Dunkers Prepare For A Chill At 12th Annual Deep Creek Dunk

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Feb. 25, 2010

Plans have been finalized by the Maryland State Police and Natural Resources Police for Saturday's 12th annual Deep Creek Dunk and Friday night’s DunkFest celebration.
The annual charity fundraiser for Special Olympics Maryland is set for Saturday, Feb. 27, and as many as 1,000 dunkers are expected to take part in the event. Participants come from all across the region, making Deep Creek Lake a popular weekend destination for several hundred people from Baltimore and the surrounding areas during the weekend’s festivities.

Last year’s 11th annual MSP/NRP Deep Creek Dunk raised $162,000 with the help of just under 800 dunkers, with all proceeds benefiting Special Olympics Maryland and its year-round sports training and competition programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities. A significant portion of the funds raised support the 47 Garrett County athletes who train and compete throughout the year.

According to a spokesperson, the Dunk underwrites the entire annual budget for SOMD Garrett County, which includes transportation, uniforms, facilities fees, equipment, and meals.

"We are proud to partner with so many local businesses and with the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce to put on the Deep Creek Dunk, and have tried to market and position the event as just one small part of a weekend destination for those traveling from out of town," said Tom Schniedwind, executive vice president of sports marketing for Special Olympics Maryland. "Our hope is that getting involved with the Dunk isn't just a feel-good proposition for local businesses – instead, we hope that it's actually good for business for our partners here locally."

The dunk activities begin on Friday night at the Honi Honi "DunkFest," and features the Toast Your Buns Bonfire from 6 to 10 p.m.; live music beginning at 8 p.m.; an outdoor pizza party and carnival games for the whole family; and fun drink specials both inside and out. Those who are dunking on Saturday may pre-register anytime between 6 and 9 p.m. Friday evening, and skip the lines altogether on Saturday.

In order to join the event and take a dip into Deep Creek Lake, participants must raise a minimum of $50 in pledges. For that contribution they will receive a complimentary meal from Uno Chicago Bar & Grill, a commemorative event sweatshirt, and a group color photo.

Special prizes will also be awarded for the top three fundraisers, the top law enforcement fundraiser, the best costume, and the top fundraising team. Heated changing tents are available on the lawn for both men and women to change in before and after.

Day-of registration begins at noon on Saturday, and the Dunk will take place at 2 p.m. There is no fee for spectators, and dunkers of all ages are welcome – though participants under the age of 18 will need signed parental consent. To register, persons may visit the web site at www.dunk-md.com or call 800-541-7544, ext. 503 (Md. only), or 410-789-6677, ext. 503, and register through the 24-hour Dunk hotline.

"The MSP/NRP Deep Creek Dunk is not just an event – it’s an experience," said Schniedwind. "There is just an amazing energy throughout the crowd before, during, and after the Dunk as people embrace the spirit of fun and craziness that defines the event. And the best part is that all that positive energy ultimately translates into a better tomorrow for Special Olympics Maryland athletes in all of our communities."

Dunk-day activities include music by DJ Jonny Rock, food, a wacky costume contest, and a live remote by WKHJ 104.5. Following the main event, the Black Bear Tavern is hosting the official Post-Dunk Party from 6 p.m. to close, complete with live music. A suggested $5 donation to Special Olympics Maryland gets all the official Deep Creek Dunk oval sticker and the chance to win prizes all evening.

The MSP/NRP Deep Creek Dunk, presented by Uno Chicago Bar & Grill and the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce, is coordinated jointly by the Maryland State Police, Natural Resources Police, Maryland Park Service and several other local law enforcement agencies.

The MSP/NRP Dunk is just the beginning of a full weekend of activities for Special Olympics Maryland, with the annual SOMD Winter Games beginning the following evening, Sunday, Feb. 28.

Winter Games feature competition in alpine skiing, modified alpine, cross-country skiing, and the newest addition, snowshoeing. Approximately 350 athletes from both Maryland and Delaware will travel to Garrett County for this
state-level event.

Read the rest of the article here.

