By James Rada Jr.
News Editor

THURMONT, Md. – Downtown Thurmont will come alive Friday, May 11 for the second Downtown Gallery Stroll.

Following up on the success of last year’s event, this second gallery stroll will introduce some new changes.

“Last year was spectacular,” said Thurmont’s Main Street Manager Vickie Grinder. “It was a perfect night with perfect weather. Everybody had a good time.”

Alex Mitchell, a fiddler from Walkersville, will be playing Celtic, bluegrass and classic music in Mechanicstown Park from 6 – 8 p.m. Businesses can also set up display tables in the park, but because of limited space, it will be on a first come, first served basis.

“This year, we’ll also have a wine tasting at every store that participating,” said Grinder. “We’ll have a different flavor wine at each location.”

Grinder also said the first 100 people to come to the gallery stroll will get a free goody bag.

Local artist Rebecca Pearl will be debuting a new painting for the event just as she did last year. This year’s painting will be of the Johnson House at 27 West Main Street. Prints and artist’s proofs will be available for sale.

“It was built in 1805 to be a tavern,” Pearl said. “It’s part of a series of historic Thurmont buildings that I’m doing.”

Pearl will also have prints of the C.S. Frailey General Store in Catoctin Furnace.

Some of the other participating businesses will be Cool Beans, A Whimsical Place and Hobb’s Hardware.

The event is free and parking will be available at the municipal parking lot and Hobb’s Hardware parking lot. The event will be held rain or shine.

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