“Rain or shine” is an important phrase these days in Calvert County with unpredictable weather changing plans left and right. I appreciate that. It means that Saturday plans don’t have to change much even if darkening clouds appear.
A great place to spend a potentially rainy day is at the Annual Calvert Arts Festival held at the All Saints Episcopal Church. I first went a couple years ago with my family. It’s free if you’re not wine-tasting, so my kids and I enjoyed walking around the art vendors while my mom and husband compared wine notes.
There’s live entertainment near the church. We saw belly dancing and a really great jazz band. People were relaxing in the grass, listening to music and enjoying food and wine they’d bought at the many great vendors. A man in costume did story time with the kids who learned a little bit of Calvert County history.
It’s a great opportunity to see the historic church. Built in 1692, it’s seen an incredible history. Go inside (especially if it’s raining) and see the upstairs galleries and colonial-style pew boxes.
Juried artisans will sell their hand-crafted items along the paths up to the church and in and around the parish hall, a smaller building next to the church. Sprinkled throughout are food vendors and craft demonstrations. It’s a fun place to walk around, shop for last minute Mother’s Day gifts, and get inspired.
For those of you who want to taste the local wines, you can get a souvenir glass and tasting pass for $15 that will enable you to taste wines at all the wine vendors which cover the Patuxent Wine Trail and wineries from neighboring counties. If you don’t want to taste, you can still buy individual glasses of wine or bottles as well.
Rain or shine, the Calvert Arts Festival will go on and will be fun for those brave enough to venture out. With indoor spaces to escape downpours and tented art spaces, you’ll have a great time.
http://www.allsaints1692.org/article/56/parish-news/speical-events/calvert-arts-fest
Advance tickets for wine tasting (wrist bands also available at the event): http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/428158
A nice article. Unfortunately, published almost 4 weeks too late! The festival ran on May 10, 2014 ….. but hopefully people will remember the Saturday before Mother’s Day next year and be able to attend!
Dennis Laurie, The article is a bit late but that is all my fault for being too caught up in other things to get it posted sooner. I am getting back into the groove…Clif