2013 Towsontown Spring Festival Reflecting Food Culture
Other new initiatives are also in store for the popular event.
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The Towson Chamber of Commerce is planning a major revamp for the 46th annual Towsontown Spring Festival, which will highlight the prominence of food in modern culture.
"Every year, right after the festival, we take into account what's worked, what hasn't, and we realized the driving force is the food," said Nancy Hafford, executive director of the chamber.
Although the festival will still host approximately 40 food vendors, Hafford said there will be a greater diversity of options such as a mobile Looney's Pub, dishes from Red, Hot & Blue and Seafood by the Bay—an area organized by radio station 100.7 WZBA-FM where festival-goers can enjoy lunch and live music. There will also be an outdoor bar with seating and televised sporting events.
"We're not just offering festival foods," she said. "We're bringing in more upscale eateries."
Also, for the first time, there is no charge to visit music centers, which include "The Monsters of Mock," a tribute area for popular bands from the past such as The Beatles and Kiss; local and regional performers.
"We felt that we didn't want to prevent people from coming to the festival and strolling around," Hafford said. "We wanted to make it more accessible."
Another notable addition is the introduction of carnival rides to the Family Fun area. This section will also feature face painting and other activities for young attendees.
Popular attractions such as the antique car show, obstacle course and bungee jumping will also return.
The Towsontown Spring Festival, which has no entry fee, will run on May 4 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and May 5 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. A layout of the festival grounds in downtown Towson and additional details can be found on the event's website.
In 2012, the festival attracted approximately 250,000 patrons, Hafford said. Attendees are requested to keep pets at home due to the crowds and lack of curbing facilities.
The event currently has approximately 500 volunteers, but those interested in contributing their time are encouraged to email Hafford at info@towsonchamber.com.
JP
3:19 pm on Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Yes! Please leave your pitbulls at home this year!
MB
12:55 am on Saturday, May 4, 2013
We actually plan to have a few shelter dogs there to meet people for adoption!
M. Sullivan
9:15 am on Thursday, March 14, 2013
I agree, JP! Last year I saw some imbecile walking through this very crowded thoroughfare with a very agitated pit bull on a chain. I would think the Towson Chamber of Commerce could be held liable if this beast were to maim some kid.
I like dogs (normal dogs), but they should be banned from this event with police enforcement.
The statement "Attendees are requested to keep pets at home..." has about as much strength as a wet noodle.
wilbur jones
5:01 am on Friday, March 15, 2013
Hey M. Sullivan, all dogs are normal. Thats like saying I like people (normal ones) I guess the ones in wheel chairs and mentally challenged ones should stay home. I would agree that all dogs should be banned from the event and the police should make them leave but only because of stress on the dog possibly from heat or dehydration. I am not a huge Pit Bull person but they are dogs and many are very nice. Being a dog owner I take total responsibility for my pets. By the way if you bring any of your kids make sure you only bring the quiet ones. Enjoy your life
M. Sullivan
1:24 pm on Saturday, March 23, 2013
Wilbur, I consider normal dogs to be those without the reputation for tearing kids apart without warning. Your analogy is pretty far off base. A more accurate one might be that I like people, but prefer to avoid psychopaths who may or may not be off their medication. If you are looking for a reason to attack me, pick an argument that makes more sense please.
MB
12:50 am on Saturday, May 4, 2013
Towson is a public area, NOBODY has the legal authority to ban people or dogs from the public streets or sidewalks. Free country and all that.
Gabriel Anthony
1:54 pm on Monday, April 8, 2013
Really Wilbur? So now your comparing your kids with your dogs. Hopefully walmart has a great sale on dog food so you can stock up for the family.
Martina Rapp Woods
5:43 am on Wednesday, April 10, 2013
M. Sullivan-the key word is reputation. It is often undeserved. Please judge indiviuals (dogs and humans) by the content of thier character not your assumptions based upon personal predudice! I too believe Towson Fedtival is not the best place for dogs but callin our a single breed is rediculous.
MB
12:51 am on Saturday, May 4, 2013
Right!
What next, ban Dodge Ram trucks because someone fears the Ramshead?
Ban Magnums (Dodge) because the name is scary?
Martina Rapp Woods
8:03 am on Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Calling out...sorry for my typo
Sharon Ensley Dlubala
10:33 am on Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Festivals are stressful on the dogs. Imagine your head is only a foot from the ground and you are surrounded by a sea of legs. Even the nicest dog gets tired of being walked around on hot asphalt streets and forced to make nice to complete strangers who often have no idea how to approach an unfamiliar dog. Do your dog a favor and take him to a park for a romp after you attend the festival. He will appreciate it so much more. And yes I have dogs (two large ones) and I do not take my dogs into major crowds.
Kelleyand Terry Bates
10:25 am on Monday, April 29, 2013
Please forgive me, I did not see any where that the date of the Towson Festival was posted. I would love to attend and enjoy the festival but I need to know when it is. Thank you. :)
MB
12:53 am on Saturday, May 4, 2013
Check your reading comprehension skills: 6th paragraph.
"The Towsontown Spring Festival, which has no entry fee, will run on May 4 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and May 5 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m."