By: Mike Kennedy mkennedy@railey.com 301-616-6106 October 6th, 2008 Category: Deep Creek Lake Area Things To Do, Deep Creek Lake Events, Garrett County News

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 41^st 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 2^nd 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.