As the early spring days grow warmer and longer, tree sap flows freely, beginning the long held tradition of making maple syrup or "sugarin’" as locals call it.

Cunningham Falls State Park is pleased to announce the 38th Annual Maple Syrup Making Demonstration on March 8, 9, 15 & 16, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. in the William Houck (Lake) Area. Come to the park to learn about the process of sap to syrup. A $2 per person donation is requested. Youth groups are asked to contribute $1 per person.

The event features continuous working demonstrations of the maple syrup making process. Park staff explain the syrup making process and history. Kids may enjoy free games, stories and crafts in a large heated tent. A fire will provide warmth while live music is performed in the pavilion.

Attendees should dress for the weather.

A sausage and pancake breakfast will be served 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. for an additional charge. Maryland made maple syrup, maple candy and related souvenirs will be for sale.

Proceeds benefit the Friends of Cunningham Falls and Gambrill State Parks.

Cunningham Falls State Park is located west on Rt. 77 from Thurmont. Follow the signs. No pets. For more information call 301-271-7574 or visit www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/western/cunninghamfalls.html.

Lacie’s Legacy Bus Trip

Registration is now open for the Third Annual Lacey’s Legacy Bus Trip to the Longaberger Homestead in Dresden, Ohio. The trip includes charter bus, one night stay at the Cherry Valley Lodge, a Coco Keys Water Resort pass, buffet dinner and breakfast at the lodge, all tours, a commemorative basket filled with goodies and snacks, door prizes, raffles and free gifts. The cost is $220 per person; first-come, first-served. Bring a friend and receive a $10 discount. A non-refundable deposit of $100 is due to hold your seat. Call Shannon Wetzel at 301-271-1765.

All proceeds from the trip benefit Lacie’s Legacy against Tay Sachs Disease. Lacie Ann Wivell passed away on October 23, 2005 at 18 months of age. She battled Tay Sachs Disease (TSD) which, in its classical form, is a fatal genetic disorder causing the progressive destruction of the central nervous system in children. To read more about Lacie, visit www.geocities.com/ourprincesslacie or to learn more about Tay Sachs Disease visit www.ntsad.org.

Spring Fund-raising Dinner at ThorpeWood

Area chefs, led by Canapes chef/owner M.L. Carroll, will team to create a 5-course meal served at ThorpeWood’s timber frame lodge on March 29, 2008 from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. The dinner also includes an evening of music and a silent auction of girls’ art. The cost to participate is $100/plate and proceeds from the dinner support ThorpeWood’s programs for teenage girls, presented in partnership with the Department of Juvenile Services of Frederick, Maryland. For more information or to make a reservation, call 301-271-2823 or visit www.thorpewood.org.

Knights of Columbus Free-Throw Results

The Emmitsburg Council of Knights of Columbus has conducted their 2008 Basketball Free-Throw contest. Winners of each age bracket will advance to the district level competition to compete at the state level competition. Dylan Goins of Emmitsburg won the age 13 category and Tye Russell of Emmitsburg won the age 12 category. The district level competition will be held February 17, 2008 in Walkersville.

Libraries Sponsors Celtic Celebration at Mount

Irish eyes are sure to be smiling —and toes will certainly be tapping — at this year’s Celtic Celebration at 7:00 p.m. on March 19, 2008 at Mount St. Mary’s University’s Knott Arena. The celebration is sponsored by the Emmitsburg and Thurmont branches of Frederick County Public Libraries and is free of charge.

The celebration will feature renowned hammered dulcimer artist Maggie Sansone, who performed to a standing-room-only crowd at last year’s festival, along with the talented Sue Richards on harp and Andrea Hoag on fiddle. A high-stepping troupe of Irish dancers will round out the performance.

"There are fans of traditional Celtic music all over the place — but most of us need to travel a long distance to experience it," comments Susan Cardella, Library Associate II at the Emmitsburg branch, one of the event’s key planners. "This is an unusual event for the Thurmont and Emmitsburg area — the only one I know of, even though this northern part of the county is rich in Celtic heritage."

Susan expects a large turnout, given the popularity of last year’s festival, and Erin Dingle, Administrator at the Thurmont branch, is equally optimistic. "Everyone is Irish in March! It’s the perfect time for all ages to get in the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day and enjoy some beautiful Celtic music and dancing. As in the past, we hope that the Emmitsburg and Thurmont communities—as well as other communities—enjoy this program as both an entertainment opportunity and a cultural event."

For further information about the Celtic celebration, visit www.fcpl.org or contact the Emmitsburg Branch Library at 301-600-6329.