If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350

Dunkers hitting Deep Creek Lake for good cause

Dunkers hitting lake for good cause

12th annual Deep Creek Dunk Feb. 27; proceeds benefit Maryland Special Olympics
Megan Miller
Cumberland Times-News

OAKLAND — It’s that time of year again — when a group of brave men, women and children leap into a frigid Garrett County lake, all in the name of philanthropy.

The 12th annual Deep Creek Dunk will be held on Feb. 27 at 2 p.m. behind the Uno Chicago Grill at Deep Creek Lake.

Dunkers pay a minimum donation of $50 for the dubious privilege of jumping into the lake in February, but it’s all for a good cause — the money goes to support the Maryland Special Olympics, explained spokeswoman Kelley Schniedwind. The event kicks off the Maryland Special Olympics Winter Games, which will be held at Wisp Resort from Feb. 28 to March 2.

Schniedwind said her organization relies on the fundraising efforts of individual participants to make the dunk a success.

“We have great corporate support, but the majority of the funding that comes in is from people saying ‘I’m going to go to my neighbors, my friends, my family, and ask them to support me and this cause,’” she said.

Schniedwind said the Maryland chapter of the Special Olympics began holding fundraising dunks in Annapolis, and when that proved successful, decided to hold another in Western Maryland.

“We thought hey, let’s take this show on the road,” she said. “We have this perfect spot with Deep Creek Lake, and great sponsors and partners in the area.”

Last year’s Deep Creek Dunk raised about $160,000, Schniedwind said. The official dunker turnout was 799, with an additional 1,000 or more spectators coming out to watch from dry land.

“People come out to watch because it’s such an amazing spectacle,” she said. “A lot of dunkers turn up in costume. There was a group of ladies from Dunkin’ Donuts who dressed up as a box of doughnuts.”

The dunk has become an all-day event, complete with lunch for dunkers courtesy of the Uno Chicago Grill and an after-dunk party at Black Bear Tavern.

“It’s a great day of fun and excitement and great energy,” she said. “But at the end of the day, you’re enduring this moment of cold for a lifetime of opportunities for Special Olympics athletes.”

For prospective dunkers, it’s never too late to register to participate, either online at www.dunkmd.com, or in person on dunk day, starting at noon. Kids can participate too, but dunkers under 18 have to have a consent form signed by a parent or guardian.

For further information, contact Special Olympics Maryland at plunge@somd.org or call (410) 789-6677.


If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Long & Foster Real Estate for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350

13th Annual Deep Creek Dunk Set For Feb. 26

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Feb. 17, 2011

With chilly temperatures and snowy conditions in full effect, people form throughout Maryland are gearing up for an event synonymous with winter at Deep Creek Lake—the annual Deep Creek Dunk.

The dunk serves as a fundraiser for Special Olympics Maryland and is slated for Saturday, Feb. 26. A thousand dunkers are expected to partake in the event. Last year’s Deep Creek Dunk raised approximately $150,000.

The festivities will kick off early with the pre-dunk event Goosebumps & Grapes: An Evening of Fire & Wine. This wine-tasting event, jointly hosted by Honi-Honi, Uno’s, Long & Foster Vacation Resort Rentals, and Arrowhead Market, will feature a variety of wines courtesy of Republic National Distributing Company.

There is a $20 donation required to attend the event, which will allow individuals to taste wines around a bonfire or inside a heated tent. Dunkers will also be able to register, between 6 and 9 p.m., for the dunk and avoid the Saturday morning lines.

Read the rest here.

If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350

Deep Creek Do It All specializes in cleaning services in Garrett County & @ Deep Creek Lake. Give them a call (301-501-0217) or visit the website - competitive rates and quality results from a locally owned & operated company!

Deep Creek Dunk Slated This Saturday

Deep Creek Dunk Slated This Saturday

Feb. 21, 2008
The 10th annual Deep Creek Dunk will be held this Saturday, Feb. 23, behind Uno Restaurant, Deep Creek Lake. Registration is at noon, with the Dunk slated for 2 p.m.

