What's Happening In Garrett County

May 5 - May 11, 2025

May Business After Hours 2025 - Market on 42

The Chamber is pleased to announce that the Market on 42 will be hosting our May Business After Hours on Thursday, May 8th from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm. 

The Market on 42 is an outdoor market that houses locally owned shops. These shops include Railey Design, Secondhand Citizen, Appalachian Print Studio, Wild Ember Bakery and OMG Relax. 

Enjoy delicious food and drinks as you mingle with fellow Chamber members and Chamber staff at our monthly networking events. Don't forget your business card to enter to win prizes. 

$10.00 in advance for members

$15.00 for members at the door and non-members

To register, click here.

Business Before Hours - Legislative Wrap-Up 2025

The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce has scheduled its next Business Before Hours for Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at the Perfroming Arts Center at Garrett College. The Chamber will welcome back Senator Mike McKay and Delegate Jim Hinebaugh for an informational presentation on the 447th session of the Maryland General Assembly, convened in Annapolis, Maryland January 8 through April 7, 2025. Attendees will hear directly from our elected officials on which bills passed, which did not, how these legislative decisions will impact the county, region, and state, and what the upcoming election cycle holds for future policy issues.  

$25 for members

$30 for non-members

To register, click here

The event is sponsored by Byco Enterprises, Inc and Garrett Regional Medical Center, a proud partner of WVU Medicine. 

MidAtlantic Resiliency Link Open Houses

The MidAtlantic Resiliency Link, a 500-KV transmission line project being developed by NextEra Energy through portions of Allegany and Garrett Counties will be hosting project Open Houses per the schedule below. The Open House information will be advertised in local papers, and residents located within a certain distance of the draft routes for the proposed transmission line will receive an invitation in the mail. It is important to note that the final route has not yet been determined. There is also more information available on the project website here.

May 6 from 3pm-7pm

Friendsville Volunteer Fire and Rescue

122 Walnut Street, Friendsville, MD 21531

May 7 from 3pm-7pm

Good Will Fire Company Armory

2 Advocate Court, Lonaconing, MD 21539  

Annual Membership Meeting & Dinner 2025 - June 4th

Get ready to dust off your boots and kick up your heels — the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to invite you to the Trailblazers Ball! Join us for an evening dedicated to the celebration of the trailblazers in our community. Enjoy a hearty dinner and toe-tappin' tunes while you network with fellow professionals. Country western dress encouraged but not required.

New Chamber Board Members and officers will be announced and we'll tip our hats to the recipients of the Diplomat of the Year Award, Emerging Entrepreneur Award, Peggy Jamison Heritage Preservation Award, and Heise Entrepreneurial Spirit Award. 

Giddy-up to the Trailblazers Ball — where the West meets the Best of Garrett County! 

Trail Bites

Vegetable & Dip Tray, BBQ Meatballs, and Bacon Wrapped Poppers

Supper

Tex-Mex Salad, Peppercorn Crusted Flat Iron Steak, BBQ Chicken, Twice Baked Potatoes, Country Green Beans, Corn Bread

Chuckwagon Treats

Cake 'n Berry Cobbler, Campfire Cinnamon Twists, Campfire Peach Cobbler, Pot 'o Smores 

Date/Time

Wednesday, June 4, 2025

Reception (Cash Bar) - 6:00 pm

Dinner - 7:00 pm

Program & Awards Ceremony - 7:45 pm 

Fees/Admission

There is assigned seating at this event so please reach out to Holly Lane at holly@garrettchamber.com or call (301) 387-6171 if you have seating preferences. 

Early Bird (discount available until May 21)

Tickets cost - $85

Corporate Table (Seating for 8) - $680

Regular Pricing (after May 21)

Ticket Cost - $90

Corporate Table (Seating for 8) - $720

The deadline for registration is COB Wednesday, May 28, 2025.

To Register, click here. 

SPONSORS, please contact Nick Sharps at nick@garrettchamber.com or (301) 387-8745 to register with your complimentary tickets. 

Location

McHenry Lodge at Wisp Resort

296 Marsh Hill Road

McHenry, MD 21541

Sponsored by:

Celebrating the 2025 Work Ethic Diploma Recipients!

