Beltway Bambinos

In a city filled with Smithsonian-caliber museums it can be easy to overlook local history. The Washington Metro area has a rich history that goes beyond just being where Congress lives and our founding fathers memorials are. There are and have been families and everyday people here who share a unique and beautiful history. In 1981 a group of residents of Sandy Spring, Maryland saw that history slipping away and were determined enough to preserve at the Sandy Spring Museum. The museum hosts community artists, houses an archive and library, a gallery, and is also a space for events big and small.

The community of Sandy Spring has an important story to share – from agricultural innovation, women’s suffrage, and progressive education to the establishment of one of the largest land-owning African American communities in Maryland. The permanent exhibit at Sandy Spring Museum illustrates this rich local history through photographs, documents, and objects that were collected from the families of the community’s earliest residents. Temporary exhibits rotate quarterly

The 36th  annual Strawberry Festival helps to promote many of these goals. Each year it grows in scale physically, and in community participation. Last year over 6,000 people attended many to see family members perform, or to volunteer, or eat a piece of the “Best Strawberry Shortcake in the State of Maryland”.

The events at the festival vary from quaint to fantastic, from traditional kids games like throwing bean bags and rings to a huge climbing wall, moon bounce, pony rides and an entire petting zoo. Most of the games and rides are a few dollars but you can buy a bracelet for unlimited games all day for $15. What a steal!

You’ll also find food trucks with all sorts of cuisines, crafters, a beer and wine garden, two stages with live performances of professional and local talent, an enormous plant sale, raffles, artists doing en plein air paintings throughout the day.

Other events at the museum include a Beer and Wine Garden: Live music, locally-brewed beer and locally-produced wine, and food trucks…the ingredients for a perfect summer evening!  Join friends and neighbors at this family-friendly outdoor  picnic held on the last Fridays of June, July and August. Each month features a new band, new drink vendors and new food trucks. See the calendar of events for the list of participants. Cover charge is $5 in advance or $10 at the door. Save $5 and get your tickets now!

Folklife Festival:  The Folklife Festival is part of Montgomery County’s Heritage Days.  Each year, on the last weekend of June, Heritage Montgomery hosts its signature event, the annual Heritage Days celebration – this year marking its 20th anniversary! This two-day (Saturday, June 24 & Sunday, June 25, 2017 – noon to 4pm) countywide event with free admission offers visitors an opportunity to sample numerous sites representing the history, culture, and natural beauty of Montgomery County. This family-friendly festival is now in its fourth year.  RSVP here.

Nanty Narking Nearly Nine K Run which is a beautiful trail run and 2 Mile Fun Stroll that highlighted historic sites in the Sandy Spring community.
Address: 17901 Bentley Road Sandy Spring, MD 20860

Hours: Wednesdays through Saturdays, 10:00am-5:00pm
****Open year-round with the exception of December 25, January 1, and July 4

Admission: Members: Free, Adults: $5, Seniors: $4, Children (3-17): $3
****Admission is free for the general public on Wednesdays, excluding groups