Coordinated by the Maryland State Police and local law enforcement, proceeds from the event benefit Special Olympics Maryland (SOMD) athletes.

"The 10,000-plus athletes of SOMD represent the state's largest year-round organization devoted to sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities," said a Dunk spokesperson.

Pledges are still being accepted for the fundraiser. Interested persons may take the quick dip in Deep Creek Lake for a minimum of $50 in pledges. The event is free to spectators.

"Dunkers receive a commemorative sweatshirt, group color photograph, and the great feeling of freezing your 'fur' off for a truly worthy cause," said the spokesperson.

For more information, persons may visit somd.org, call 410-789-6677, ext. 503, or e-mail plunge@somd.-org.

Honi Honi Deep Creek Lake Maryland

The Honi-Honi Bar is locatedon Deep Creek Lake in MD. Whether you're vacationing or just visiting, The Honi is the place for family festive fun! Dock your boat and come ashore to party on our decks! We feature the best live bands in the area!

Nothing is better than spending an afternoon by Deep Creek Lake, soaking up the sun and enjoying the live bands at the Honi Honi Bar. Winter time offers the Deep Creek Dunk, held annually at the Honi and Uno's restaurant. A true Garrett County landmark, stop by the Honi and see what's happening!

Here are some cool links from the Honi-Honi website:

Honi Happenings at Deep Creek Lake - Not that you need to, but find more reasons to visit the Honi here!

The Honi Honi Photo Gallery - Cool pics of fellow Deep Creek Lakers.

The Honi & Uno's webcam - Enjoy year round access to Deep Creek Lake state park, sunny afternoons on the lawn at Uno's & the Honi and the occasional ice fishermen on the frozen surface of the lake from these web cams!

Maryland Park Service issues warning for Deep Creek Lake snowmobilers

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The Maryland Park Service reminds all snowmobilers of the potential for unseen safety hazards on Deep Creek Lake, particularly at night. As of this Saturday, Feb. 20, an area of ice will be removed near Uno Chicago Grill along Garrett Highway to create open water for the annual Special Olympics Deep Creek Dunk. This area will remain unsafe for quite some time and will be marked with reflective traffic cones, said a park service spokesperson.

He added that persons should be aware that lake surface conditions under bridges where road salt and abrasives are plowed from the pavement are often particularly hazardous.

"Other conditions that may cause unpleasant situations are unseen snowdrifts or pressure ridges that can act as ramps and cause sleds to become airborne, leading to a loss of control and accidents," he added.

Deep Creek Lake is a part of the designated ORV trail system, permitting use by registered snowmobiles only. Permits are available by mail or at any of the local state park offices during normal business hours. Snowmobiles may operate at night if equipped with working head and taillights.

Access to the lake may be made at Deep Creek Lake State Park or with permission from a private landowner with a permit site adjacent to the lake.

Ice fishermen, hikers, and cross-country skiers traveling on the lake should also exercise caution. The wearing of or having readily accessible life preservers could prevent a tragedy, said the spokesperson.

"Anyone who encounters people, pets, or wildlife that have fallen through the ice is asked to call either 911 or the toll-free DNR Communications number (1-800-628-9944) for assistance," he added.

For further information on ice conditions at Deep Creek Lake, persons may telephone a ranger at the park headquarters office, 301-387-5563, or the Discovery Center on weekends at 301-387-7067.

If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Long & Foster Real Estate for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350

Deep Creek Dunk at Uno's & Honi Honi Next Weekend

Do the Dunk at the 10th annual Deep Creek Dunk! We invite you to come on out and “Do the Dunk” alongside the rare breed of thousands of Maryland Dunkers who dare to bare it all each year for the 10,000 athletes of Special Olympics Maryland!For just $50 in pledges, Dunk participants take a quick dip behind Uno’s Bar and Grill in Deep Creek MD to raise funds for Special Olympics Maryland, the state’s largest year round organization devoted to sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. The event is free to spectators, and Dunkers receive the commemorative sweatshirt, group color photo, and the great feeling of freezing your “fur” off for a truly worthy cause!Register @ 12 pm, Dunk at 2 pm

12th annual Deep Creek Dunk coming soon!