We’re proud to share the success of our inaugural Work Ethic Diploma Reception, a milestone event celebrating the dedication of local students who have demonstrated the soft skills and strong work ethic needed to thrive in today’s workforce. Created in partnership between Garrett County Public Schools and the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce, this program was designed with input from educators, business leaders, and post-secondary institutions to promote key workforce readiness traits—like discipline, teamwork, attendance, community service, and more. Students who earned the diploma met rigorous criteria and even had the option to voluntarily participate in a drug-free screening—an effort supported by the Garrett County Health Department, helping to promote healthy, job-ready lifestyles.

A heartfelt thank you for the support of:

• Garrett County Department of Business Development for sponsoring the event
• Garrett County Public Schools
• Garrett County Fair Board for allowing us to host the event at the Ag Heritage Hall

And to the amazing businesses who attended the reception to celebrate these workforce-ready students:

• Ruth Enlow Library
• First United Bank & Trust
• Beitzel Corporation & Pillar Innovations
• Garrett College

Without these organizations and businesses this program and the reception would not be possible. Together, we are building a stronger, more prepared workforce for Garrett County!

Navagating Federal & State Taxes: A Practical Guide for Businesses Webinar

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, May 28th, from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM for an essential webinar designed to help your business navigate the complexities of both federal IRS and Maryland state tax compliance. The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present "Navigating IRS & Maryland Tax Compliance," led by Tax Attorneys Candice Miller and Audre Sylvester of Azarvand Tax Law. This informative session is specifically tailored for business owners and their bookkeepers and/or accountants. Don't miss this valuable opportunity to gain clarity on both federal and Maryland state tax matters and ensure your business remains compliant on both fronts. For more information and to register click here. 

Fire on the Mountain Sponsorships

Summer is quickly approaching which means it's nearly time for the Chamber’s July 4^th Fire on the Mountain Fireworks Display at Wisp Resort. As you know, the July 4^th fireworks are a popular event for residents and visitors to the area. We’d like to thank those who donated towards the display last year; your donations help us provide such a spectacular show! For this year's display, we are looking for a Title Sponsor for $8,000 and we need to raise additional funds to help cover the show cost. Any donation is appreciated; however, special recognition is available to businesses or individuals who contribute $375 or more. View our sponsorship opportunities and please contact Sarah Duck at sarah@garrettchamber.com or 301.616.1129 to sponsor. The fireworks display will be provided by Epic Pyrotechnics.

Autumn Glory Brochure Advertising Now Available

Do you host an Autumn Glory event? Promote it in the official 58th Annual Autumn Glory Festival Brochure! This year’s Autumn Glory Festival, sponsored by Team One GMC, will be held Wednesday, October 8 - Sunday, October 12, 2025. 8,000 Autumn Glory brochures will be printed and made available in racks around Garrett County, at the Visitors Center in McHenry, at the Youghiogheny Overlook Welcome Center along Interstate 68, at Chamber member businesses, distribution centers, via visitor request and more. Along with the ability to advertise your Autumn Glory event with a listing in our brochure, you can also purchase display advertising in the brochure. To purchase a listing or a display ad in the brochure, please complete the Autumn Glory Brochure Listing Form and return it, with payment, by Thursday, May 29, 2025. Completed forms can be emailed to sarah@garrettchamber.com, faxed to 301.334.8073 or mailed to Garrett County Chamber of Commerce 15 Visitors Center Drive McHenry, MD 21541. Please email sarah@garrettchamber.com with any questions.

Help Address Your Workforce Issues with the Updated Work Ethic Diploma Program!

After 5 successful years we feel it is time to make some changes to the Work Ethic Diploma (WED) Program to keep the it relevant and take it to the next level. The concept of the program was originally put forward to the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce by employers who felt students were not learning the soft skills necessary to become productive members of the workforce.

With the input of area educators, business leaders, and post-secondary representatives, we developed standards to evaluate the work ethic of our students. These standards are not being changed. Based on feedback from employers participating in the program and discussions with our stakeholders we have decided to replace the hourly pay incentive with a more tangible sign-on bonus to be rewarded after a qualifying length of employment. Another exciting change we are implementing is a Worth Ethic Diploma Reception that will recognize and celebrate students receiving the honor and our business partners participating in the program. This will be a great opportunity for you to network and recruit prospects. More details on this event will follow.

