AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler
Brought to you by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi
and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services
Bohemian style, also known as ‘Boho chic’, is described by Wikipedia as “a fashion and lifestyle choice characterized by its unconventional and free-spirited essence”. Boho chic fashions, products and entertainment were on fully display during the 2nd Annual Bohemian Black Fesitval organized by Severna Park designer and stylist Rose Walker and held at Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Department on September 16 and 17.
Though born in the 19th century, the Bohemian culture’s fashions have always featured the flowing fabrics and vibrant colors, Walker loves. Founder and creative director of House of Design & Co. (which does custom design events) in 2010, she later branched out and formed Walking Roses Styling – a coordinator of stylish pieces of clothing for friends, family and customers. Shortly thereafter, inspired by the creativity and authenticity of the Bohemian style, she began sourcing clothing and accessories from her favorite designers/vendors in a collection she called Bohemian Black.
Now a third branch of her company, the Bohemian Black brand, features designs that span age groups and body types and are marketed online and at local events like the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber’s Shoptoberfest or Good Neighbors Group’s Pop-Up Shops. Walker decided to stage her first Bohemian Black Festival in 2022 to highlight both the fashions and products associated with the lifestyle. This year’s event carried on what Walker hopes will become a tradition.
We attended the indoor/outdoor festival on the first day and found attractive, well-organized rows of tents set up on the firehouse parking lot. However, we decided to leave the vendors for later and head for the indoor display space.
Stepping through the entrance, we discovered that the firehall had been transformed into a Boho chic boutique – one that Bohemian Black’s devoted customers made a beeline for. We immediately spotted Severna Park resident Jeanette Marchesi and her daughter Aviana Etterson looking through a selection of dresses and tops in a multitude of colors and patterns.
“We know Rose and have been interested in her clothes for a long time,” Marchesi said.
Walking on, we glimpsed Rose Walker beyond one of the display tables acquainting a customer with some stylish new jackets. All of the displays were eye-catching and featured accessories selected to complement the Boho chic styles.
Just behind the Boho chic chapeau, Rose Walker can be seen helping a customer. 
Beautiful accessories were prominently displayed throughout the firehall.
We next ran into Karen Chestut who’d purchased Bohemian Black clothing before and was enjoying browsing through the dresses.
Having purchased a Bohemian Black dress and top previously, Chestnut was admiring the new fall fashions.
Other shoppers headed for different sections of the retail space – especially racks devoted to children’s clothing. Walker is known to have an eye for clothing that appeals to young men, so it was no surprise to see several exploring racks in the men’s section. A section, just for the Bohemian Black Festival, was dedicated to consignment clothing.
Outdoors, a dozen vendor tents beckoned. They ranged from chemist Tracey Kearse’s AcArre Bioactive Scalp & Skin Care to Colleen Carmichael’s Snap & Spark Candles, singer Ryan Collins’ Unruly Royalty Natural Hair Salon, author Joanne Sanders and Lauren Robinson’s Indigo Layne Co.
Dressed in their own colorful version of Boho chic, attendees Renee Hicks and Donie Lians visited the tent of Desiree Hall whose company Vibrations creates colorful, whimsical jewelry from gemstones.
Hall met Rose Walker at the D.C. Fashion Week event, liked her style and, subsequently, became a festival vendor.
Though September 16th was sunny and not a frizzy hair day, we were drawn to the Frizzy Blonde tent. Owner Deanna Clayton, herself a blonde, offered fun and affordable accessories with a retro vibe. We loved the colorful bangles and sunglasses. Next to Clayton, Amber Reed was showing off examples of the work her company AR Graphic Design produces – some of it specifically for House of Design & Co. and Bohemian Black.
Deanna Clayton’s Frizzy Blonde tent attracted a lot of attention with its colorful accessories. 
Amber Reed showed off some of her designs including work done specifically for the festival.
Coming around a corner, we encountered a sign for The Thrifter Chicks Heather McPhee and Maria Carlton.
After making the turn, were amazed to see so many “pre-loved”, well restored and repurposed fashions and household items. Entering the tent, we met the chicks themselves.
The Thrifter Chick’s tent highlighted as many repurposed treasures outside the tent as inside… 
…where we met Thrifter Chicks Heather McPhee and Maria Carlton.
