(10/23) Woodsboro Days was started in 2013 with the Woodsboro Historical Society 5K that marked the first time in approximately 25 years that a town wide celebration was held to recognize all things Woodsboro. Based on the success of the 2013 event, the celebration became an annual event to promote the history of the town.
Each year the 5K is held on the 3rd Saturday of the month, meaning this year’s events were scheduled to be held on October 16th. However, the weather was bleak, and the Town Council decided that it was better to postpone the event until Sunday.
On Friday the 15th, Burgess Barnes notified the community that because of the impending storms, the event would be reschedule for Sunday.
The weather managed to remain pleasant through Saturday afternoon, allowing the 5K to go on without a hitch. There were a total of 46 runners competing in the lineup and as a result, the Woodsboro Historical Society raised a record-breaking amount of funds to support their museum’s operations.
This year, community members were encouraged to participate in both traditional and newly established events like the annual yard sales and new music festival.
Earlier this year, Barnes and Commissioner Dana Crum were approached by Joe Williams about planning a music festival in the park. The Town Council agreed that it was a good idea and to have the event coincide with the Woodsboro Days. This year the music festival started after the 5K race concluded and while yard sales were taking place throughout town.
The music festival began the cutting of the ribbon to officiate the opening of the new bandstand. It was originally planned that a temporary stage would be placed in the park, however the Town took the opportunity to apply for a Local Parks and Infrastructure Grant from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Work started as soon as the funds were approved so that it would be complete in time for the event, however the rainwater from Hurricane Ida meant waiting several weeks for the ground to dry and construction to begin. As a result, the roof was not completed in time for the music festival, though a temporary covering was effective.
Residents expressed appreciation for the number of community-oriented businesses represented, such as the Moon Valley Farm, which offered festival goers a selection of organic produce from their Community Supported Agriculture farm. The bandstand also received high praise’ "It’s a great addition and will allow all sorts of events supporting a diverse community." Said one resident.
Due to the success of this year’s Woodsboro Days events, The event we be a two-day event going forward. The 5k and town yard sales will continue to be on the 3rd Saturday of November while the music festival will occupy the following Sunday.
Read other news articles on Woodsboro
