Sang Run State Park Dedicated at Annual Fall Fest

Historic Friends Property in Garrett County Recognized

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is pleased to announce that the property formerly known as Friends Delight will be officially opened and renamed Sang Run State Park.

The celebration will coincide with the ninth annual Fall Fest and Open House at the Friends Store Sept. 30, which runs from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. The new park’s sign will be unveiled at 1 p.m.

The property, which includes the Friends Store, election house, farm and waterfront property known as the greens was donated to the state in 2008 has been managed by the Maryland Park Service and the staff at nearby Deep Creek Lake State Park.

“The Friends Store was the center of the Sang Run community for decades and will once again be a place the community can gather, bring their families and recreate,” Western Regional Manager Christy Bright said. “We hope everyone can stop by and see what the Maryland Park Service has been doing all summer to bring this historic and iconic farm back to life.”

Future plans for the historic property include restoration to the 1872 election house and 1789 store. A genealogical reference library for family and community history is being established for family research as well. Hiking trails, native and vegetable gardens, blue bird restoration projects, and traditional arts and trades are demonstrated through the spring, summer and fall.

Fest Fest events include pumpkin carving and decorating, apple cider pressing and tasting, apple butter making, hayrides around the farm, Dutch oven cooking demonstrations, candle dipping, sack races, scarecrow making, artisans and hot dogs on the grill. Visitors can check out demonstration gardens and pick pumpkins directly from the patch.

The event is free and open to the public. The park is located at 3735 Sang Run Road, McHenry. More information on the Friends property or Fall Fest is available by calling the Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center at 301-387-7067 or 301-387-3225.