The City of Westminster, in collaboration with Ravens Roost 115 and McDaniel College, hosted a parade and presented the Baltimore Ravens with the Heart of Westminster award on Saturday, Dec. 17.
"Poe", the Ravens' mascot, accepted the award on behalf of the Baltimore team.
The Raven recently announced that the team won't be returning to McDaniel College for its annual summer training camp, beginning in 2012, but officials of the Ravens' Roost said in a release that the ceremony was designed to serve "as a constant reminder that our beloved Baltimore Ravens are always welcome, because 'home is where the heart is.' "
The ceremony commenced at the McDaniel College arch, and was followed by an impromptu parade down Main Street in Westminster, ending at Longwell Avenue, where participants took part in a reception, live entertainment provided by Wylde Fire Band and autographs from former Ravens Joe Maese and Bennie Thompson.
Grand marshal of the parade was Dr. Henry Reiff, dean of graduate and professional studies at McDaniel. Master of ceremonies was Kirk McEwen, of 98Rock and WBAL Radio, and other participants included Mayor Kevin Utz, Santa and Mrs. Claus on a Westminster Fire Department fire truck, a Tevis Oil Tanker, Greg Hudnet's 1952 Ravens-Themed Buick, and units from the Green Turtle, Carroll County Farm Museum, the Carroll County Car Club, the Baltimore Ravens Hooligans and Old Westminster Realty.
Ravens Roost 115 is a nonprofit dedicated to the promotion of professional football and raising funds for local charities. The group meets at Rafael's Restaurant, 32 W. Main St. For details, go to http://www.ravensroost115.com.