Nearby, we happened on the tent of the Life of Joy Foundation which was manned by founder Joy Cortina and members Jessica Teremyi, Morgan Stroud and Lauren Jenkins. Life of Joy, a suicide prevention and holistic mental health organization would be the recipient of a donation from the event. We learned that the Bohemian Black Festival was being dedicated to the memory of a young suicide victim named David Magloire. David’s mother Jasmine Magloire would be the featured speaker for the event followed by comments from Cortina.
Not one, but two fashion shows were scheduled. While waiting for the 2 pm show, we sought out one of the three food tents and found a shady spot at one of the tables.
Next came the piece de resistance, a fashion show highlighting Boho chic clothing for individuals from every age group. Spirited music began and the models proceeded down the makeshift runway. The commentator pointed out that….
or perhaps you’re a young gent looking to go out on the town… there’s bound to be a Bohemian Black look that’s just right for you.
Stylish stripes are on-trend and pair well with black slacks. 
A casual but cool hoodie with jeans will take a guy anywhere.
The Bohemian Black Festival was exceptionally well done though the turnout was lighter than Walker might have hoped, possibly due to ticket prices and bad weather on the second day. Ever optimistic, Rose Walker is keeping on keeping on and will appear with her Bohemian Black collection at Autumn Market at The Station at 45 W. Earleigh Heights Road this Sunday, October 1 from 9 am till 2 pm.
Fall Festival at Trinity Bible Church this Saturday, September 30
Trinity Bible Church at 99 Truckhouse Road will be holding a Fall Festival this Saturday, September 30 from 11 am till 4 pm. Free admission to the family friendly event includes lunch (burger/hotdog, drink, chips), activities ranging from a moonbounce, dunk tank, photo booth, and assorted games and crafts for all ages to cotton candy, snowcones, bingo and an apple or pumpkin bake-off with a cash prize, and more!
Enter your favorite apple or pumpkin baked good. Entries for the bake-off are due by 11:30am on Saturday, September 30th. After an entry is submitted, it will be scored by 3 judges, served to guests, and the top 3 entries will be awarded.
For more information visit Trinity Bible Church | Severna Park, Maryland | (trinitysevernapark.org). To RSVP, contact the church at (410) 647-4561 or through info@trinitysevernapark.org.
Cafe Mezzanotte’s Art In The Park this Sunday, October 1
Cafe Mezzanotte will host its 2nd Annual Art In The Park event this Sunday, October 1st beginning at 2 pm. Entertainment will include live performances by Sweet Leda and Lower Case Blues. Art from Severna Park’s 364 Gallery, Side Street Framers, Benfield Gallery, and Annapolis-based Local By Design, among others, will be on display. A menu of Festival foods will be available. Tickets are $25. For information, visit Facebook.
Fall Festival at Severna Park Community Center this Sunday
A Fall Festival will also be held at the Severna Park Community Center this Sunday, October 1st from 1 to 4 pm. Presented by KMA Law Office, the free event will feature live entertainment by Scott Voorhees and Joe Glumsic along with performances by the Dance Center of Severna Park’s Star Elite Dancers. The Hot Dog Hideout Food Truck will be on hand as well as the Mooveable Mixtures Drink Truck. Local vendors will be participating for those who like to shop and there will be games, crafts, a face painter and a balloon artists. For further information, visit THE SEVERNA PARK COMMUNITY CENTER – SPCC Home (spcommunitycenter.org).
Chesapeake Harmony Chorus concert at Historic Baldwin Hall on October 15th
Chesapeake Harmony Chorus director Sally Burton reports that a concert is planned for October 15th at Historic Baldwin Hall at 1358 Millersville Road. Themed “Music Through The Decades”, the concert will include performances by the chorus and by The 2nd Star Quartet and award-winning Bearfoot Quartet. Light refreshments will be available.
Tickets are $20.00 per person, $15.00 for students and children under 6 free. Ticketing is online or at the door for this event. For tickets or information, visit Chesapeake Harmony Chorus.
The Around The Park Again column is brought to you this week by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi at 1195 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd. – For over two decades providing martial arts training that improves cardio-vascular health, strength and flexibility while reducing stress. Jing Ying is now offering a homeschool Kung Fu class and is again bringing Tai Chi to the Severna Park Community Center.)
and by Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services at 815 Ritchie Hwy., Suite 206 – When you need someone to lean on, Lean On Dee. Their experienced team of personal care management specialists and friendly companions provide high quality consistent care.