Whether you are a current WED partner or looking to join the program, we ask that you please review and sign the new form and return it to holly@garrettchamber.com or 15 Visitors Center Drive, McHenry, MD 21541. You can also click here for the criteria and business commitment form updated with changes highlighted for your convenience. We appreciate your participation and look forward to working with you to grow and enhance the Work Ethic Diploma Program to better meet Garrett County’s workforce challenges.

Office Depot - May 2025 Monthly Specials

Your exclusive specials are here! Enjoy discounts of up to 56% off envelopes, binder clips, labels, flags, and more. Take advantage of these monthly specials when you shop online for office, school, and home essentials at ODP Business Solutions. Click here to view the May 2025 Monthly Specials. Click here for more information on the program and to register.

Member News

The Unseen Foundation: Why Data Goverance Can Make or Break a Small Business

Garrett County Landowners Urged to Proceed with Caution

Garrett County Honored at 2025 Maryland Economic Development

Association Conference

Garrett County Chamber Of Commerce

April 30 - May 6, 2025

April 29 - May 8 | 11:15 am - 2:30 pm 

Mother's Day Special at The Root Cafe

321 Chestnut Street, Friendsville, MD.

The Root Cafe is offering a special package for Mother's Day that can be pre-ordered from April 25, 2024 - May 8, 2024.

What's Included in the Package: $29.50

- Bouquet of flowers 

- Iced or Hot Latte 12oz (your choice of 1 flavor) 

- Your choice of cupcake: Lemon Filled or Chocolate/Peanut Butter 

Pre-order NOW by coming in person and requesting or calling 301-746-5111

Deadline to pre-order: May 8th

May 1 | 11:15 am - 2:30 pm 

Garrett County Affordable Housing Forum

Performing Arts Center at Garrett College, McHenry, MD.

Community members are invited to attend the upcoming Affordable Housing Forum on Thursday, May 1, from 11:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center at Garrett College. The event is free and open to the public, but pre-registration is required by 12:00 p.m. on Friday, April 25. Complimentary lunch will be provided to all registered attendees.

Hosted by the Garrett County Board of REALTORS®, this forum will spotlight local initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable homeownership and rental opportunities in Garrett County. Through a series of engaging discussion panels, participants will gain insight into critical housing resources and support services.

Key topics include:

• The Grantsville Attainable Housing Project
• The journey from renting to homeownership
• Down payment and closing cost assistance grants

“This is a unique opportunity for residents to connect with housing professionals, learn about available support, and be part of a larger conversation about shaping the future of housing in our community,” said Kelli Hallenbeck, GCBR’s Affordable Housing Committee Chair.

Event Details:

Affordable Housing Forum

Thursday, May 1, 2025

11:15 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Check in opens at 11:15 a.m.; buffet lines open at 11:30 a.m.; and forum panels start at 12:15 p.m..

Multipurpose Room, Performing Arts Center at Garrett College

Free admission | Lunch provided

Registration deadline: Friday, April 25 at 12:00 p.m.

Have questions? Contact Amy Lowdermilk, GCBR Executive Officer at 301-334-8405.

Can’t make it in-person? Skip registration and watch the Facebook LIVE stream on the Garrett County Board of REALTORS page.

May 1 | 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm 

Team Trivia  

Mountain State Brewing Company, 6690 Sang Run Rd, McHenry, MD.

Team Trivia every Thursday, free to play! Contact information: 301-387-3360. 

May 3 | 10:00 am - 1:00 pm 

Spring Farmers Markets by Mountain Fresh Producers Association

Mountain Fresh Pavilion, S 1st St., Oakland, MD.

Join us for our spring farmers markets!  Our vendors will have fresh produce, meats, eggs, baked goods, jams & jellies, crafts, and personal care items. Want to get updates and product availability lists for the market? Sign up for our weekly email list at mountainfresh.org.

May 3 | 2:30 pm - 9:00 pm 

Season Opener Clay Shoot at Shamrock Sporting Clays and Whiskey & Cigar Bar

Shamrock Whiskey & Cigar Bar, 624 Humbert School Rd, Rockwood, PA.

