The Maryland Iron Festival returns to Catoctin Furnace this weekend! Serving to both celebrate and commemorate Frederick County’s impressive 250 years of ironmaking at this very historic location, the Maryland Iron Festival draws in crowds spanning all ages and interests and forever proves to be a mutual hit with all who attend each year.
Hosted by Catoctin Furnace Historical Society, the festival showcases an array of awesome antiquated callouts in the form of activities and endeavors. These include firsthand blacksmithing demonstrations live onsite, archeology presentations, and even a mesmerizing 2,800-degree molten iron pour, which can be witnessed as part of Saturday’s special lineup. It’s also worth mentioning that Catoctin Furnace, which is the site of all the festivities to be offered throughout the weekend, holds additional local and historical prominence for having once made cannons for none other than George Washington!
In addition to historical callouts, specifically, the Maryland Iron Festival offers the same timeless family-friendly fun and fellowship as you’d expect from any free-for-all communitywide celebration. From children’s activities to live entertainment and music, fan-favored food trucks, and so much more, Saturday and Sunday both present plentiful offerings not to be missed.
Come check out the versatile vendors to be presented via the featured Maker’s Market all weekend. This year’s participants include Kevin Firman of KCM Lether, Marilyn Smith of LoneLeaf Jewels, Steven Guthrie, Nick Chomycia, Annie Albert of Sahira Apothecary, Rachael Jerrel, Carmen Creamer of Carmen’s Beads & Bling, Mary Blevins of Mary’s Artistic Antics, Alexandra Ozga, Kathryn Meissner of the Mythic Stitch, Theresa Apolonio, and Max Groft of Bent, Wrapped, and Hammered. The Catoctin Historical Society will be presenting a weekend-long bake sale as well.
Ongoing events on both days will be held at various locations throughout the Catoctin Furnace Village. Featured sites include the Furnace Green, F.W. Fraley Store, Museum of the Ironworker, Collier’s Log House, and Harriet Chapel.
The festival will open at 10 a.m. sharp on Saturday, May 17. Jimmy Go Loco will open the Furnace Green music stylings, playing through noon. Then Ken & Brad Kolodner will take to the scene until 1 p.m. Robb Bomboy will play from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., at which time Ken & Brad Kolodner return to the scene from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Collier’s Log House will alternate between half-hour Punch & Judy shows and hour-long performances by Slim Harrison & Tom Jolin, starting at 10:30 a.m. and lasting through 3 p.m. The Caswells will then take over between 3:30 p.m. and 4:45 p.m.
The previously mentioned, highly anticipated live pouring event will take place at the F.W. Fraley Store from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. (Saturday only). Ongoing tours and fun, hands-on activities for children will be hosted throughout the day at Harriet Chapel and again on Sunday. Another two-day offering will be the Beer & Wine Garden between 11 a.m. and noon.
Sunday follies start at 10 a.m. with the festival’s opening. The main highlight for the day will be a Model T Historic Car Show at the F.W. Fraley Store between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. This is also the hour that the Eric Byrd Trio will entertain folks over at the Furnace Green. The Hot Furnace Band will commence at 3 p.m. Over at Collier’s House, Slim Harrison & Tom Jolin will begin one-hour entertainment blocks between 11 a.m. and noon and then again from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Due to road closures in light of the event, parking will be at the Manor Area parking lot at Cunningham Falls State Park. Shuttles will be provided to carry guests back and forth on both days, free of charge. Click here for all other important information about parking.
The Maryland Iron Festival will run on Saturday, May 17, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday, May 18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event, which is free and open to the public, will occur onsite at Catoctin Furnace Historic Site, located on Catoctin Furnace Road, Thurmont, MD 21788. Visit the website to learn more.