Burtonsville residents and visitors are invited to mark their calendars for the 32nd annual Burtonsville Day, a beloved community tradition set to take place on Saturday, September 20th. This year’s celebration promises a full day of fun, food, and community spirit at the Marilyn J. Praisner Library & Community Rec Center.
The festivities, which bring together a diverse array of residents, businesses, and local leaders, will kick off with the highly anticipated parade. The procession begins promptly at 10:00am at Paint Branch High School and will make its way down to the Praisner Center. Following the parade, the main festival will run from 11:00am to 3:00pm, offering something for everyone in the family. The festival grounds will be bustling with a variety of attractions, including:
• Food Trucks & Vendors: Savor a taste of both local favorites and international cuisines from a diverse lineup of food trucks. Attendees can also browse a selection of crafts and goods from various exhibitors.
• Activities for Children: From games to other fun activities, there will be plenty to keep children of all ages entertained.
• Live Music & Performances: The stage will be alive with a dynamic schedule of live music, dance, and martial arts demonstrations, showcasing the talent within the community.
• Public Services: Learn about a wide range of services offered by Montgomery County and non-profit organizations, including health screenings, public safety information, and constituent services.
As Fisseha Adugna, a member of the Burtonsville Day Celebration Organizing Committee since 2019, explains, the event is “an annual community festival that brings together the diverse residents of Burtonsville, local businesses, nonprofit organizations, county and state officials, school leaders, and children of all ages.”
The celebration first began on September 28, 1991, with the vision of founders Edward O’Hara and Larry Hairfield, who sought to create an event that would bring the community together. According to a Free Press newspaper report, the inaugural festival drew over 2,500 people. After a couple of years of cancellations, one due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and another due to a tropical storm in 2023, this year’s event is highly anticipated.
Due to the parade, several road closures will be in effect. Old Columbia Pike will be closed from Old Briggs Chaney Road to the Praisner Library from 9:30am until approximately 11:30am. Perrywood Drive will also be closed from Carson Drive to Old Columbia Pike from 9:30am to 11:00am.
Attendees are encouraged to walk, bike, or roll to the event if they live nearby. For those driving, plan to arrive before the road closures at 9:30am. Free parking will be available at Banneker Middle School and Paint Branch High School. The committee asks that you do not park on Old Columbia Pike to allow for parade viewing.
