Thousands of festival-goers packed the streets of Thurmont on Saturday, transforming the small Maryland town into a bustling hub of autumn celebration during the 61st annual Catoctin Colorfest. The massive crowd filled nearly every available parking space and crammed into the town's roads, drawn by an array of offerings including fried foods, handcrafted items, one-of-a-kind brooms, and elaborate floral arrangements.

Carol Robertson, president of Catoctin Colorfest, reported that attendance appeared consistent with previous years, typically drawing an estimated 100,000 visitors over the festival's two-day run. Set during the second weekend of October as autumn leaves begin their seasonal transformation, the festival proved as popular as ever. The surge of attendees made it challenging to navigate through Thurmont's Community Park, where the main event activities are centered.

According to Robertson, visitors are attracted by "the colors, the atmosphere, the food and the one-of-a-kind items" that make Colorfest special. More than 200 vendors participated in this year's event, offering diverse products ranging from wood crafts at Key City Craftworks to handmade dog treats at Annie's Pooch Pops. The variety of unique artisan goods and specialty items provided something for every visitor's taste and interest.

One of the festival's most significant aspects is its role as a major fundraising opportunity for local organizations and nonprofits throughout the community. The Thurmont Community Ambulance Service operated one of the most popular food stands, selling their famous apple dumplings as a key fundraiser. The ambulance service, which provides emergency medical coverage for northern Frederick County, considers Colorfest one of its largest annual fundraising events.

Lowman Keeney, president of the Thurmont Community Ambulance Service, revealed that volunteers typically sell out of 10,000 apple dumplings every Colorfest weekend. "We have our own recipe that we don't give out," Keeney said when asked about their dumpling preparation process. The dumplings are made fresh for the festival using apples donated by Catoctin Mountain Orchard, with volunteers peeling the fruit themselves. The treats are often served with a dollop of ice cream, adding to their appeal.

"We're blessed to have our own pavilion," Keeney noted, expressing gratitude to the Colorfest Committee for their support. The ambulance service's dedicated space allows them to efficiently serve the large crowds while raising crucial funds for their operations throughout the year.

Other local community organizations also utilized the festival as a fundraising platform. The Thurmont Lions Club sold various food items, while Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Thurmont operated their own food pavilion, offering hot dogs, soda, burgers, and other popular festival fare. Karen Smith, a church member, explained that approximately 20 volunteers from the congregation work in shifts at their pavilion during the two-day event.

"It's our biggest fundraiser of the year," Smith said, noting that the church raised $6,000 from last year's Colorfest activities. The fundraising effort involves her entire family, including her son, husband, son-in-law, and sister, who all contribute their time during the festival. For Smith, who has been a church member for over 40 years, the event represents more than just fundraising – it's a community-building experience that strengthens friendships and connections.

Smith observed how dramatically the festival has grown over the decades. "It's a wonderful community event," she remarked, highlighting how Colorfest has evolved into a significant regional attraction while maintaining its local character and community spirit.

Visitors traveled from near and far to experience the festival's unique offerings. Florence McCauley from Catonsville said she has been attending Colorfest for five or six consecutive years, drawn by the diverse array of artists, crafts, and food vendors. "I like to just check all the vendors," she explained, describing her approach to exploring the festival grounds.

McCauley particularly enjoys examining the custom woodworking displays, which showcase the skill and creativity of local artisans. "It's just a good time," she said, summing up the festival's appeal with simple enthusiasm. Her regular attendance reflects the loyalty many visitors develop toward this annual autumn tradition.

The festival atmosphere was enhanced by unique attractions like alpacas from Whispering Meadows Alpaca Breeders, providing entertainment and educational opportunities for families. Vendors such as Little House Candles, Gilded Garments, and DM Wooden Flowers and Vases offered specialized products that visitors couldn't find elsewhere, contributing to the festival's reputation for one-of-a-kind items.

As the weekend continued, the combination of perfect autumn weather, quality vendors, delicious food, and strong community participation ensured that the 61st annual Catoctin Colorfest would be remembered as another successful celebration of the season and the vibrant spirit of Thurmont and surrounding Frederick County communities.