I spent Wednesday evening at the Garrett County Fair, working the Railey Realty booth. There were a surprising number of people who stopped by to check on the real estate market, pick up our summer sales guide and to get some free gifts. By far the most popular giveaway this year is our new frisbee:
We have plenty - stop by and visit our booth in the upper exhibit barn and get your frisbee!!!
I know it’s a little late but I keep getting emails from folks looking for the fireworks video from the 4th of July. It was perhaps the best display ever put on at Deep Creek Lake - many thanks to Hugh Umbel for the sponsorship! It’s been over 3 weeks and people are still talking about them! Ski Harbor is among the best places to see them in person, surrounded by hundreds of boats and people cheering - quite a scene!
Come join us this Sunday, September 20, 2009 between 10 am and 2:30 pm at the “Killer Miller” Hill Aid Station on the bike route of the upcoming SavageMan Triathlon.
If you have friends or family who are racing in the SavageMan this is a great location to take pictures and cheer on the racers! There will also be music with a DJ and free bottled water - basically a good time for all!
If you are traveling from the Deep Creek Lake State Park here are directions;
Driving Directions from Deep Creek Lake State Park:
1. Start out going SOUTH on STATE PARK RD toward BRANT RD. (approx 0.2 miles)
2. Turn SLIGHT LEFT onto TOOTH PICK RD. (approx 0.1 miles)
3. Turn LEFT to Stay on TOOTH PICK RD. (approx 0.2 miles)
4. Turn LEFT onto GLENDALE RD. (travel approx 3.4 miles)
5. Turn LEFT onto BITTINGER RD/MD-495. (travel approx 1.7 miles)
6. Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto NEW GERMANY RD. (travel approx 6.9 miles)
7. Turn LEFT onto OTTO LN. (travel approx 1.3 miles).
8. Turn SLIGHT LEFT onto MAYNARDIER RIDGE RD. (approx 0.6 miles)
9. Turn RIGHT onto MILLER RD. (travel approx 0.3 miles)
10. 263 MILLER RD is on the LEFT. Look for the aid station at the Railey Realty banner sign.
Now that the 53rd annual Garrett County Maryland Fair is well underway - here is a list of the top 5 things you must do at this year’s fair located in McHenry on the northern end of Deep Creek Lake.
5. Ride The Casino - tunes are blaring during this rock-n-roll type ride. It’s so popular long lines are common.
Jimmy Railey Enjoying Rotary Fries!
4. Eat a Funnel Cake - just hit the food row to buy one and you’ll soon be understanding why they are so popular.
3. Watch the Livestock Auction - held on Saturday night. Many prize winning cattle and pigs are auctioned off raising money for many local youths and charities.
2. Get some Rotary French Fries - freshly cut french fries prepared on site by the Oakland Rotary Club - best served with ketchup or vinegar.
1. The Demolition Derby - will be held this Saturday evening. Nothing quite like watching a bunch of locals smash up cars until only 1 is left running!
Fair Week is very popular for both locals and vacationers - many second homeowners and families renting a vacation home plan their summer vacation around this week. You can certainly tell that more people are in the Deep Creek Lake area this week than most other times - more cars are on the roads, the lake is a little busier, and the restaurants are more full.
Railey Realty - Deep Creek Lake and Garrett County’s leading real estate brokerage - has a booth at the fair. Stop by and see us whether you are considering buying in western Maryland’s premier four season resort - or if you are thinking about selling. We can handle all your real estate needs!
Spotlight: The Youghiogheny River, The ASCI Whitewater Course, & Upcoming Summer 2009 Whitewater Events
Looking for an unforgettable Deep Creek Lake area and western Maryland experience? Try the exhilarating sport of whitewater paddling and experience the world class whitewater found right here in Garrett County - just a few hours from Pittsburgh, Baltimore, and Washington D.C. Rushing water and adrenaline race together in the mountains… Been there, done that? Consider revisiting the thrill, energy and physical and mental challenge of working as a team or individually to navigate a boat on turbulent whitewater. When you do this, you learn something about life…and yourself. Water is a life force - and a teacher. It fully absorbs you for awhile. Try it and learn what you can do!
It’s no secret among whitewater enthusiasts that Garrett County and it’s spectacular rivers make it one of the premier whitewater sport destination areas in the country. Local residents warmly and skillfully hosted the 1989 World Canoe/Kayak Championships on the Savage River (first time held in U.S.) for an incredible event that many remember.
