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Hops & Harvest Festival: Maryland’s Top New Fall Festival

Howard County, Maryland, embodies a unique cosmopolitan feel perfectly blended with postcard-like natural scenery. The area is ideal for your next big getaway with world-class restaurants, a plethora of outdoor activities, and unique community festivals.

 

The culinary scene in Howard County ranges from luxury dining experiences to cozy neighborhood bars. Luna Bella specializes in Southern Italian cuisine and is conveniently located in Columbia. The restaurant was recognized by The Baltimore Sun as one of the top restaurants in Howard County. Their menu contains an assortment of Italian inspired favorites including hoagies and pasta. Victoria Gastro Pub features authentic high quality British food and was also recognized as being one of the best restaurants in the county by The Baltimore Sun. The warm and unique atmosphere is perfect while you're enjoying your fish and chips, or one of their other authentic entrees.

 

Fall is a can't miss time to visit the Northeast. You’ll find numerous opportunities to enjoy the stunning fall colors and comfortable temperatures. The Robinson Nature Center is an educational facility located next to the Middle Patuxent Environmental Area in Columbia. The Center focuses on environmental sustainability and its 18 acres of wilderness are ideal for leaf peeping. The Patapsco Valley State Park features many great outdoor views as it stretches 32 miles along the Patapsco River. You’ll encounter over 170 miles of trails that wind through the lush forests and natural formations of this 16,000-acre park.

 

With such a great outdoor scene, it’s easy to understand why Howard County hosts great community events. The Hops & Harvest Festival is ramping up for its first year and is ready to make an impression on the Columbia community. It’s a showcase for some of Maryland's top food, beer, wine, and cider producers. You can sample libations, enjoy a great meal, and meet the people responsible for creating them. Don't miss out on the selection of local vendors who will be on hand selling a variety of unique wares. To top it all off, live music will be performed by Maryland’s own, For The Win. Make your next fall getaway one for the ages and attend the Hops & Harvest Festival. We got the chance to interview Chad D'Amore, Founder of CoFestCo, to speak about this first time beer spectacular.

 

RAL: Tell me a little bit about the event.

CD: October marks the inaugural Hops & Harvest Festival. While it’s the first year, we've partered with strong community organizations such as the Downtown Columbia Partnership and the Brewers Association of Maryland, to help ensure a successful event.

 

RAL: How many annual participants do you draw and who are they demographically?

CD: This year we are planning to attract a few thousand people. We are family friendly, but expect a mix of couples and small groups from their late 20's to mid-40's. It's a great event for dates and groups of friends.

 

RAL: What makes the event unique?

CD: The event is located in downtown Columbia, next to beautiful Lake Kittamaqundi. Columbia easy to reach and only a short trip from Baltimore and Frederick. We will be featuring live music and over 50 Maryland breweries, cideries, wineries, vendors, and food trucks. CoFestCo wanted to give back even more to the community. We are proud to provide free vendor spaces to those businesses affected by the devastating flooding in Ellicott City.

 

RAL: What activities will people encounter at the festival?

CD: People will be able to support local artisans, try unlimited drink samples and enjoy the cool start to fall. We will have live music and a variety of games such as corn hole, beer pong, giant Jenga, photo stations, beer pairings and interactive demos.

 

RAL: Will there be any guest appearances?

CD: We've invited hometown hero Edward Norton and some of our favorite Ravens football players, but their appearance is TBD. We are expecting a good turnout of officials from the County and State levels. Our music headliner is For the Win. If you haven't heard them live, you're in for a treat!

 

RAL: What will attendees find for food options?

CD: The food selection is going to be great! We have giant smoked turkey legs, classic Oktoberfest knockwurst, bratwurst, plus organic and vegetarian options. We will have fantastic desserts such as creme brûlée and craft chocolates.

 

RAL: What is the overall environment like?

CD: We couldn't ask for a more picturesque location. The festival is located right on the beautifully landscaped lakefront and surrounded by trees that are just starting to change color. We are within walking distance to a hotel, a multitude of restaurants, and the Columbia mall, which includes everything from a carousel to a movie theatre. There are plenty of nearby activities for before or after the festival!

 

RAL: Are there any lodging specials that are set up specifically for the event?

CD: We are working with the Sheraton to put together a group discount for those coming in from out of town.

 

RAL: Does this drive business to your local economy?

CD: Everything featured at this event is a product of Maryland, including the founders, organizers, breweries, and vendors. The event is part of a much larger vision to revitalize Downtown Columbia. Our aim is to showcase the range of Maryland and Columbia products. We know the event will drive business to the local economy.

 

RAL: Does the event support a special cause in the community?

CD: We are donating 20% of our proceeds from August to the Ellicott City Partnership, to help with the relief and reconstruction from the historic flood.  Additionally, we are offering complementary vending spaces to businesses from Main Street that were displaced by the flood, so they can maintain their presence in the community.

 

RAL: Why should people come to your event?

CD: We are trying to create a signature event that will benefit the community on multiple levels. It's built and ready to go, however, the only way it will achieve its mission is if people show up and spread the word. I can promise that people will leave this event with full tummies and full hearts.


For more information about the Hops and Harvest Festival please visit their website.