Today marks the first day of Catoctin Colorfest, which will continue on tomorrow, October 15. An annual autumn tradition always held during the second full weekend in October in the scenic town of Thurmont (Frederick County, Maryland), Catoctin Colorfest is one of the largest outdoor craft shows within the East Coast region. It boasts more than 350 vendors and draws in crowds of around 110,000 attendees.
Upon viewing its massively impressive setup today, it’s hard to believe that the origins for the first Catoctin Colorfest event began on a humble note as a nature walk back in 1963. Within the next five years, more fun follies and festivities were starting to be incorporated into the mix, and popularity for the event continued increasing into the 1970s. By 1973 the same local artisans and craftsman known for setting up at the carnival grounds and parks during slated events were given extended invitations to participate in Colorfest and establish a similar vendor model. By 1975, the event was already drawing in more than 75,000 people—a number that has only increased with each passing year. Vendor participation has also expanded dramatically to even include artisans hailing from regions far and wide.
As previously stated, Catoctin Colorfest welcomes in over 350 juried (and non-juried) crafters of all kinds. From small business owners to known tradesmen, unique artisans and delicious food vendors, you’ll find massive setups and displays throughout five different designated areas. These include Thurmont Community Park (the primary location for juried crafters specifically), Thurmont American Legion, the Thurmont Carnival Grounds, and along Main Street sidewalks and Thurmont Main Street Center.
You’ll also get to see ongoing demonstrations by various artisans as they perform their own tricks of the trade right before the eyes of awed onlookers. Activities range from making brooms to woodcarving, and everything else.
In getting back to the delicious food vendors referenced previously, take note of around 18 delightfully diverse offerings this year. And as always, the Thurmont American Legion’s October Beer Garden setup is certain to be a hit. Not only will you find great beer, but also scrumptious German food, music, and a happy helping of festival fun.
The quaint, bucolic town of Thurmont provides the perfect backdrop for such a colorful, artistic display, especially during the fall season when the leaves are at their most vibrant hues and the majestic mountains beyond encompass the scene with such natural beauty.
The Community Park remains the epicenter of all activities and events, yet the entire town has been known to get into the weekend-wide fun surrounding the site. However, parking can pose a bit of a problem. Fortunately, there are ongoing shuttle bus services (running every 15 to 30 minutes) available between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. both days, taking visitors to the heart of all the action from designated parking locations. These parking locations can be found at Catoctin High School, Thurmont Elementary School, NVR Homes, and Eyler Stables. Visitors do take note that while admission to Colorfest is free, there are nominal fees charged for parking at different locations throughout town and at these shuttle bus designated lots.
In addition to providing a fun fall folly to visitors and participating crafters, Colorfest serves as a major fundraiser event for the Catoctin community. Proceeds from parking and vendor fees have been used to support numerous local nonprofits, churches, and civic organizations. Furthermore, Catoctin Colorfest provides three scholarships each year. Two are in the amount of $1,000 and one is presented to a graduating high schooler valued at $1,500. Other proceeds benefit the Frederick Food Bank, the Guardian Hose Fire Company, Frederick County Public Libraries, and the Thurmont Community Ambulance Company.
Catoctin Colorfest officially opens at 9 a.m. today and tomorrow, although several food vendors will begin serving breakfast starting as early as 7 a.m. Closing time on each day is at 5 p.m. For more information about Catoctin Colorfest, including directions and vendor information, visit the website at www.colorfest.org.