We never run short of events to celebrate here in the historic district. This weekend I am delighted to inform you that we are marking the 186th anniversary of the B&O Railroad. Yes, on May 24, 1830, service began between Baltimore and Ellicott City — the first in the country. I am glad we are celebrating a sort of in-between number. I remember when we were planning a big deal celebration for the 175th — and that came to a grinding halt when the roof collapsed during a blizzard at the B&O Museum in Baltimore, the site of the main part of the party. We soldiered on in Ellicott City but it just wasn't the same. So, now for some reason 11 years later, the party is on again. First, at the B&O Railroad Museum, Ellicott City Station, on May 21 there will be a celebration for the beginning of service on the Old Main Line. The following week, on May 28, the Side Hill Badgers String Band will be performing traditional Appalachian old-time music at the station from 1 to 3 p.m. The 186 commemoration continues at Mt. Ida, across from the courthouse parking lot, where Historic Ellicott City Inc. is sponsoring an Operating Model Trains display on May 21 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This display of models of some of America's most important trains is put on by the B&O Historical Society and Museum and the Western Maryland Historical Society. Admission is $5 for adults, free for ages 12 and under.
The Old Town Markets have resumed on Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. They are in two locations, the parking lot next to the Wine Bin and in the Tonge Row courtyard. Lots of free parking is available by both venues.
The best entertainment deal in town — as in free — gets started on Saturday, May 21, when the Hall Williams band will be playing in the courtyard by Tonge Row, starting at 6:30 p.m. The following week movies start at the Wine Bin —"Skyfall" on Friday, May 21, and "Live and Let Die" on Saturday, May 22. What you do is go to the Wine Bin and get yourself a nice bottle of wine. Take it down the street to the courtyard where you can buy yourself a tasty meal at the Little French Market Café, where there are a variety of healthy and delicious sandwiches, salads and soups; or at the River House Pizza Company, which now has its own seasonal al fresco dining area on the courtyard, too. It is also at the farmers markets at the Miller Library on Wednesdays, from 2 to 6 p.m., and the historic district market on Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Its dining area is open for business Wednesday to Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and on Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Its magnificent oven cooks pizza in about 90 seconds, and the offerings include such mouth-watering items as the "spring green"— Parmesan, mozzarella, basil pesto and marinara, and the "Namaste"— Parmesan, mozzarella, caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, baby portobello mushrooms and marinara. Yum. Anyway, enjoy your feast while listening to the great music, then make your way back to the Wine Bin for the—also free—movie. These events will continue throughout the summer. Don't miss out.
The next "Spirits of Ellicott City" ghost tour will be on May 19, at 8 p.m., leaving from the Welcome Center. The next Ellicott City Walking Tour, led by a historian from the Howard County Historical Society, will depart from Mt. Ida on Saturday, May 21, at 1:30 p.m. The cost is $5 for members; $10 for non-members. The walk winds through town and ends at the Railroad Station plaza. Wear comfortable shoes. And don't forget the Main Street Art Hop, scheduled for Saturday, May 21, from 6 to 10 p.m., and featuring a variety of participating venues. This event is sponsored by the Ellicott City Arts Coalition.