AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler
Brought to you by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi
Judging by the number of moms out to dinner on the Saturday evening before Mother’s Day, the annual holiday is as popular as ever. This observation was borne out on Sunday with many moms spotted in the crowd during the second of the Friends of Anne Arundel County Trails annual spring concerts at Hatton-Regester Green off the Baltimore Annapolis Trail.
Approaching the Green from the north, we heard the music before we spotted a sizeable number of people spread out across the hillside in front of the Green’s new stage enjoying the music of the popular duo Sparks and McCoy. Having brought their own lawn chairs and/or blankets, the crowd not only occupied the lawn below the Trail but was also spotted across it at the top of the hill.
Friends of Anne Arundel County Trails’ president Lauren Allen, who introduced Edward Sparks and Steve McCoy, told us the pair was chosen to appear in the organization’s 2026 concert series because they were a crowd favorite having been the featured artists 10 times over the years.
Surrounded by an impressive array of instruments including some beautiful acoustic guitars, a keyboard and a harmonica, Sparks & McCoy performed a program of classic rock.
Rain had been predicted for Sunday but Sparks and McCoy opted to press on with the performance anyway – especially since it was being held on Mother’s Day. We noticed several families that were very happy they did since they brought their Mother’s Day celebrations with them to the concert, picnic-style.
As it happened, rain held off through most of the concert scheduled to run from 4-6 pm but, with 15 minutes to go, raindrops began to fall and concert-goers reluctantly scattered.
Before leaving, we caught up again with Lauren Allen who told us the Friends were really pleased with the new stage constructed to replace Regester-Green’s 30-year-old pavilion which had fallen into disrepair. Used thus far, by the Seth Mitchell Band and Sparks and McCoy the stage is roomier, more conveniently set-up and seems better acoustically.
Allen reminded us that three concerts remain to be performed in the Spring Concert Series The concerts are free to the public and are scheduled to take place over the remainder of May. They include:
Sunday, May 17th – Guitarist/vocalist and bagpipe player Jeff Herbert
Sunday, May 24th – Ginger & the Other Dave with Ginger Hildebrand on guitar, violin and vocals and Dave Nolte on guitar.
Sunday, May 31st – Carribean-influenced Guava Jelly with their lead singer/songwriter Bridgette Michaels on guitar, Mike Edillon on bass and Dawn Madak supplying rhythm and vocals.
The concert series will resume in the fall with an additional five concerts. For updates on the spring concerts or information on those scheduled for autumn, visit Anne Arundel County Trails | The Friends of AACo Trails.
Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company Spring Craft Fair this Saturday
Early Heights Volunteer Fire Company is hosting a Spring Craft Fair this Saturday, May 16 from 10 am till 2 pm. According to Fire Chief Dave Crawford, 60 local vendors of all types will be participating across the grounds and inside the firehouse. The event is being held to raise money in support of the volunteer fire company’s construction of a new firehouse. In addition to artisan crafts and decor from vendors, there will be a variety of foods available for cash purchase.
For information, visit Earleigh Heights VFC.
Corks for a Cause to be held June 3rd at Homestead Gardens in Severna Park
Always one of Spring’s most fabulous fundraisers, the Corks for a Cause event benefitting the Baltimore-Washington Medical Center Foundation and NEXTGEN healthcare will be held at Homestead Gardens Severna Park on Wednesday, June 3rd from 6 to 8 pm.
Hosted by Homestead Gardens and Fishpaws MarketPlace, the event will feature excellent wines plus foods from some of the area’s finest purveyors, an impressive Silent Auction and Live Music.
Katherine’s Light Foundation Music Festival at Severna Park Taphouse on June 13th
We have news from founders Robin and Larry Sells that tickets are now available for this year’s Katherine’s Light Foundation Music Festival at the Severna Park Taphouse on Saturday, June 13th. The annual festival honoring the memory of Robin’s daughter Katherine Mueller is a fundraiser for the Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation (NET cancer took Katherine’s life) and three other cancer-related charities. The music event is entirely a volunteer effort and every penny raised is given away. Thus far, the foundation has donated an astounding $210,000 to the aforementioned charities.
We’ve luckily had a preview from Larry of the performers being featured at the 2026 KLF Music Festival. Included are the Lost and Found Trio Band, George Evans, Honey Sol, TMI, Ray Paice, Billy Z and more. The festival headliner is Nashville recording artist MIGGS.
Miggs (Rangel) appeared at the event for the first time last year and was so popular with the crowd that he was a shoo-in for this year’s top billing.
According to Sells, a silent raffle and live auction are planned for the festival as well as a 50-50 and there are more surprises to come. For information, visit the website www.katherineslight.org. Tickets and sponsorships can be found there.
The Around The Park Again column is brought to you this week by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi at 1195 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd. – For over two decades providing martial arts training that improves cardio-vascular health, strength and flexibility while reducing stress. Jing Ying is again bringing Tai Chi to the Severna Park Community Center. From health-defense to self-defense, Jing Ying provides fitness with a purpose for the whole family!
and by Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services at 815 Ritchie Hwy., Suite 206 – When you need someone to lean on, Lean On Dee. Their experienced team of personal care management specialists and friendly companions provide high quality consistent care.
