that this was to be the final Farm Life Festival but local political dignitaries in speeches said they would work toward "seeing that this great event continues." The Festival's proceeds were earmarked for Christmas in April, St Mary's County, which is an affiliate of the national volunteer organization Rebuilding Together.

The organization in partnership with local communities, works to rehabilitate houses of low-income homeowners, particularly the elderly and disabled so they may live in warmth, safety and independence.

Funds, raised by the annual event, provide a valuable service to the local community. Perhaps with the notice of local government officials, there is a chance the festival can continue its efforts to help a worthy cause.