The real “gem” in the Garrett County whitewater collection is the Youghiogheny River. (pronounced: Yock like rock)
Upper Yough Rafting
It was designated as Maryland’s first Wild and Scenic River in 1976 which protects a 21 mile long segment from just north of Oakland Maryland to the town of Friendsville. This corridor is managed by the State Forest and Park Service to preserve the river’s wild and natural scenic, geologic, historic, ecologic, recreational, fish, wildlife, and cultural resources. To learn more about the river and access points visit: Maryland DNR - Youghiogheny River
Whitewater rafting or kayaking on the 10 mile section from Sang Run to Friendsville is an amazing experience also known as the “The Upper Yough“. This section is world renowned for continuous whitewater, impressive gradient averaging over 100 ft per mile, and huge boulder strewn, tight and technical passages. This is a physical run with non-stop intensity and adrenaline pumping action through a rugged, beautiful gorge right here in our backyard.Precision Rafting is the most experienced outfitter, located at the take-out point in the quaint town of Friendsville, MD. Owner, Roger Zbel is an expert kayaking legend and winner of many, many Upper Yough races and entrepreneur who pioneered commercial rafting here in 1981 with whitewater legend Phil Coleman.
Whitewater releases are guaranteed from Deep Creek Lake. Go to www.deepcreekhydro.com for the recreational release schedule and current Deep Creek Lake water levels. Mellow float (kids) trips are also available on the easy sections of the river. You can monitor local Garrett County river levels at: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/md/nwis/rt
The Adventure Sports Center International (ASCI) WHITEWATER COURSE
Brian Homberg Racing At ASCI
Garrett County’s newest, most interesting and beautiful spectator park - and engineering marvel! Have a picnic and scout the 1,700 foot twisting, foaming course and watch participants up close. Like what you see? Get in and test your timing, reflexes and teamwork on the world’s only adjustable mountaintop whitewater park that offers class I - IV whitewater in a “controlled” environment without typical river hazards such as downed trees, undercut rocks and places for foot entrapment. Perfect for first-time family, friends, groups and younger ones. Experience the swirling rapids with ASCI’s expert guide staff. An effortless conveyor takes you from bottom to top while taking in spectacular panoramic views. Take it to the next level by paddling an inflatable kayak (ducky) or learning how whitewater kayak. Whether you are a participant or spectator, the ASCI Whitewater Park is a really cool place to visit in Garrett County on hot summer day. Location: On Top of Wisp Ski Resort. Great practice for the Upper Yough River.
The real showcase is the public awareness side of preserving and conserving our free flowing rivers and streams as recreation areas. Get involved at: http://www.americanwhitewater.org/
Upcoming Summer Whitewater Events in Garrett County
July 25th, 2009 - 4:00 p.m. start, 1 minute intervals, approx. 30 min. race
Upper Yough Extreme Race (great event to watch - for experts only) - some of the best paddlers in the country will be racing, and the hike into the gorge is fantastic. Details at: http://www.immersionresearch.com/upperyoughrace/
August 15th-16th
U.S. Whitewater Rafting National Championships - this will be held at ASCI on Saturday and on the Lower Yough on Sunday (details at www.adventuresportscenter.com). There will be a Junior class, and no equipment is necessary. I had a great chance to become a National Champion at an early age, and these raft races will grow over time.
Brian Homberg - Expert real estate consultant - whitewater pro/guide/instruction.
Get on the cutting edge of the Deep Creek Lake area real estate market - Cabin in the woods by a stream, a lake house, your gateway to adventure.
Request a consultation and receive auto email updates with property photos and the latest market conditions direct from MRIS, Deep Creek Lake’s multiple listing service, and see all available property listings.
If your considering acquiring your piece of Garrett County and/or learning more about whitewater sport, call me 301-501-0131 or email bhomberg@railey.com.
Brian Homberg, an expert whitewater kayaker for over 30 years and a former National Team Member, narrowly missed both the 1992 and 1996 Olympic Teams. He enjoyed competing in international races in Europe while on the team. He loves Garrett County and has been his home for the last 12 years.
The staff of the Deep Creek Lake Natural Resource Management Area (NRMA) will hold a class this Saturday, July 18th, 2009 at 9:30 a.m. at the Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center.
This class is worthwhile to property owners who already own lakefront real estate at Deep Creek or those thinking about buying.
Topics will include buffer strip pavilions, decks, pathways, lighting (electrical improvements, fire pits, play areas, clearing, tree and shrub removal, sea walls, & shoreline erosion control.
This past weekend marked the 21st annual Governor’s Cup Ski & Snowboard race at Wisp Resort, sponsored by the Deep Creek Winter Sports Team. 60 local and regional skiers and snowboarder’s competed for the coveted Governor’s Cup in a 2 day event. To be eligible for the Cup racers were required to complete 4 race runs, starting with 2 slalom runs down the Squirrel cage slope on Saturday and 2 Giant Slalom runs down the Main Street slope on Sunday. Winners of the cup posted the fastest 4 run times. A junior cup was also awarded for the fastest JR racers (under 16).
