Fun food

No disrespect intended to any local restaurants, but living in the Hereford Zone means that eating out often involves grabbing a table while running errands in, say, Cockeysville. That's why a recent review of Piv's Pub in The Baltimore Sun caught my eye. I found it interesting because it spoke to some of the issues that matter to me when I go out to eat. Moreover, much of the review rang true.

The review described the food as "hit or miss," but praised the restaurant's atmosphere and fun factor. I would not disagree with the description of a Cajun salmon dish that the reviewer seemed to find flawed. But I concur with the designation of the light-fare size penne pasta with blackened chicken as a "good deal."

Speaking of deals, it's worth noting that you can sometimes find a money-off coupon for Piv's if you keep your eyes open. In fact, they do the birthday club thing -- which was worth up to $20 off my last tab, as I recall. (Are you detecting a theme here?)

In the end, the reviewer notes the "good buzz" of the renovated dining room, and gives a thumbs up to the feel of the lounge. He concludes that the best approach may be to come for an Orioles game, and ask around to find out what best to order.

I have taken in ballgames at Piv's, and it is a lot of fun. In fact, when the Ravens played the Dolphins in the playoffs last season, and Ed Reed picked off a pass and zig-zagged around the field for a long touchdown -- remember that play? -- the packed Piv's bar was as electric as any place could be.

Sound effects

Drivers on Interstate 83 in the Sparks area might have recently noticed what looks to be the start of some construction. Crews have begun work on a sound barrier, the North County News reports.

The project's start comes a decade after residents on three nearby roads petitioned state highway officials for a barrier that would reduce traffic noise, the newspaper reports. The neighborhood was eligible because the houses predate 1962, the year Interstate 83 became a system, according to the report.

An area community group opposed the wall, saying it would mar the scenic views, the paper goes on to report. Discussions led to a plan to build a barrier that looks different than other ones further south on the highway. This wall -- with a $2 million pricetag, including the cost for some drainage improvements -- is to look as though it is made of Butler stone, according to the report.

We'll soon see exactly what that means.

It was a blast

Beautiful weather. A big crowd, and a festive atmosphere. Here is a look at the Independence Day holiday parade Sunday in the Hereford Zone. An impressive fireworks display topped it all off.

Also, event organizers have posted prize winners for the decorating contest and the parade. PNC Bank took the top prize for decorations for businesses, and the Croft property was best among residences, according to the parade organization web site. The winners for parade floats included my little girl's Brownie troop, which won for best U.S. flag display (see the seventh photo below).






Click on the thumbnails to view larger images

Bruce In The USA in Frederick

With the Hereford Zone holiday events taking place on the 5th of July, that cleared yesterday for activities elsewhere. No need to take in a parade or fireworks, since we’ll get those here. So off to Frederick we went, in search of chili – and Bruce.

Alas, we got there just after the cook-off ended, so none for us. But before long a rocker dressed in black, flanked on one side by a guitarist in bandanna and on the other by a Big Man in a big hat, was singing of Badlands.

No Surrender. Then Pink Cadillac. Prove It All Night. One Springsteen classic after another. Virtually note perfect, as far as I could tell, and with all the stage moves you’ve come to expect. Why, it was almost as though they had been practicing these songs!

Bruce In The USA evolved from a Vegas “Legends” show, according to the group’s web site. Now, let’s put this in perspective. The Springsteen show I saw a few years ago from about the 20th row at FedEx Field was among my favorite rock experiences. And much has been said about so-called “tribute” bands. All I can tell you is that everyone seemed to be smiling and enjoying the show yesterday in Frederick.

Indeed, the city puts on a pretty good festival. It’s spread out through Baker Park, a long, narrow greenway in the midst of some pretty neighborhoods. Canoes, kayaks and paddleboats meandered about on a lake. Music blared from two stages. The usual fair-food served from trucks. A moonbounce and other attractions for the kids. We spent a lot of time at the dunking booth. My little girl had never seen anything like it, and it caught her imagination.

As we left – no need to stay all the way out there for fireworks, as I said – we heard “Bruce” launching into Rosalita. A happy fourth!

Now, on to the local festivities. The festival in Hereford starts at 2 p.m. And my little girl gets together with her Brownie friends at 4 to begin preparing their parade float. Parade at 6, fireworks at dusk. Should be great.

What’s Red and White and Blue all over?

The heart of Hereford is decked out for Independence Day. Here is a look at some of the holiday displays at homes and businesses along the route of Sunday’s parade.

Speaking of which … A Parade of Flags will lead the procession, which begins at 6 p.m. Sunday and runs from the Hereford Pharmacy shopping center to Hereford High School. Fireworks at dusk.


photogallery | Click the thumbnails to view larger image.

Blog starts with a bang: 4th of July (actually 5th of July) parade and fireworks in the Hereford Zone

For so long, if you lived in the Hereford Zone and wanted to enjoy Fourth of July festivities, you had to hit the road. Drive all the way down to the Inner Harbor. Maybe Towson or Bel Air. Fireworks and music at Oregon Ridge. Or, as we often did, park in the lot at the hilltop business park in Hunt Valley and watch the Oregon Ridge show from there. It was a festive scene, but the fireworks lose some oomph from that distance.

Happily, there’s been no need to go elsewhere since 2006, when holiday festivities came to Hereford. The festival, parade and fireworks draw thousands. In no time, the celebration has become one of the biggest annual events in Hereford.

For good reason. It is a chance for neighbors to come together. The festival and parade are entertaining. And the fireworks deliver. It is, in short, a blast.

The festival begins at 2 p.m. Sunday. The parade is scheduled for 6 p.m., and runs from the Hereford Pharmacy Shopping Center on Mount Carmel Road to Hereford High School. Fireworks are at dusk at the high school. More details can be found at http://www.herefordparade.org/.

My family has enjoyed this event from the beginning. It is fun to be part of the spectacle. Two years ago, while waiting for the fireworks to begin, I ran across an old high school friend who I had not seen in years. Turns out he too had moved to beautiful northern Baltimore County. You never know who you will run into at the fireworks.

Last year, my little girl marched in the parade with her Daisy girl scout troop. This year, she’s a Brownie, and they’re planning to put together a float. I love it.

Check back here for updates as the festivities near. Today, I give a couple of photos from last year’s parade. On Saturday, look for shots of the homes and businesses along the parade route that are decorated for the holiday.

Now it’s your turn: What do you like about the celebration? Dislike? For that matter, feel free to comment on any aspect of the event. Or for that matter, the holiday. What’s on the grill?

Let’s start the conversation.

Oh. Almost forgot. Have a great holiday weekend!

A note about this blog: I am a longtime journalist at The Baltimore Sun. I was a reporter for many years, and was later the Baltimore County Bureau Chief and then Regional Editor for the paper. I love news, especially local news. And I plan to collect and present the information that matters to the people of northern Baltimore County. It is a work in progress, but please check back often – and join in!