The community show committee met recently to begin planning the 52nd Annual Thurmont & Emmitsburg Community Show. The show will be held at Catoctin High School on September 5, 6 and 7. Officers elected at the meeting were President - Rodman Myers; Vice President - Robert Valentine, Secretary - Robert Beavan. Other committee members include Sue Keilholtz, Jessica Valentine, Robert Wiles, David Harman, Cheryl Lenhart, Alan Brauer, Sr., Jeff Geisinger, Denise Valentine, Myron Troxell, Helen Troxell, Jane and Dave Savage, Karen Myers, Sue Sanders, Patty Johnston, Laura Keilholtz, Sarah Shriner and Diane Ogg.

On Friday night of the show, immediately following the flag ceremony, the committee will honor the 200th Anniversary of Mount Saint Mary's University.

Also on Friday night the 2008-2009 Catoctin FFA Chapter Ambassador will be announced. The Baked Goods Auction will start at 8:30 p.m. and the Grand Champion cake, pie and bread will be sold at 9:00 p.m.

The committee decided that all premium award rates will remain the same as they were in 2008 with the exception of baked goods, where premiums for cakes, pies and breads will be increased. Some minor additions and deletions will appear in some of the departments.

On Saturday, the Catoctin FFA Alumni Beef, Sheep and Swine Show will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and the annual Pet Show will begin at 10:30 a.m. in front of the school. A petting zoo and pony rides will be held on Saturday and Sunday.

In the old gymnasium, John Kinnaird of Thurmont will feature his displays of old area photos, and the Thurmont Library will hold their annual book sale. Visitors can peruse commercial exhibits, a bee and honey display and the Mackley Family's Antique Button Collection.

The Thurmont Grange will serve turkey and ham dinners in the school cafeteria from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday night. The 34th annual Catoctin FFA Alumni Beef, Sheep & Swine sale will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Ag Center area on Saturday night.

Activities begin on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. with the Goat Show, followed by the Dairy Show and Decorated Animal Contest. At noon, the Catoctin FFA Alumni Chicken Bar-B-Que will be held in the cafeteria. The annual horse school pitching contest will begin at 1:00 p.m. Dale and Donnie Kaas chair this activity in its 29th year of the competition. The Log Sawing Contest will begin at 1:00 p.m. under the show tent in the Ag Center area. The Linda Elower Studio of Dance will perform at 1:30 p.m. in the school auditorium.

The Barnyard Olympics for children will again be held on Sunday afternoon beginning at 1:30 p.m. Age Groups are 5-6 yrs, 7-8 yrs, 9-10 yrs and 11-13 yrs. Premiums will be awarded. There will be a martial arts demonstration at 2:00 p.m. in the old gymnasium.

Entry of exhibits takes place in the new gymnasium and in the agriculture department area on Thursday evening, September 4 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. and on Friday, September 5 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Judging will begin at 12:30 p.m. Commercial exhibits may be entered on Friday from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The show will open to the public at 6:00 p.m. Exhibits must be removed on Sunday, September 7, 2008 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

If you would like to advertise in the show booklet, please contact Rodman Myers at 301-271-2104. Community show booklets can be found in local Thurmont, Emmitsburg and surrounding area businesses in late July or early August. New residents of the community are urged to enter and be a part of the show, the largest in Maryland. Departments include: Fresh Fruits, Fresh Vegetables, Home Products Display, Canned Fruits, Canned Vegetables, Jellies & Preserves, Pickles, Meats, Baked Products, Sewing & Needlework, Flowers & Plants, Arts, Paintings & Drawings, Crafts, Photography, Corn, Small Grains & Seeds, Eggs, Nuts, Poultry & Livestock, Dairy, Goats, Hay, Junior Department and Youth Department.