Get ready to kick off the season with a bang! Join us for the Season Opener Clay Shoot at Shamrock Sporting Clays on Saturday, May 3rd in Rockwood! Don't miss this fun-filled day of clays, great food, music, and Derby vibes! 

Registration: 2:30 PM ($150 includes cart, eye & ear protection, and steak dinner)

Shotgun Start: 3:15 PM

Cocktail Hour: 5:30 PM (Derby-themed hors d'oeuvres & complimentary Mint Julep)

Steak Dinner: 6:30 PM (includes salad & dessert)

Dinner-only option is available for $75

Live Music: Cole Douglas 6–9 PM

Kentucky Derby: Live on TV at 7:00 PM!

**Out-of-County Regional Event**

May 4 | 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm 

Team Bingo

Mountain State Brewing Company, 6690 Sang Run Road, McHenry, MD.

Team Bingo every Sunday at 1pm!

Contact information: 301-387-3360. 

April 28 - June 9 | 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm 

Spring Icon Class

St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Parish, Parish Center Hall, 208 S. Fourth Street, Oakland, MD.

Jesus of Sinai

Class Term: April 28 - June 9, 2025, no class on Memorial Day.

Mondays Only from 5-8 p.m.

Class size is limited to 12. 

$125 fee includes all materials and a finished Icon.

Registration and (non-refundable) deposit of $50 

is required to secure a seat before April 12.

To learn more and to register, visit https://www.garrettstpeter.com/Icon

Garrett County Chamber Of Commerce

April 16 - April 22, 2025

April 17 | 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm 

Deep Creek Lake-Themed Team Trivia Nights 

Aces Run Restaurant, Oakland, MD.

Test your knowledge of all things Deep Creek Lake with Team Trivia Nights every Thursday evening 6-8pm throughout April at Ace's Run! Food and drink available and there will be prizes, including a cool custom DCL100 award for the winning team each week!

Questions will be drawn from our archive and timeline on the website, so study up!

More info on the Deep Creek Lake Centennial including more events, projects, an interactive timeline and more available at https://dcl100.com/

April 17 | 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm 

Friends and Couples Wine Pairing @ Smoke N Mirrors

114 South 3rd Street, Oakland, MD.

Come join us for another Friends and Couples wine tasting in the Gallery and try five different wine pairings with light fare.  The pairing begins at 6:00 and tickets can be purchased ($30 per person) at the link below or by phone at (304) 277-7700. Seating is limited to 24 people and advanced reservations are required, so reserve early!

https://koalendar.com/e/friends-and-couples-April-17

April 17 | 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm 

Team Trivia  

Mountain State Brewing Company, 6690 Sang Run Rd, McHenry, MD.

Team Trivia every Thursday, free to play! Contact information: 301-387-3360. 

April 19 & 20  

Shiitake Inoculation Weekend

Backcbone Farm, 530 Lynndale Rd, Oakland, MD.

Two day Event! Saturday 4/19 10-6 and Sunday 4/20 10-4!

Join us for our annual Backbone Farm Shiitake Inoculation party! We will spend the weekend drilling, stuffing, and waxing 1000 Shiitake mushroom logs to keep our production rolling. We will provide some food and some drink for all participants, so come hang out and eat a little and work a little! 

-This is an outdoor event, with some of the area being under roof, so come dressed for the weather. Rain, shine or snow!

- We will have food and beverages available, but feel free to bring something to share! 

- Please leave your dogs at home, we have plenty to go around.

- Free camping available, contact us for details!

We hope to see you out here to help us celebrate spring and get a big job done in a small amount of time! Free Community Event!

Contact information: katharine@backbonefarm.com

April 19 | 10:00 am - 1:00 pm 

Spring Farmers Markets by Mountain Fresh Producers Association

Mountain Fresh Pavilion, S 1st St., Oakland, MD.

Join us for our spring farmers markets!  Our vendors will have fresh produce, meats, eggs, baked goods, jams & jellies, crafts, and personal care items. 

Want to get updates and product availability lists for the market? Sign up for our weekly email list at mountainfresh.org.

April 20 | 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm 

Team Bingo

Mountain State Brewing Company, 6690 Sang Run Road, McHenry, MD.

Team Bingo every Sunday at 1pm!

Contact information: 301-387-3360.