I found this awesome aerial video from Paul Thompson's blog of last year's Deep Creek Dunk:

Deep Creek Lake Dunk in Western MD on 2/28/2009 from Paul Thompson on Vimeo.

Here is a link to some more info on Facebook regarding the event.

If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Long & Foster Real Estate for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350

Deep Creek ice has unseen hazards

SWANTON — The Maryland Park Service reminds all snowmobilers, fishermen and cross-country skiers of the potential for unseen safety hazards on Deep Creek Lake, particularly at night. An area of ice has been removed near Uno Chicago Grill on U.S. Route 219 to create open water for the Special Olympics Deep Creek Dunk.

Ice has also been removed along the shoreline of the Discovery Center for ice rescue and cold water diving training for emergency services personnel conducted by the Maryland State Police. These areas will remain unsafe for quite some time and will be marked with reflective traffic cones.

Surface conditions under bridges are often particularly hazardous and snow drifts or pressure ridges can act as ramps, causing sleds to be-come airborne.

Snowmobiles must be registered for use on the lake. Permits are available by mail or at any of the local state park offices.

For information on ice conditions, call the park headquarters at 301-387-5563 or the Discovery Center on weekends at 301- 387-7067.

If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350

Deep Creek Do It All specializes in cleaning services in Garrett County & @ Deep Creek Lake. Give them a call (301-501-0217) or visit the website - competitive rates and quality results from a locally owned & operated company!

Deep Creek Dunk a Success!

Regardless of the damper that the weather put on the situation, the Deep Creek Dunk was a tremendous success! Here are some photos from the dunk, by Lori Hill, a Garrett County resident. My personal favorite, some of my friends dressed up as the old school wrestlers featuring Hulk Hogan, Hacksaw Jim Duggan, Rowdy Roddy Piper, Andre the Giant, Stone Cold Steve Austion, Sting and Ric Flair. Classic:

More photos from the Honi Honi Facebook gallery here.

If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350

Deep Creek Dunk is February 26 2011

February 26, 2011.

More details to come, but check in with the official dunk page. This is the first year I will be taking the plunge, as it falls on my best friends birrrrrthday...

If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350

Deep Creek Do It All specializes in cleaning services in Garrett County & @ Deep Creek Lake. Give them a call (301-501-0217) or visit the website - competitive rates and quality results from a locally owned & operated company!

Nearly 1,000 expected at Deep Creek Lake dunk

Saturday - 2/26/2011, 7:10am ET
MCHENRY, Md. (AP) - Organizers say hundreds of people will brave temperatures in the upper 30s to take a dip in Deep Creek Lake for charity.

The annual event Saturday in McHenry benefits Special Olympics of Maryland.

In 2010, about 350 people participated despite near-blizzard conditions, and raised about $150,000.

The weather forecast for this year's event includes partial sunshine.

Full article here.

If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350

Deep Creek Do It All specializes in cleaning services in Garrett County & @ Deep Creek Lake. Give them a call (301-501-0217) or visit the website - competitive rates and quality results from a locally owned & operated company!

Presidents Day Weekend 2011 - Events

The Chamber of Commerce has a great new website with an interactive events calendar - check it out!

Feb 18 Oakland B&O Railroad Station Open House
Feb 18 Winter Fest
Feb 23 Bud Light Music Series
Feb 25 Goosebumps & Grapes
Feb 26 13th Annual MSP/NRP Deep Creek Dunk
Feb 26 The Maryland Open

Check it out at http://info.VisitDeepCreek.com/events

If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350

Deep Creek Do It All specializes in cleaning services in Garrett County & @ Deep Creek Lake. Give them a call (301-501-0217) or visit the website - competitive rates and quality results from a locally owned & operated company!

