Greensboro Celebrates Autumn

On Saturday, October 4, 2008, the town of Greensboro, Maryland will hold its first Autumn Fest at the Volunteer Fireman’s carnival grounds, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This celebration was previously held in the spring as “Founders’ Day.”

The day will begin at 8:00 a.m. with registration for the 5K race sponsored by the Greensboro Police Department. The race will start at 9:00 a.m. and provide venues for all interested parties, including running, walking, and skateboarding. The first 50 registrants will receive free tee-shirts and prizes will be awarded to the winners in each category. This is a fundraiser for the proposed skateboard park. Registration starts at 8 a.m. and entry fees are $25.00 adults; $15 for five to eighteen year-olds and children under five are free.

The schedule of events for the day is a full one with activities designed to involve people of all ages. Several events will operate all day including the Face Painting Booth where children can select a design of their choice; the Cake Booth, operated by the Greensboro Business and Civic Association, and participants can try their luck at winning a cake or test their luck with a 50/50 raffle. The Town & Country Club of Greensboro will conduct kid’s games for children of all ages and a Pumpkin Decorating Booth will be open to everyone. The Baby Contest will take place at 10:30 a.m. and will include three different age groups: newborns to one year; one to two-years; and two to three-years. Babies can be registered on the day of the event, or may be pre-registered at Town Hall. There is a $3.00 entry fee and there will be 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in each age category.

Hungry visitors to Autumn Fest will want to line up for the Chili Cook-off contest that will start at 11:00 a.m. and end at 1:00 p.m. at the big gazebo on the carnival grounds. Participants do not need to pre-register, just bring at least a five quart crock pot of chili, ready to be eaten. Electricity, bowls and spoons will be provided. Winners will be determined by public vote and announced at 1:30 p.m. First place winner receives a trophy and $50.00 cash; 2nd and 3rd place winners receive a trophy.

From chili, the visitors will move to dessert with the Pie Eating Contest at 12:30 p.m. Two age groups will compete – five to twelve years; and thirteen years and older. The entry fee is $1.00 and $3.00 respectively and there will be a limit of ten participants per age category, so get there and register early! The first contestant in each age group to finish will be the winner, and each winner will receive $25.00 cash.

For those bakers in the audience, there will be an Apple Pie Banking Contest. Contestants will bring a homemade apple pie to be judged between 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., and the winners will be announced at 3:30 p.m. The 1st place winner will receive $50.00 and a trophy; 2nd and 3rd place will each receive a trophy.

To round out the day’s activities, at 1:00 p.m., the town will hold a “Pumpkin Chunkin” with four age groups participating – up to six years old; seven to ten years; eleven to fourteen years; and fifteen to eighteen years. The winners from each group will be announced at 3:30 p.m. There is a $1.00 entry fee, and contestants who throw the pumpkin the farthest will win.

Other activities include the annual Duck Race at the boat dock and an Indian Museum at 114 West Sunset Avenue. Popular band, “Sticky Situation” will be entertaining at 11:00 a.m. at the stage along the Choptank River, and Eastern Shore Writers’ Association will have a local writers’ table with published authors who will be available to discuss the art of writing and have many interesting books available for sale. Other vendors will include Kimmie’s Kakes & Kandles with homemade lye soap, candles, clay pot creations and more. Caroline Hospice Foundation will provide information on Hospice; New Life Wesleyan Church will have information available on the church and its many activities; and Home Interiors will have many home interior products available for sale.

Food vendors abound, including “Eanies Weenies,” Popcorn Express; Sudlersville Ruritan, Dennis Wright’s Desserts, Lil Devil Beach Fries; Friends of the Greensborough Trading Company; and Hohman’s Peanuts. Food selections will include Nathans Hot Dogs, pulled pork BBQ, snow balls, cotton candy, brats, French fries, burgers, seafood, drinks and ice cream.

Anyone interested in registering for contests and or to be a vendor should contact Erin at Greensboro Town Hall, 410-482-6222 or visit the town at 111 S. Main St., Greensboro, MD, 21639.