AROUND THE PARK AGAIN By Sharon Lee Table
Following two cancellations in May, the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber’s SHOP LOCAL FUN FIESTA at Park Plaza was off to a flying start…literally. The morning of June 18th saw winds so strong during set-up, that tents were flying – so strongly that Chamber CEO Liz League took off for the supermarket to purchase 200 pounds of cat litter to hold them down.
Every time there was a gust, arms were seen shooting up to hold on to the tent structures, as was the case at the Rose Quartz Vibes tent, or holding on to the fabric on the sides.
The winds never did die down entirely but once everything was stabilized the SHOP LOCAL event became a busy scene indeed.
At the W. L. Staton tent, marketing director Christine Richardson (seen in the opening photo) was delighted to welcome attendees with a friendly wave. Like other vendors, she had sweet treats and games for kids, a little something for their parents and lots of information about the plumbing, heating and cooling services of the Annapolis-based company.
Wind related problems still cropped up occasionally and repairs had to be improvised. At Severna Park Racquetball and Fitness Club, a chair and rolls of tape were employed by director of operations Katie Handy and team to secure their sign. Opened 41 years ago in 1981, the then “racquetball club” was located in the Severna Park postal zone that was subsequently rezoned. Its mailing address is now in Millersville. Over the years, the club expanded its services and currently includes fitness classes, a circuit room, a free weight room, a pool, wallyball and, of course, racquetball among other amenities. Childcare is also offered.
Throughout the SHOP LOCAL FUN FIESTA, entertainment was featured. One of the earliest performances was by The Dance Center of Severna Park’s Star Elite dancers fresh from their highly successful recital program at Annapolis High School on June 12th.
A later performance by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi featured a demonstration of martial arts and included the school’s famed “Dragon Dance”.
Lcpl. Michelle Goodman from the Anne Arundel County Sheriff’s Department’s K-9 Unit was on hand with K-9 Calypso for the crowd’s enjoyment as well. Calypso is trained in Explosives Detection.
Winds continued gusting and people could be observed holding onto the tent poles at both the Mathnasium tent and the Passante’s Home Food Services tent. Regardless, as the day wore on, both attracted many potential customers.
With the table skirts and her hair still being blown hours after opening, Lisa’s Cakepops founder Lisa Schneiderman and husband Glen described the wild scene when they arrived at Park Plaza to set up their SHOP LOCAL tent.
“Tents and tables were flying,” Lisa said. “But at least, after two cancellations, everybody’s here.”
The pair battened down the hatches and handed out cakepops but kept their cakepop kits and other paraphernalia confined to carryall bags.
April Stup, Volunteer Coordinator for Partners In Care, loves representing the organization at community events.
Known for her outgoing nature, Stup had many things on her table to chat about with folks.
“When I come out to things like this, I like to bring things that represent our Partners In Care Boutique and the organization as a whole,” she said. “We have samples of our clothing, we have crocheted items made by our volunteers, examples of China, some collectible Baltimore and Maryland related books and objects. Also for collectors, we have vintage copies of National Geographic Magazine.”
Come lunchtime, it was also April Stup who recommended to attendees that they sample garlic knots, meatballs and wings from the Park Tavern/J.B’s table and the little sandwiches from Honeybaked Ham.
There were several health and wellness related business tents including the Carrie Bacquie Chronic Illness Ally tent, the Q Sciences tent and the tent shared by Blended Essentials and Refill Goodness Eco Market & Mobile Refillery.
health supplements and flavored waters to the SHOP LOCAL FUN FIESTA. Blended Essentials’ brought made-on-premises soaps and candles from natural ingredients while Refill Goodness carried safe, sustainable, refillable products for the home.
Regardless of everything else going on, it was wonderful that Franklin’s Toy Store owner Stephen Kauffmann provided fun games that entertained many, many children. The games were but one example of the shop’s treasures.
What shopper could resist visiting Dawn Wilson and sister Donna Phillips at their Side Street Framers & Gift Gallery tent. One of the original Park Plaza tenants and a strong Shop Local proponent, Side Street Framers is popular for showcasing the work of local artists and crafters.
“It was so windy we were a bit limited in what we could bring out,” Wilson said. “Still, we’re happy it’s not raining, and we were able to bring some of our most beautiful pieces.
Asked if they felt inflation had yet impacted Park Plaza businesses, the sisters said it hadn’t appeared to hurt any of the owners yet but, if disposable income continues to shrink, they might be affected.
There were other businesses to visit and a number of politicians running for election thrown into the mix. As always, Shop Local events are a boon for both shoppers and for the businesses represented. We found it impossible to leave the event without saying a fond goodbye to The Pup Camp’s friendly mascot Juice Box and his owner Matthew Stewart.
Summing up the SHOP LOCAL FUN FIESTA, League voiced her relief that the weather gods gave her wind instead of rain. She felt the crowd was slightly less than the previous Shop Local event since it followed the Father’s Day holiday. She’s already deeply into planning the next event – the annual Independence Day parade.
SEVERNA PARK INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE
As July 4th falls on a Monday this year, the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce will hold it that day. Chamber CEO Liz League announced that the parade will step off at 10 am from dual launching areas at St. Martin’s-in-the-Field Episcopal Church and Our Shepherd Lutheran Church on Benfield Road. As usual, the parade will proceed down Benfield Road, make a slight left onto Riggs Avenue and proceed down the hill past the judges stand. Turning right onto B&A Boulevard, the entries will flow past Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church and Boone Station Hall and make a left onto Cypress Creek Road to parade’s end at Cypress Creek Park.
“The parade will be large this year with over 100 entries, League said. “As it comes into view, the first thing spectators will see is color guards, followed by a 101-year-old veteran who’ll appear with the Heroes of Severna Park organization, followed by another 96-year-old veteran in a convertible. They’ll be followed by the parade’s Grand Marshall Kevin Goska, owner of Goska’s Liquors.”
League added that there will be floats from Homestead Gardens, from the communities of Round Bay, Linstead on the Severn, and the Olde Severna Park Improvement Association among others, along with those of Orphan Grain Train, SPAN, Inc. in conjunction with Chartwell’s Young Leaders, and Unity Band’s musical float. This year there will be a $500 prize for the winning float.
As usual, there will be vintage automobiles, fire engines, decorated bikes, scout groups and other interesting entries.
Severna Park Taphouse fundraiser with Nashville recording artist Chad Bearden
Save the date of July 9 from 12 to 8 pm for a full day of music benefitting the Baltimore Washington Medical Center Foundation at the Severna Park Taphouse at 58 W. Earleigh Heights Road. The featured artist will be Nashville-based singer/songwriter Chad Bearden. However, there will be local bands playing throughout the day. For information, visit Entertainment – Severna Park Taphouse.
