On the first Saturday in October there is usually an early fall mist in the morning air. Not exactly a fog, but a low-hanging mist that starts to lift shortly after sunrise.
As the mist begins to dissipate, a miracle arises like the legendary Brigadoon. White Tents start to appear, the smell of apples fills the air, and the crowds come. And more. And more.
Because on this day, this magical day, the village of Darlington (population 1,000) opens its doors to the entire Eastern Seaboard for the Darlington Apple Festival.
On a sunny day, some 70,000 people will visit Darlington. On a rainy day, as few as 40,000. And the famously anti-development citizens of Darlington (of whom I am one) say to the visitors, "please come to Darlington for today, and then please leave!"
The Apple Festival was started over 20 years ago as a fund-raiser for local churches and civic groups, and it maintains that character to this day. Between their own food stands, and the mandatory donations of commercial vendors, many of the local churches earn the lion's share of their operating budgets on this day.
In fact, a commercial food vendor is not even allowed to participate in the Darlington Apple Festival unless he donates about 20% of his day's gross sales to a local non-profit.
In one case, the Apple Festival had a signature food—the Apple Delite: a spiral-sliced apple served with warm caramel and whipped cream. The Apple Delite vendor, who was from out of town, had resisted the mandatory cash donation for years, and figured the Apple Delite was so important to the event that he was immune. But the event organizers finally enforced the rule, and the vendor was out on his ear. A local community center that provided after school services to latch-key children picked up the Apple Delite stand, taught themselves the particulars, and operate it to this day.
With off-site parking (and plenty of signs) and regular bus service to Shureville Road, the Apple Festival is a favorite for families through the area. Lots of wonderful food, plus great artists and wonderful crafts. Entertainment, children's areas and more. Mums from the Amish. And, of course, apples.
The Darlington Apple Festival is a day of magic. Give it a try and go and have lots of fun.
Maryland Health Insurance - How to Get the Best Rate
By: Brian Stevens
Due to increased medical costs, rising malpractice insurance rates, and increased longevity rates, health insurance premiums have doubled in the last few years. But you can still get a cheap rate on Maryland health insurance if you know how.
Government Health Insurance Programs
Maryland offers a number of government sponsored health insurance programs. Depending on your level of eligibility, these programs are either very cheap or cost nothing at all. These programs include:
* Maryland's Medical Assistance Program (Medicaid) for low-income families, children, pregnant women, women with breast or cervical cancer, the elderly, and people who are blind or disabled.
* Maryland's Children's Health Program (MCHP) for uninsured children under the age of 19 whose family's income is less than 200% of the federal poverty level.
* Maryland's Children's Health Program Premium (MCHP) for uninsured children under the age of 19 whose family's income is more than 200% but less than 300% of the federal poverty level.
* Maryland's Primary Adult Care Program (PAC) for low-income individuals, 19 or older, who are not on Medicare and who don't qualify for Medicaid.
* Maryland's Family Planning Program for women who have lost their Medicaid coverage after being covered for a pregnancy under MCHP.
To find out if you're eligible for any of these programs go to the Maryland Department of Health website - dhmh.state.md.us - click on "Health Care Programs," then click on "Medicaid and Health Insurance Programs."
Private Health Insurance Programs
If you're not eligible for any of Maryland's state health insurance programs, you can still get inexpensive health insurance through a private carrier.
With private health insurance you have two basic types of plans - indemnity plans and managed health care plans. Indemnity plans let you choose your own doctors and hospitals, but they are much more expensive than managed health care plans. Managed health care plans assign you to a network of doctors and hospitals you must use for your medical needs, and are the cheapest health care plans.
Inexpensive Health Care Plans
To get the best rate on a health insurance plan you have to compare rates from a number of different insurance companies. Thanks to the Internet and the advent of insurance comparison websites, it only takes a few minutes to get health insurance quotes you can compare in order to get a cheap rate.