Cheryl Lenhart
Special to the Emmitsburg News-Journal

If school's in session and we are coming to the end of summer, it must be time for the annual Thurmont & Emmitsburg Community Show.

This year's show will be held Sept. 11 through 13 at Catoctin High School and will feature many of the usual delicacies and events. This year, premiums for all departments have been increased. However, regulars should be aware that entry drop-off times have changed in some cases.

Friday night highlights

On Friday, the show opens to the public at 6 pm. After the community and civic flag ceremony, the show committee will honor the 125TH anniversary of the Vigilant Hose Company of Emmitsburg, beginning at 7:00 pm in the auditorium.

Also on Friday night the 2009-2010 Catoctin FFA Chapter Ambassador will be announced. The baked goods auction will start at 8:30 pm and the grand champion cake, pie and bread will be sold at 9 pm.

Saturday highlights

On Saturday, the Catoctin FFA Alumni Beef, Sheep and Swine show will run from 9 am to 2 pm. The annual Pet Show will begin at 10:30 am in front of the high school. The petting zoo and pony rides will be held on Saturday and Sunday.

Also on Saturday, the Thurmont Grange will serve their Turkey and Ham dinner in the school's cafeteria from 3 to 7 pm.

At 7 pm in the Ag Center, the 35th annual Catoctin FFA Alumni Beef, Sheep & Swine sale is scheduled and The Bluegrass Chapel Band will perform starting at 7 pm in the auditorium.

Sunday highlights

Sunday's activities include the Goat Show at 9:30 am, followed by the Dairy Show and Decorated Animal Contest.

The Catoctin FFA Alumni Chicken Bar-B-Que will be served in the cafeteria starting at noon.

At 1 pm the 30th annual horse shoe pitching contest will start, and the Log Sawing Contest will begin at the same time under the show tent in the Ag Center area.

The Barnyard Olympics for children starts at 1:30 pm. Children five to 13-years old are eligible to participate and premiums will be awarded. There will also be a martial arts demonstration at 2 pm in the old gymnasium. And beginning at 1:30 pm in the auditorium, the Linda Elower Studio of Dance will perform.

Other events of note include a featured display of old pictures of the area in the old school gymnasium, and the Thurmont Library will again hold its annual book sale. Also, featured in the old gymnasium will be commercial exhibits, a bee and honey display and an antique button display by the Mackley family.

.New residents of the community are urged to enter and be a part of the Community Show, the largest in the State of Maryland. Departments include: fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, home products display, canned fruits, canned vegetables, jellies and preserves, pickles, meats, baked products, sewing and needlework, flowers and plants, arts, paintings and drawings, crafts, photography, corn, small grains and seeds, eggs, nuts, poultry and livestock, dairy, goats, hay, junior department and youth department.