Honi-Honi Bar To Host DunkFest at Deep Creek Lake! February 26

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Feb. 18, 2010

The Honi-Honi Bar, located next to Deep Creek Uno's Restaurant, will be hosting DunkFest! on Friday, Feb. 26, from 6 to 10 p.m. to kick off the 12th annual Deep Creek Dunk, a fundraiser event for Special Olympics Maryland.

This event will feature carnival games, a bonfire on the Honi-Honi lawn, and live music by Remedy Lite from 8 to 11 p.m. All proceeds from the event will benefit Special Olympics Maryland.

Special Olympics Maryland provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for persons 8 years of age and older with intellectual disabilities. The athletes are given continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community.

If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Long & Foster Real Estate for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350

Honi Honi bar preparing for the Deep Creek Dunk

The Honi-Honi has been working around the clock to get the ice ready for the dunk this weekend. You can watch the progress from their live web cams here.

You can see the number of snowmobilers that have made their way to Uno's & the Honi-Honi over the past 3 weeks or so. With the record snowfall that we experienced, there is a ton of ice and snow still covering the lake.

From the outdoor deck at Uno's, you can see where the ice is cut off to the right, above the whale and beside the pine trees.

Zoomed in on the hole in the ice. Past years, I recall it being bigger, but I figure keeping everyone closer together may prevent hypothermia setting in so quickly...

Still time to get sponsors and do the dunk this weekend! It's a lot of fun and for a great cause, the Maryland Special Olympics.

If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350

February 2011 Real Estate Market Update

February 2011 was a sub par month for real estate sales - just like last year. Last February, there were a whopping 6 sales....all month long. Part of this was the wicked winter weather we experienced. It's tough to get into a house that is blanketed with 6 feet of snow, let alone purchase it. Part of it is that February is a 'between seasons' month in our 4 season vacation market. Most folks who want to be here for the winter buy in November/December and close in January. The spring market historically gets cranked up in March for buyers who want to be on the lake late spring/summer. The biggest part, of course, was the lousy real estate market overall.

Good news! Sales are up 50% this February! An incredible jump to....(bad news coming)... 9 total sales. Again, a lousy February. No use spinning these numbers, February was just a bad month for real estate sales. The GREAT news is that Deep Creek Dunk broke records all over the place & raised a ton of money for Maryland Special Olympics - $162,825!! But, I digress...back to the real estate update.

Let's take a look at the stats:

There are 37 homes under contract (32 last month).

The average list vs. ORIGINAL sales price was 78.11%, down from last month (80.18%).

The ADJUSTED list vs sale price was 88.03%, also down from last month (90.83%).

The current # of active/for sale listings in MRIS (minus timeshares) is 572, up from last months 560. (Continue to) Brace yourselves for a much higher number of homes on the market next month. I have at least 3 homes coming back on the market, and a few other owners thinking about it. I've listed or re-listed 2 houses in the last week alone. There will be (many) more homes...soon. We have a 63 month supply of homes available (minus timeshares) based solely on the February sales numbers. This a little ridiculous, but it's the truth - there were only 9 sales in February, so this number just more than doubled from last month (31).

Random observations:

• 1 'newer' homes sold in February (5 years old or less)
• It appears that 5 or so of these sales were vacation homes
• 7 homes sold under $300,000 (last month was 8)
• 7 (same) homes sold under $400,000
• 1 house sold over $ 1million (1 last month)
• 0 homes sold for higher than full price (last month was 1)
• One house sold for 70% of asking price
• The oldest home that sold was 111 yrs old
• The average age of the homes that sold was 36 years (25 last month)
• 1 condo/townhouse properties sold (3 last month)

Here are the statistical breakdowns:

Average Sale Price: $309,667 (last month $398,779)

Average Days on Market: 301/407 (last month 316/345) (days on market with current broker/total days on market)

We're already at 7 closed sales through today, so March should shape up to be better than February! Enjoy the sunshine :)

If you or someone you know is considering buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! I take great pride in referrals, and I assure you, I will take great care of your friends, family & colleagues! As member of the Garrett County Board of Realtors, I can assist you with ANY listed property, regardless of the listing broker.

877-563-5350 Questions about ANY listed property? I can help! Call me!

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