Saint Mary's County Fair!

So This is my lucky weekend! I broke the winning streak of KCA and here tis', my speech.

Ahoy mates! The captain bellowed as we climbed aboard the ark at historic Saint Mary’s city I was shaking in my boots I could have sworn he was a Pirate but as he continued he wove a gentle spell convincing me that somehow I had time traveled back into the 17^th century and was an indentured servant to Lady Calvert I was just about to ask where my mistress was when a fighter plane roared over head covering His words. That was 10 ago,  I am now 17 while I may be less gullible when it come to historical reenactments I don’t have much experience in the matters of this world and even though I have been to Asia and Central America nothing has quite captured my heart like Saint Mary’s. I’ve lived here since I was 4 and have grown to love this little navy town. There are many places that over the years have taken their rank in my fondest memories with three in particular being foremost in my mind. Saint Mary’s City, Jefferson Patterson Park, and Cornerstone Presbyterian Church.

                Saint Mary’s City, The First Capital of Maryland, where I learned the joy of history and how to make it come alive. It was at the Ark, a replica of the original ship that landed on these Maryland shores over 200 years ago I learned that the sea was not always a noble profession. I had a discussion with the captain of that ship and the horror stories he told me were enough to straighten my hair! Sailors falling to a watery grave from up on the high masts to the sharks below, Pirates pillaging without mercy up and down the coast terrorizing the locals. I was relieved when I was later found out that he merely was a costumed interpreter telling a story about what may or may not have happened during that time period.

 

                At Jefferson Patterson Park I fell in love with nature. Walking through its vast acreage of trees and the waterfront trails where deer and woodchucks meandered as well gave me new insight to the native flora and fauna of our county. I also had a chance to participate in archeological dig learning about some of the first Maryland families and how they lived. Who knew that that garbage could be so interesting?

                While the last, Cornerstone Presbyterian Church, does not have the same historical or educational meaning as the others, it means much more to me personally. It was built in 1940 with the later astronaut and Senator John Glenn serving on its first board of trusties. Most of my formal education was in that building. Learning with other children in a cooperative school-like environment I came to better appreciate my community and the people that made it.

   I love living in Saint Mary County. When I moved here almost 13 years ago I idea how much the sleepy naval air station town would grow. We’ve come a long from the nearest shopping center being 30 min. away! Now we have a Dick’s Sporting Goods and a Texas roadhouse and soon a buffalo wild wings. However, in the midst of all this change and progress I hope we won’t forget our historical foundations and what makes Saint Mary County so special. I’m sure you agree with me when I say it’s a wonderful county. It’s full of many unique and caring people. When I’m grown up and married with kids of my own I look forward to raising my family here and one day taking them to the places that mean so much to me. Saint Mary's City, Jefferson Patterson Park, and Cornerstone Presbyterian Church. Thank you and my God Bless Saint Mary's County!