 Friday, August 1, 2025
Happy August! I hope you have the chance to explore and enjoy the great summer recreational offerings across District 2. From outdoor movies to farmers markets to a local restaurant tour, there is something for everyone right in our backyard. I hope to see you at some of the events listed below!
Clarksburg Farmers Market @ The Clarksburg Yard
The newly established Clarksburg Farmers Market is such a fabulous spot to pick up a delicious homemade dessert, farm fresh veggies, handmade pottery, and so much more. The market is hosted at The Clarksburg Yard, located at 22820 Frederick Road, Clarksburg, MD 20871. It will run every Thursday from 4-8PM until November 6th. The Clarksburg Yard also holds a number of fun events for all ages. Just last week, my team and I attended the Clarksburg Yard's Trivia Night and had such a great time!
On Friday, August 22nd, the Clarksburg Yard will be hosting a back to school movie night with How to Train Your Dragon at 8PM! Mark your calendar!
Summer @ the BlackRock Center for the Arts
Every year, the BlackRock Center for the Arts (12901 Town Commons Drive, Germantown, MD 20874) puts together a jam-packed calendar of summer activities! On Friday, August 1st, BlackRock will be hosting an outdoor movie night with Lilo & Stitch from 6:30-11:30PM. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs for a family-friendly movie night!
Throughout the summer, BlackRock will be hosting the Scrap Happy Art Supply Thrift Store and the Artisans Market. The thrift store will be open this Saturday, August 2nd from 12-4PM. Drop in anytime, and pay what you can for the great items you'll find! The next Artisans Market is on Saturday, August 9th and begins at noon. Stop by the BlackRock lawn and check out all the amazing local vendors!
Montgomery County Agricultural Fair
The best days of summer are upon us! The Montgomery County Agricultural Fair begins on Friday, August 8th and runs until Saturday, August 16th. The fair is held at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds, located at 501 Perry Parkway, Gaithersburg, MD 20877. The Perry Parkway entrance is the main entrance to the fair and fair parking. Make sure to review the Ag Fair website to plan your visit!
Tickets are now available to purchase online, and can also be purchased on-site. Please note that parking at the fair is $20 per car. There will be NO SHUTTLES this year from the Lakeforest Mall parking lot. Shuttle buses will instead run from Montgomery College's Rockville and Germantown campus. It is highly recommended to carpool to the event and to take advantage of public transit and the free shuttle buses from Montgomery College. See you at the fair!
 A graphic advertising the 2025 Montgomery County Agricultural Fair. Clicking the graphic will direct to the Ag Fair website.
Riverworks Arts Center
Calling all music lovers for two great events hosted by the Riverworks Arts Center! Tonight, August 1st, Riverworks will be hosting a Friday Night Jam Session at Locals. RSVP through the website to attend. On Saturday, August 16th, the Riverworks Outdoor Stage will be welcoming Mindy Miller for a summer concert. Purchase tickets through the website.
Summer Outdoor Pools
The pools are open for the summer! There are two community pools in District 2 - located in Germantown (18905 Kingsview Road) and Poolesville (20151 Fisher Avenue). Visit the Montgomery County Recreation website for more information about the amenities and activities available at both pools, and check out the flyer below for important summer dates.
 A graphic about the summer 2025 outdoor pool schedule in Montgomery County. Clicking the graphic will direct to the Montgomery County Recreation website.
Upcounty Taste Tour
Earn points towards a prize for visiting restaurants in the Upcounty this summer! The Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce is hosting the Summer 2025 Upcounty Taste Tour, and I challenge you to join me in dining at as many GGCC member restaurants as you can. Visit the GGCC website to download your passport, or stop by the chamber's office (910 Clopper Road, Suite 205N, Gaithersburg, MD 20878) to snag a printed passport.
How does it work? All you have to do is visit the chamber member restaurants and caterers included in the passport between June 1st and August 30th and check the boxes in your passport to track your progress. You'll receive one prize entry for each restaurant you visit and an extra five entries if you visit 13 restaurants in 13 weeks. Submit your completed passport online or in-person by September 1st. Good luck and have fun!
Montgomery Parks
There are hundreds of parks across Montgomery County, with tons of activities for everyone! From skate parks to biking trails to fishing spots and paddleboats, there is something to satisfy everybody at one of our amazing parks. If you're ever looking for a free and fun outdoor activity this summer, make the Montgomery Parks website your first place to check to plan your day.
It's almost time for National Night Out 2025! On Tuesday, August 5th, please stop by the Montgomery College Germantown Campus between 5-8PM to meet representatives from the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) and Montgomery County Fire and Rescue (MCFRS). There will be food trucks, local vendors, and fun activities for all ages! My team and I are excited to see you there! This event is not just for Germantown residents; no matter where you live, you are encouraged to stop by and enjoy the evening!
 A flyer advertising National Night Out, which will be held on Tuesday, August 5th from 5-8PM at the Montgomery College Germantown campus.
As we head into some of the hottest days of the year, it is important to take steps to stay safe during extreme heat. The County will issue Extreme Heat Alerts and Heat Emergency Alerts to notify the community of hazardous conditions. Sign up for Alert Montgomery to receive notifications from the County, and be sure to check on elderly friends, relatives, and neighbors to ensure they are not showing signs of heat-related illnesses.
During excessive heat days, the following precautions can help you remain safe:
- Stay indoors, whenever possible
- Be careful to avoid strenuous activities that can result in overexposure to the sun
- Drink plenty of water
- Avoid drinks containing alcohol and caffeine
- When outdoors, wear proper protection from the sun
- Never leave pets, young children, or the elderly in a vehicle for any amount of time
- Monitor those at high risk - infants and children up to four years old, individuals who are 65 years old or older, individuals who are ill or on certain medications, and individuals who are overweight
The County will be providing additional support and outreach to unhoused individuals during excessive heat days and will be providing water bottles on all Ride On buses. To read more about how to stay safe during heat emergencies, visit the County's dedicated website.
 A graphic from Alert Montgomery. Clicking the graphic will direct to the County's heat advisory webpage.
The County Council's August recess begins on Monday.
During recess, the County Council and its committees do not meet. Constituent services, communications, and community outreach are not on hold, however. I will be out and about in District 2 during the summer, and my team and I continue to work for the residents of the Upcounty. The Council will return from recess on September 8th.
The following County Council appointed boards, committees, and commissions are seeking applicants:
The following County boards, committees, and commissions are seeking applicants:
If you would like to get in touch with me regarding anything mentioned in this newsletter or any other concerns you may have, please email me at Councilmember.Balcombe@montgomerycountymd.gov or call my office at 240-777-7960.
If you were forwarded this email and would like to subscribe to my newsletter, click the button below. I look forward to remaining in touch with you and serving you as your Councilmember.
|
