As Hannah and I were putting together the list of events for next month, we found that there’s not a lot going on in Garrett County in November, at least in the first part of the month. But if you know our area at all, you know we thrive on the visiting seasons. In winter, we’re a “ski town”, in summer we’re a lake haven and in early to late fall we’re a colorful getaway for the weekends. In springtime and in November, we’re in off season.

Despite the lack of overall activity next month, there are still some very note-worthy things happening that we encourage you to look into. An opportunity to get dressed up and support the animals and a few events to help kick off the Christmas holiday. By the way, can anyone else not believe that Christmas is now two months away!?! Goodness!

Local Events and Dates to Note

BLACK TIE & TAILS GALA
Saturday, November 3rd at 6:30pm at Wisp Resort

I’m a big fan of Hart for Animals. I first visited last year when Ally had her 7th birthday party in their facility. She and a small group of her friends gathered for pizza and cupcakes, visited some of the adoptable cats and dogs, and decorated name signs for the animals’ living quarters. I then visited again as a volunteer photographer to capture some of the newest animals who were up for adoption (see picture above). The facility is beautiful, the staff is wonderful and the care they’re providing for these animals is so admirable. This black tie event is one of their fundraisers so they can make sure they can continue that care. Sounds like a good reason to get dressed up! 🙂

And here’s a picture from Ally’s birthday party. We had such a great time visiting with the animals!

11th ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF TREES
Friday & Saturday, November 23rd & 24th at the Garrett County Fairgrounds

This is such a special and unique event! It has become a local tradition and is visited by thousands! The event itself benefits the Dove Center, Garrett County’s domestic violence and sexual assault services program. There are plenty of family-friendly activities including Breakfast with Santa, Mrs. Claus’s Bakery, Frosty’s Funland, and the Crazy Christmas Hair Booth. Craft and artisan vendors will also be ready for Christmas shopping, including my Creative Aide Hannah with her hand-lettered and crafted art pieces. One of my favorite parts of the event is strolling through the forest of decorated trees donated by local artists that will eventually be auctioned off as part of the fundraiser. It truly is a wonderful way to kick off the Christmas season!

TREE LIGHTING WITH BOATHOUSE
Saturday, November 24th at 7:00pm at the Honi-Honi Bar

This is something I want to go to every year and it just never happens! Probably because it’s too cold or we’re just tired from Thanksgiving festivities, but I really want to try to get the kids out for this! What better way to start Christmas than with a huge tree lighting at one of our favorite hangout spots at the lake!?! Yes, it’s a “bar”, but it’s a family-friendly event!

GREEN ACRES FLOWER BASKET CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE
Sunday, November 25th at 11:00am 

Green Acres has such a nice store in Oakland. We’ve visited the past two years for our garden plants and their colorful mums are always so impressive outside their storefront in fall. They decorate beautifully for Christmas and Hannah is currently making plans to be a part of this event…offering hand-painted ornaments to open house visitors!