Activities
Heritage Parade
Time: Begins at 10:00 AM – Location: Main Street
The Middletown Heritage Festival Parade kicks off the Festival with the Frederick County Honor Guard leading the parade down Main Street from Prospect to Willow.
With its dance groups, floats, marching bands and a variety of community organizations, the parade is always a highlight of the day.
Parade participants will stage from Cone Branch to Prospect on Main Street.
Grand Marshal for the 2024 Heritage Parade - The Huffer Family
The Huffer Family: A Legacy in Middletown Valley
For over 150 years, the Huffer family has been an integral part of the Middletown Valley community, deeply rooted in its rolling hills and fertile fields. Spanning seven generations, the Huffer family's connection to this land is not just one of ownership but of stewardship, preserving the natural beauty and agricultural traditions that have defined this region.
Through the challenges and triumphs of each passing generation, the farm has remained a constant—a symbol of hard work, dedication, and enduring values. The Huffer family's commitment to their land and community is evident, from the carefully tended fields to the historic buildings that still stand as a testament to their heritage.
In 1994, the Huffers diversified their farming operation and opened Jumbo’s Pumpkin Patch, LLC. What started as a small roadside wagon with just 1.5 acres of pumpkins has become a cherished autumn tradition for countless families. Now celebrating their 30th anniversary, Jumbo's Pumpkin Patch has been honored multiple times over the years as one of the top 10 Pumpkin Patches in the United States.
For the Huffers, farming is not just a livelihood—it’s a way of life, one that they are proud to share with the community. Whether through hosting seasonal events, supporting local initiatives, or simply welcoming visitors with open arms, the Huffer family remains deeply connected to the Middletown Valley and committed to preserving its rural charm.
Heritage Festival Booth
Location: Main Street in front of Town Hall
Be sure to check out the Middletown Heritage Festival booth. We have loads of merchandise for sale to remember your day at the festival! Mugs, t-shirts and other great keepsakes await you at the Heritage Booth.
And remember you can purchase year-round from our online store! Just click “SHOP” in the header above. We will deliver to your home if you’re local or ship to you if you’re far away!
Middletown Volunteer Fire Dept
First Aid Station & Safety Information
Location: Corner of Main & S. Jefferson St.
MVFD will have lots of important information for both kids and adults on fire and personal safety in the home, bike safety, the new program “Close Before You Doze”. Check out the pieces of apparatus on display and ask questions of our firefighters and EMTs.
Christ Reformed UCC
The church will have the following activities at the church:
- Bake Sale
- Children's Craft Activity - decorate and make a button
- Moonbounce
- History of the church including the Civil War
- Displays of Church activities, events and available study groups
- Children's Scavenger Hunt with prize bags for the first 50 participants
Christmas in the Valley Ornament
The 2024 Christmas in the Valley Collectible Ornament, 18th in a Series
Middletown Sunrise
Middletown’s early risers appreciate the beautiful sunrises over Braddock Mountain. This year’s ornament, Middletown Sunrise, depicts this beautiful scene. This ornament features the historic buildings that line West Main Street, the steeples of both Zion Lutheran and Christ Reformed churches, and even Middletown’s water tower! Perched on the greenery surrounding the ornament is Middletown’s signature bird, the Baltimore Oriole, named after Lord Baltimore, who founded Maryland. This ornament is for sale at the town booth at the Heritage Festival and at the town hall during normal business hours. $30 includes stand and gift box. All proceeds help fund Christmas in the Valley!
Welcome Center
19-21 West Main Street, Middletown
The former Bussard Barbershop new Main Street Middletown office renovation is complete and the new Welcome Center is open! Be sure to stop in to experience Middletown and its Civil War history through two professionally produced videos, pick up information about our downtown, and more. We have a small selection of Middletown gifts for sale that help us expand our programing.
Heritage Hunt
Location: Welcome Center - 19 West Main Street
Pick up the annual Heritage Hunt game card and explore the Festival area to match the clues to our historic buildings. Return your completed game card for a chance to win a Middletown themed prize!
Local Author Book Signing
Location: 19 West Main Street - 11:00 am
Main Street Middletown is hosting Anna Lisa VanMantgem author of Exploring Middletown, Maryland. Books can be purchased at the Welcome Center and she’ll personalize your copies starting at 11am.
