By Natalie Bland
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
In early October people from across the country head to the streets of Thurmont, Maryland, for the 56th Annual Catoctin Colorfest. Attendees are greeting by brisk air, colorful foliage and tents as far as the eye can see.
“There are unique vendors from around the country,” said longtime festivalgoer Arthur Perez. “It really brings the community together.”
Local students will receive $150,000 in scholarships. There is also the opportunity for local churches, schools and organizations to host fundraisers at the festival.
Pam and Pete Amputh take a nearly 2,700-mile trip to share their business, Forkadelic, with festival-goers. Forkedelic’s tent featured jewelry such as rings, necklaces and bracelets all made from forks and silverware.
“We drive from Thousand Oaks, California,” Pam Amputh said. “We can’t ship everything, so we take the long way.”
Vendors aren’t the only ones making a cross country drive for the occasion. Bill and Judy Wheeler drove up from Palm Bay, Florida to visit family and attend Colorfest.
“This is our first time coming, but it’s been a wonderful experience,” Bill Wheeler said.
What started in 1963 as a nature walk by a local park ranger has expanded to include over 200 vendors. There is plenty to see from jewelry to candles and seasonal crafts. There is also a blend of food options, from bakeries and gyros to Asian fusion and perogies by Gosia’s Pierogies, who’s staff love to teach sign-language to their customers.
“Thank God we drove up,” Judy Wheeler said. “We wouldn’t be able to fit all the things we bought into our suitcase.”
The festival is a family affair, for some as long as they can remember. The Perez family has been going to Colorfest for the past 20 years.
“We love seeing new booths and some of the same vendors we see every year,” Joy Perez said. “It’s like meeting up with old friends.”
Stone House Bakery is a fan favorite for the Perezes.
“We always get cupcakes from the same place,” Vanni Perez said. “We eat them down by a small river for a picnic.”
There are also demonstrations by crafters and dance performances.
“My best friend and I have come for the past five years,” Chez Perez said. “We get a picture in the same spot so we can see the differences. No matter where we are in life, we always make time for each other Colorfest weekend.”