LEONARDTOWN, MD — Being country is a way of life for many.
Presented by Winegardner Auto Group, that way of life was celebrated at the 10th annual Country Life Festival at the St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds on July 1 through 3 with shooting exhibits, watermelon eating contests, live music and the first fireworks show the festival has hosted.
“This is the first time we’ve moved the festival to the holiday weekend, and we thought it would be just another great way to get people to come together,” said Giovanni Rodriguez, event co-coordinator.
All active and retired military personnel got free admission on Friday and a fireworks show was hosted on Saturday during the festival weekend, said Rodriguez.
“You could come for the festival and stay for the fireworks. This is probably going to be my favorite part because it’s a new addition to the festival,” said Rodriguez.
On Sunday, the festival hosted their gun giveaway, said Rodriguez.
“Every paid adult admission on Sunday received an entry into the Gun Giveaway. The first drawing started at 11:30, and every thirty minutes we are giving away a gun. Winners will be able to pick up their prizes from the Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer after passing federal background check,” said Rodriguez.
Event goers could enjoy live music from acts such as True Blue Country, Doc Stevens & Marilyn Holy Ghost Band, John Luskey, Too Many Mike’s, John Hunt with Jesse James Hanbury, California Ramblers, and Home Town Band.
Other activities within the festival included two cornhole tournaments, waterfowl calling contest, watermelon eating contest, the Maryland Trophy Deer Contest, Crosman Air Rifle Shoot, and SOMD Firearms Training for a Utah Concealed Carry Permit Course.
Event goers were able to bring their dogs to the Dog Demos with Ultimate Air Dogs, to test their abilities to retrieve faux waterfowl.
A Birds of Prey exhibit featuring Talon from Clearwater Nature Center was on display at the festival, along with a petting zoo where animal lovers can interact with ponies, cows, goats, sheep, and donkeys.
Kids were able to enjoy their own Kids Zone where they could shoot plastic guns with Nerf foam darts at inflatable deer and faux Canadian geese and other plastic prey, as well as release their creativity with other crafts and activities.
A small booth filled with fresh local produce was also available for event goers to purchase a variety of seasonal fruits, vegetables, and flowers.
Festival Exhibitors include Atlantic Cycle & Power; Artist Mark T. Hayes; A Taste of Spice Dips; Backwoods Gal; Country Furniture of Waldorf, Inc.; Mary Lou Troutman Art ;St. Mary’s Chapter Ducks Unlimited; Famous Dave’s of Waldorf; Fred’s Sports; Dorway Designs; Goddard Dairy and Produce; Grizzly Mountain Grill; J & J Outdoors LLC; Jillian’s Fare; Kona Ice Charles County; LeafFilter North of Maryland, Inc.; Linda’s Lettering; Maryland Shall Issue; Md DNR, Wildfire & Heritage Service; Michael’s Sports Jewelry; Minute Man Kettle Corn; Physically Challenged Bowhunter’s of America; Pizza Hotline; Real Tree- Tree Service; Red Trail Outdoors; Scott Geib Artwork & Photography; The Powdersmith; U.S. Crossbow Club; Vacation Village Resort; Camo Clothing; Johnson Family Funnel Cakes, LLC; Captain Smith’s Seafood Market; and KEEP Collective.
For more information, check out the event website.
Contact Jacqui Atkielski at j.atkielski@thebaynet.com.