Fastest Male & Female and winner of the 2009 Governor’s Cup
Derek Berger
Elizabeth Green
Elizabeth Green competing at 2009 Governor's Cup at Wisp Ski Resort in Maryland
As the leaves change colors here in western Maryland, once again Garrett County’s own Autumn Glory Festival is upon us. The weather forecast right now for this upcoming weekend looks fairly good - mild temperatures and partly cloudy skies. This year marks the 41st anniversary of this festival held in Oakland, Maryland just south of Deep Creek Lake.
Some highlights of this annual fall festival include:
The Autumn Glory Kickoff Reception - Wednesday October, 8, 2008 from 6:30 pm to 11:00 pm
Held at the Wisp Ski Resort in McHenry and sponsored by the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce. Cocktails, dinner, and dancing. Entertainment featuring the local band Boathouse. This year’s Golden Ambassador will also be announced.
The Fireman’s Parade & Oktoberfest Dinner - Thursday, October 9, 2008 from 4:00 pm to ??
Held in downtown Oakland, Maryland in front of the Oakland Volunteer Fire Department. Features include a parade of local fire departments that kids of all ages really enjoy. Real German style food served in the fire hall. An Ooompah Band after dinner and beer trucks, for those over 21, round out this annual party. All proceeds will benefit the Oakland Volunteer Fire Department.
The Grand Feature Parade - Saturday, October 11, 2008 at 1:00 pm
The parade starts south on Route 219 near Wal-mart, turns down on to North 2nd Street, goes thru the town of Oakland, and eventually heads back north on Route 219. The parade features many marching bands, floats, and the always popular Shriners go-cart routine. Get there early - the police close Route 219 late morning and many people have already reserved their spot along the parade route by early morning as well. This year’s Grand Marshall of the parade will be Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps’ mother and sisters.
If you haven’t reserved accommodations yet it’s not too late to make plans to attend this popular fall get-a-way. Railey Mountain Lake Vacations has many houses and town homes for rent in the Deep Creek Lake area - along with the Silver Tree Suites hotel.
Also, as you are leaving town, Railey Realty will be hosting numerous Open Houses in the Deep Creek Lake area featuring various homes for sale on Sunday, October 12, 2008 - most running from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
For those of you who own real estate or property at Deep Creek Lake or in Garrett County, Maryland - please note there is an important meeting this Thursday, August 21, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. in the Garrett Community College Auditorium concerning the draft of the new Garrett County Comprehensive Plan. The proposed draft of the plan can be found here. This meeting is to solicit public input before the county commissioners vote to adopt the wording in the proposed plan. The current plan is over 10 years old and a new plan is needed that takes into consideration changes in social and economic developments that have occurred since the last plan was adopted.
This meeting is one of the few opportunities that property owners at Deep Creek Lake and Garrett County have to voice their opinions on issues that may affect the long term value of their property or the quality of life found here.
We must point out and call into question why these meetings - that will certainly have an effect on second home owners at Deep Creek Lake - are always held on weekdays instead of weekends? Can’t a special exception be made in these instances to make it more conducive for the Deep Creek Lake property owners since most live out of the area and might only be able to attend such a meeting on the weekend? Especially since this segment of our property owners contribute an extremely large share of the county’s tax revenues and don’t use many of its services.
This upcoming weekend the Deep Creek Winter Sports Team will host the first annual CBIZ Classic Giant Slalom race for kids 14 and under at the Wisp Ski Resort in western Maryland. The race will start at 9:30 am on Sunday January 13, 2008 and will be held on Wisp’s Squirel Cage slope. There are 90 junior skiers registered thus far, over one half of them are from other ski resorts in the mid-Atlantic and will be traveling to the Deep Creek Lake area to participate. This race is one of USSA’s regional qualifiers. If you are at Wisp this weekend be sure to check this race out. Not only will see you many local Deep Creek skiers participating you will also many other top level junior skiers from other area resorts such as 7 Springs, Snowshoe WV, and Whitetail.
60 local and regional skiers and snowboarder’s competed for the coveted Governor’s Cup in a 2 day event. To be eligible for the Cup racers were required to complete 4 race runs, starting with 2 slalom runs down the Squirrel cage slope on Saturday and 2 Giant Slalom runs down the Main Street slope on Sunday. Winners of the cup posted the fastest 4 run times. A junior cup was also awarded for the fastest JR racers (under 16).
Jon Bell
Nancy Jo Fratz
Debra Savage
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