Get a history lesson at Parkville fair, Sept. 9
The show will go on, as they say.
Despite the Harford Road Streetscape project and all the road construction that goes with it – which will eventually beautiful the area and revitalize the business district – the 23rd annual Parkville Towne Centre Fair is on schedule and ready for its Sept. 9 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) debut.
In the span of Harford Road between Taylor and Dubois avenues, the fair will feature fun, food, and entertainment vendors. Previous years have seen crowds upwards of 40,000 – despite competing with the Ravens in town and/or on the television.
History will be a big theme of this year’s fair, as the Greater Parkville Community Council is fundraising toward its history book project.
(Just one tidbit to think about as you stroll around the business area – it was established in the early 1800s by families that just might still be hanging around Parkville.)
Stop by the GPCC History Booth to view photos of the original Harford Road businesses and compare them to photos of today’s businesses.
Residents are encouraged to not only view this interactive display, but also to contribute to the GPCC History Committee’s mission to preserve historical memories.
(Older folks are invited to share memories and photos of their own.)
In addition to the display, the history committee will offer the following items for purchase as gifts or treasured keepsakes:
•2008 Parkville “Our Home Town” Calendars: Depicting Parkville’s origins on Harford Road through authentic photographs. $10. Quantities are limited – sold on a first-come-first-served basis.
•Community Cookbooks: A future fundraiser – the history committee will be collecting recipes for a community cook book. This is an opportunity to immortalize your good cooking skills and recipes in a formal cookbook. Pick up your recipe forms at the GPCC History Booth.
•Personalized Holiday Ornaments: An artist will be on hand at the fair to personalize and sell holiday ornaments inscribed with your family member’s name.
All proceeds from these fund-raising activities will go toward the history book project.
When completed, the book will document the historical origins of the Parkville, Carney, and Cub Hill area; record significant events and traditions that shaped the community; and, describe “the way of life” of residents living in the community before the days of modern technology.
The history committee was formed in 2005 to research, collect, and record local history. All volunteers – who put in a tremendous amount of work to kick off the project – the members finally decided that additional funds and professional services were needed to produce the high-quality publication they desired.
The goal is $30,000.
Along with the fundraising projects, the history committee is accepting donations and has applied for a $7,500 Baltimore County Community Conservation Grant.
Professor Barry A. Lanham, director of the Martha Ross Center for Oral History at the University of Maryland Baltimore County has offered his services in writing, editing, and layout of the final publication.
With his help – and the help of the community – the history book will become a reality.