Markoff’s Haunted Forest, located at 19120 Martinsburg Rd in Dickerson, is one of Maryland’s greatest Halloween events. This past October, Markoff’s celebrated its 30th anniversary. The spooky attraction has closed for the season, but recently shared that it has officially “terrorized” over 1 million people.

This year was the culmination of MHF’s 30 years in the business, which started on September 30th: “2022 is going to be epic. Heart-pounding scares; Terrifying , twists & turns; Eerie glades & creepy trail ghouls; and Fright-full scenes for you to tremble your way through like Mummy’s little kitten.” And epic it was, reaching a milestone that makes MoCo proud.


As part of the Town of Poolesville’s ongoing efforts to improve pedestrian safety, the Town has installed new flashing crosswalk signs at the intersection of Fisher and Wootton Avenues.

These flashing crosswalk signs should more easily alert motorists to pedestrians wanting to cross at the intersection, creating a safer environment for our residents. Improvements will also be made to W. Willard Road, including the recently completed sidewalk and crosswalks, and new signage will also be added here.


Don’t miss Whalen Commons being transformed into a winter wonderland!  Many of our traditional activities will return, including the lighting of our holiday tree, visits with Santa, musical performances, the Holiday Express Train, ice skating rink, Frozen moon bounce, artisan vendors, food trucks, the WUMCO Basket Auction, Gingerbread Cookie decorating (sponsored by PACC) and Polar Express wagon rides through town (sponsored by Calleva). Additional information below:

Whalen Commons:


Updated to reflect Olivia Cong is a junior

The Poolesville High School golf team came up with their second consecutive 1A/2A State Championship win, with junior Olivia Cong winning her second consecutive individual State Championship in girls golf.


On Wednesday, October 26th, Town of Poolesville contractors will start construction on a new sidewalk on W Willard Rd. Traffic control will be on site. However, you may experience delays traveling through this area, so please plan accordingly. If you have any questions about this project, please contact Town Hall.

Information courtesy of the Town of Poolesville. Featured photo courtesy of Google Maps.


The Frederick County Council voted for the approval of the Sugarloaf Treasured Landscape Management Plan on Tuesday, passing the plan to preserve Sugarloaf Mountain and surrounding land, but pushed back a decision on development restrictions in the area to the council that will take office in December, following the November elections (according to a report by Jack Hogan of the Frederick News Post).

The Washington Post reports that the Frederick County Council rejected a last minute compromise, 4-3, that could lead to further conflict between county officials and the property owner. Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner expressed disapproval of the compromise at the meeting, while County Councilmember Kai Hagan, who proposed the compromis, referred to it as “an effort to advance the strongest plan we can get”.


The Frederick County Council unanimously voted to postpone its decision on a plan to preserve Sugarloaf Mountain and its surrounding area during its meeting on Tuesday, October 18th. The vote on the Sugarloaf Treasured Landscape Management Plan will now take place on October 25th.

Original report: Stronghold,  a non-profit corporation organized in 1946 by the late Gordon Strong, owns and operates the Sugarloaf mountain property “for the public’s enjoyment and education in an appreciation of natural beauty.” The Frederick County Council is scheduled to vote in today’s meeting (October 18th) on whether to approve the Sugarloaf Treasured Landscape Management Plan that includes standards for development in the plan area and prohibits certain uses, including carnivals, shooting ranges and landfills, per the Frederick News Post.


Field of Screams, now in its 22nd year in business, was recently voted as the #1 spot in USA Today’s 10 Best Haunted Attractions in the country. Located in Olney, this Hollywood-level production includes well-trained actors and an intense fright experience with decor and props not seen outside the movie industry.

Enter a horrifically terrifying world beyond imagination at the Fields of Screams in Olney, Maryland. A good walk through the woods on The Haunted Trail and Trail of Terror leaves visitors scurrying away. Along their journey, guests are welcomed into thirteen haunted houses, where they might find anything from dead bodies to hillbillies and butchers. Enjoy Body Bean Bag Pumpkin Toss, Zombie Brain Smash, and other Carnival Town Games for a thrilling, competitive experience.


The 2022 Election for 2 Poolesville Town Commissioners will be held on Tuesday, November 8, from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM at Poolesville Town Hall. Additional information on the election can be found below:

Residents qualify to vote in the Poolesville Town elections through registration with the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors of Elections. If you have recently relocated within Poolesville’s corporate limits, please ensure that you have changed your address with the county.


10/19 Update: The Frederick County Council unanimously voted to postpone its decision on a plan to preserve Sugarloaf Mountain and its surrounding area during its meeting on Tuesday, October 18th. The vote on the Sugarloaf Treasured Landscape Management Plan will now take place on October 25th.

Stronghold,  a non-profit corporation organized in 1946 by the late Gordon Strong, owns and operates the Sugarloaf mountain property “for the public’s enjoyment and education in an appreciation of natural beauty.” The Frederick County Council is scheduled to vote in today’s meeting (October 18th) on whether to approve the Sugarloaf Treasured Landscape Management Plan that includes standards for development in the plan area and prohibits certain uses, including carnivals, shooting ranges and landfills, per the Frederick News Post.


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