The Taneytown Lions will be kicking off their first Family Fun Days event at Memorial Park on September 12, with the festivities planned continuing through September 15.

The Lions Club is partnering with the Town of Taneytown and the Taneytown Chamber of Commerce in holding the four-day event.

Taneytown Lions Club President Steve Van Scoyk told the News-Journal the new event has been in the works for some time.

"We got together a couple of years ago to try and develop a signature event with the city and the businesses with the chamber."

"This is the first time we’re trying Taneytown Family Fun Days," he said. "We’re hoping it would be something of interest to people within one mile of Taneytown."

The event will feature carnival rides and a midway, races, arts and crafts, flea market, fireworks, and an Oktoberfest. Other activities will include hot air balloon launches, a car show, cross country run, and a petting zoo.

Entertainment provided will include traditional bluegrass and gospel music band Glade Valley Express, September 12 from 7 until 10 p.m., Ken & Wayne, September 13 from 7 until 10 p.m.; Rick Gallaway, September 14 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.; Timeless Tunes for Two, September 14 from 2 until 4 p.m.; Silver Oak jazz and blues band, September 14 from 5 until 6 p.m.; the Dixie HIWAY Band, September 14 from 6 until 8 p.m.; Karaoke by Marshall's Melodies, September 15 from 1 until 4 p.m.; and Ms. April Latham, September 15 from 4 until 6 p.m.

Oktoberfest festivities will kick-off at 4 p.m. September 13, and will run through September 14.

For a full schedule of events and times, visit the Family Fun Days web site at taneytownlion.org.

Family Fun Days will be open to the public on September 12 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.; September 13 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; September 14 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and September 15 from noon until 6 p.m.

The partnership will be holding its breath to see how the premier event is received.

"After it is over we’ll evaluate and see if we want to continue," Van Scoyk stated. "I think we’re going to be looking at a good turnout for the four days."

Taneytown Family Fun Days September 12 - 15

A new major event for the entire family is being planned in Taneytown, to be held in mid-September. Titled "Taneytown Family Fun Days", it will begin Thursday evening, September 12, 2013, and continue through Sunday, September 15. The event will be held in Taneytown’s Memorial Park. There will be Carnival Rides and Amusements by Majestic Midways, various Food Vendors, Entertainment, and activities planned for each evening plus all-day Saturday and Sunday afternoon. An "Octoberfest" Beer Garden will be featured Friday evening and Saturday afternoon and evening with participation from Gunner’s Grille.

Thursday evening, September 12, festivities begin at 6:00 pm with food, rides, and a Midway of games and amusements. Music will be provided by Glade Valley Express on the stage. Later, a magnificent fireworks display by Zambelli Fireworks will light up the night sky.

Friday at 5:30pm, several hot air balloons will lift off, weather permitting, taking those individuals who have made prior reservations, on 45 minute to one-hour flights over beautiful northwestern Carroll County. To see if there are still openings for the flights, call Lion Jim at 410-751-1120 or Lion Dan at 410-756-2747. Folks are encouraged to come early to see the work and expertise that goes into a hot air balloon ascension. The balloon flights are being provided by the "Friendship Hot Air Balloon Co.", of West Friendship, MD. Rides and the midway will open at 6:00pm. Entertainment Friday evening will feature Ken and Wayne followed by another magnificent fireworks display.

Saturday, September 14, a 5K race, sponsored by Heltebridle-Bounds, Inc., Nationwide Insurance, will be held with the starting gun at 8:00am. Prizes will be awarded race winners and "Family Fun Day" tee-shirts given to the first 200 participants. A "Tot Trot Race" and a "Kids Fun Run" will take place in the park following the 5K race. A Car Show will also begin that morning at the Memorial Drive end of Memorial Park with registration starting at 9:00 A.M.. Trophies will be awarded at approximately 2:30. There will be arts and crafts displays, as well as flea market stalls in the park all day for your enjoyment and shopping. Children will find plenty to do in the kids play area and at the petting zoo which will include several beautiful Alpacas. Entertainment at intervals throughout the day continuing during the evening will feature "Galloway", "Timeless Tunes for Two", the "Silver Oak Jazz/Blues Band", and "The DIXIE HIWAY Band. Rides open at 1:00 p.m.

At 5:30pm, weather permitting, there will again be a hot-air balloon ascension from the southwest corner of the park. The crew will be happy to explain just what is needed to get the balloons to "stand-up" and then take off with the lucky passengers who reserved and paid for their rides in advance. In fact, you might even be asked to help spread the beautiful balloons and hold the lines in that process. An exciting and memorable experience. Activities for Saturday will close following the awarding of $4,000.00 in cash prizes.

Festivities continue Sunday, beginning at1:00 p.m. with Arts and Crafts, rides and midway along with the kids play area and petting zoo. A K-9 team demonstration by the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office will take place at approximately 3:00pm in the afternoon. Entertainment on Sunday will include Karaoke from 12:00 noon to 3:30pm by Marshall’s Melodies. Music will conclude with songs by Ms. April Latham from 3:30- 4:00.

Taneytown Family Fun Days is a first-ever endeavor conceived and planned by the Taneytown Lions Club in cooperation with the city of Taneytown and the Taneytown Chamber of Commerce for the benefit of the community. Churches and Non-profit organizations have been offered space free-of-charge for displays or their own fund-raising activities. A number of businesses in the community have also joined in the effort by becoming sponsors and will be exhibiting in the business and industry area of the Fair.

Everyone involved is looking forward to providing a fun-filled family event for attendees. The event will go on rain or shine. Parking and admission to Memorial Park are free. Steeply discounted Advance-sale ride tickets are on sale prior to September 12. Sheets of 14 One-dollar ride tickets are available for just $10 from any Lions member, at Wantz Chevrolet, or by calling Lion Steve at 410-756-2688, or Lion Sam at 410-756-4994. See you there!