Homes currently on the market is 69 active listings 23 of these are new construction. It appears some builders are feeling the effects of the economy and are reducing prices. One builder has stopped construction until the housing market picks up again. 3 of the active listings are pre-foreclosures up from 2 last month.

7 homes were listed in September and six homes went under contract this was double from last month. Three houses sold in September compared with 1 last month. Home prices range from 225,000 for a Solomons Landing condo to 949,9000. View homes for sale and information on vacation and second homes in the Solomons area go to http://www.SouthernMarylandVacation.com/

Patuxent Appreciation Days - Solomons Island, Md. 20688

October 11-12, 2008

Patuxent River Appreciation Days (PRAD) is a festival in recognition of the economic, social, recreational, cultural and historical impact of the tributaries and environs of the Patuxent River and the basin through which it flows. The festival is held annually on Columbus Day Weekend on the Calvert Marine Museum grounds.

The festival brings together community, county and state government agencies, the Calvert Marine Museum, the Patuxent River Naval Air Station, and other historical and environmental groups, which share a desire to preserve the Patuxent River and to celebrate its positive influence on the area's quality of life, in the past, present, and future.

Sample some of our local specialties and fresh seafood. Listen to some good music and visit our local merchants for great information and crafts. See more information and get the full schedule at www.pradinc.org/schedule.html

Patuxent River Appreciation Days (PRAD) will be at the Solomons Marine Museum. The festival runs from 10am-5pm. Admission to the event is free. The festival includes science and history exhibits, children's activities, a craft fair and food court, musical performances and free harbor cruises. PRAD was developed to continue the interest in and support of the environmental programs and tourism activities surrounding the Patuxent River and its tributaries.

Two of the many blessings that we can be thankful for in Maryland are the oyster industry and the farms that helped this state to become rich in many ways; from home-grown values to the very basic blessing of providing for our families. Southern Maryland will be celebrating and commemorating several events in the next few weeks.

This week-end (October 4th and 5th) Maryland will celebrate the "Blessing of the Fleet" which will be held at the St. Clement's Island Museum Grounds in Colton's Point. 2008 marks the 41st anniversary of this very gala affair. The Blessing of the Fleet is a dual fold event.

It is firstly, a religious observance that asks for God's blessing on the boats which will be going to sea in search of the nutritious and wonderful tasting oyster during the oyster harvesting season.

Secondly, the event celebrates and memorializes the birthplace of Maryland, St. Clement's Island.

The Blessing of the Fleet will begin on Saturday, at 7 p.m., followed by a spectacular fireworks display. There will be many fun-filled attractions for everyone of every age. Be sure to visit the newly reconstructed Cross on St. Clement's Island and the Blackistone Lighthouse.

The Fleet has been blessed and now the oyster industry needs to be celebrated. The celebration will be held on October 18th and 19th, the Annual Oyster Festival (St. Mary's Fairgrounds). There is lots of fun to be had at this event and, of course, there will be an oyster shucking contest as well as the National Oyster Cook-off. The shucking contest will be a free-for-all, followed by a men's contest and women's contest. The winners of the Men and Women's competition will challenge each other later in the day.

The Oyster Festival is truly family oriented with everything from musical entertainment (from Jazz to Celtic), pony rides, a carnival (for the child in all of us) and roving clowns. Of course, no festival is complete without great food. Hmm, wonder what's on the menu?

In keeping with the celebration of Maryland's beginning and its many blessings, the Parlett Family will be hosting its 11th annual Farm-Life Festival. On a few rare occasions a year, the Parlett Family opens its 60,000 farm-life museum to the public. October 11th and 12th will be one of those times.

John K. Parlett, Sr, was one of the rare individuals who wanted to share the American farmer's history with generations to come. With the help of his wife, Kitty, he collected many wonderful and some rare artifacts of Maryland and America's rural farming community. His collection is one of the finest in the country.

Whether you are city-bred or country-bred, whether you are young or old, the Farm-Life Festival is a place for everyone to enjoy another fun-filled day and to learn to appreciate the country farmer, who became a model for the world.

How much fun can you have in one month? Well, if you attend these three events you are sure to find out. Of course, the younger set will outdo us of the more mature types by topping off the month when they don the images of their favorite hero, villain or goblin with threats of Trick-o-Treat on Halloween night. Ohh, to be a kid again.

Note: The Blessing of the Fleet and the celebration of Maryland's beginnings was was founded by Father John J. Madigan of Holy Angels Church (Avenue, MD) and The 7th District Optimist Club.

Oyster Related Websites:
Oyster Cook Books
Maryland Oysters-Recipes
Oyster Restoration in Maryland
Sea Grant Maryland

Farming Relatd Websites:
Maryland Organic Food & Farming Association (MOFFA)
Keeping "Open Space" Open
Community/Agriculture, Farming, Produce, and ArgiTourism ...

I have two homes I rent as weekly vacation rentals so this is great news for that business. It is a good attraction to offer for people visiting the area and anyone that is considering buying a vacation or second home in the area. Cove Point Winery located in Lusby was the first to open. The wineries are spread throughout the Calvert County. Fridays Creek Winery in Owings, Perigeaux in St Leonard, Running Hare Vineyard in Prince Frederick and Solomons Island Winery in Lusby.