Antiques to be featured at farm life festival

3rd & 6th district

Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009

The 12th annual Southern Maryland Farm-Life Festival will be held at the John Knight Parlett Farm in Charlotte Hall on Oct. 10 and 11. There will be lots to see and do for every member of the family.

On Saturday, there will be a performance of the famous Lipizzaner stallions, courtesy of Flat Iron Farm, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and an auction at 1:30 p.m. In addition, there will be a general store, trades building, National Lawn Mower Association, farm life museum, tobacco museum, 1900s hardware store, hay rides, live entertainment, petting zoo and more.

Admission is $7 for adults, $3 for students and free for children 5 and younger. Visitors can present their Discover St. Mary's value card to receive $1 off adult admission. The Health Connections van will have flu shots available for $20 (cash or check). The festival benefits Christmas in April-St. Mary's County. Crafters and antique merchants can rent a space. For more information call 301-884-5678, or e-mail jbohle@md.metrocast.net.

The Ridge Knights of Columbus will hold their next delicious fried chicken dinner on Oct. 11 from 11:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. at their hall located at the intersection of routes 235 and 5. The menu will consist of half a chicken, potatoes, vegetables, cole slaw, pickles and a beverage. The cost is $10. There will be a baked goods table and raffle.

I will see you there.

Our county was deeply saddened to learn of the loss of a fine resident. Patricia Ann Woodburn, 75, of Leonardtown, died rather suddenly at St. Mary's Hospital in Leonardtown. Mrs. Woodburn was the wife of the late William E. "Woody" Woodburn.

She was a licensed real estate agent in St. Mary's County and was also very active in the community, serving on the St. Mary's Democratic Central Committee, Navy Women's League, St. Mary's Hospital Auxiliary, Red Hat Lady Society, as a former member of the Leonardtown Lions Club and as a member on the board of the St. Mary's Nursing Center in Leonardtown.

Mrs. Woodburn was also known for her singing, and she had a terrific voice. My brother, Charles, and I heard her sing many times at events for the St. Mary's Hospital Auxiliary. However, we particularly remember her singing "Ava Maria" last Christmas. She sang other songs well, including "The Star Spangled Banner," which she sang at the St. Mary's Hospital Auxiliary Golf Tournament on Sept. 15.

Our deepest sympathy is extended to her children, Mary King of Eagle River, Alaska, Sharon Thompson of Leonardtown, Gene Woodburn of Leonardtown, Pat Woodburn of Leonardtown, Tricia DePriest of Tall Timbers, William Woodburn Jr., of Leonardtown and Iola Klelland of Clements; 13 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

The Sons of the American Legion and Jay Armsworthy along with the band, Eastern Tradition, kick off the 2009-2010 bluegrass series at Post 238 in Hughesville on Oct. 11, with guest Audie Blaylock and Redline from Indiana. Doors open at noon and the show begins at 2 p.m. Cost is $15 per person. There will be a fried chicken dinner before the show and a 50/50 raffle. To order tickets, call 301-737-3004.

Summerseat Farm in Mechanicsville will hold its annual quilt auction on Oct. 17. Preview is at 9 a.m. and the auction at 10 a.m. Hand-made quilts will be auctioned in an 18th-century setting at this free event. In addition, there will be handmade crafts and refreshments. For information call 301-481-9189.

My brother, Charles, and my husband, Don, join me in sending a very happy belated birthday greeting to Alice Foltz of Piney Point, who celebrated her special day on Sept. 26. Alice, we wish you many happy birthdays ahead.

Send signed news to Audrey Ridgell, P.O. Box 457, Leonardtown, MD 20650.