Kathryn Franke
MSM Class of 2013, MBA Class of 2015

A tradition of wonderful art, music, food, and festivities has formed in Taneytown, Maryland in recent years, and we are excited to announce that this tradition will continue once again! The 3rd Annual Taneytown Wine, Fine Art and Jazz Fest will be held on Saturday, June 21 from 11am-4pm. Located at Memorial Park, this family-friendly event is free and open to the public.

According to Nancy McCormick, Economic Development Director of the City of Taneytown, the event was held downtown three years ago, and as the attendance continued to grow, it was decided that the event should move to Memorial Park to accommodate the growing number of guests. Last year, the attendance continued to pick up, the weather was perfect, and the festival once again proved itself to be a wonderful event for families, friends, and the entire community.

Last year, the event showcased three wineries, but this year the event will host five wineries: Detour Vineyard & Winery, Far Eastern Shore, Galloping Goose Vineyards, Serpent Ridge Vineyard, and Catoctin Breeze Vineyard. There is a nominal $10 fee for wine tastings, and bottles of wine can be purchased at the event.

Also joining the lineup for the festival are two jazz groups who, according to McCormick, are "absolutely dynamic." The Dynamic Mary Shaver Band will take the stage at noon, followed by the Eric Byrd Trio at 1:30pm. The Dynamic Mary Shaver Band was extremely popular at last year’s event and was requested again for this year’s festival. Eric Byrd is a nationally known jazz musician, and we are excited to welcome him to the Taneytown stage this year.

The will be some seating for those who want to sip wine and enjoy the music, but guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or a blanket.

The festival will also showcase many local artists, artisans, unique crafters, and food vendors. There will also be various demonstrations so the public can witness the creativity of these artisans firsthand. Those planning the event are still looking for more quality, unique vendors to join them, so if anyone is interested in becoming a vendor, please contact Nancy McCormick at the City of Taneytown by calling 410-751-1100 by June 13. The City of Taneytown is excited to showcase the great artisans and small vineyards in the area through this event.

But what is a festival without great food? Fear not! They have that covered, as well. To name just a few types of food that will be at the event, there will be Jamaican food, pit beef, turkey, and ham, chicken, hot dogs and hamburgers, crab cakes, popcorn, cheese, and fruit. There is certainly something for everyone!

This festival is a wonderful event for people of any age, and it is a fantastic place for families to spend a lovely summer day together. There will be face painting, moon bounces, castle bounces, and slides for children to burn off all that energy!

However, this event has a far greater meaning than just a fun day for the family. While the festival will bring together the city of Taneytown and the surrounding areas, it will be bringing them together for a good cause. Proceeds from this event will go to Taneytown Caring and Sharing, which services those less fortunate with food, clothing and other services. Guests will be able to spend the day with family, friends, and neighbors while supporting those in need.

McCormick is very excited for the festival this year. "It is an event that we want to build on," she said. "We make it inexpensive for vendors so they can make money from selling their products at the event. The nominal fee for vendors helps pay for our advertising, but we want to help artists, crafters and artisans showcase their work and get it out in the community."

The festival will be held outdoors and will be a rain or shine event. Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 21 from 11am-4pm, and spread the word so everyone can enjoy fine wine, art and music at this family-friendly festival!

For more information about the 3rd Annual Taneytown Wine, Fine Art and Jazz Fest, contact Nancy McCormick at 410-751-1100 or visit www.taneytown.org.