Bowie Insider Issue #309

💬 QOD, Bowiefest Was Canceled, Juneteenth Celebration Nears, Beaches, Vineyards and Short Destination Getaways, Bowie’s Own - Maryland Pupil Personnel Worker of the Year, Bowie’s Father’s Day Weekend Car Show, Events and Activities 🗓️, 🤣Meme

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Bowie Insider
June 12, 2025

In this issue of the Bowie Insider…

💬 Quote of the Day
📰 Bowiefest Was Canceled, Juneteenth Celebration Nears
📰 Summer Starts in Bowie, Maryland: Beaches, Vineyards and Short Destination Getaways
📰 Bowie’s Own - Maryland Pupil Personnel Worker of the Year
📰 Bowie’s Father’s Day Weekend Car Show by St. Matthew's
🗓️ Events and Activities
🤣 Meme of the Day
📍 Having an Event? Submit it for free
📣 Local Business & Organization Spotlight Apply Here or Nominate one

Quote of the Day

“There is no passion to be found playing small, in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living” ~ Nelson Mandela

Bowiefest Was Canceled, Juneteenth Celebration Nears

Image Credit: City of Bowie

Bowiefest, originally scheduled for Saturday, June 7 at Allen Pond Park, was unfortunately canceled due to forecasts of rain and thunderstorms. It was a tough decision, but safety came first. And no—we’re not pointing fingers at our favorite weathermen - NBC4’s Doug Kammerer or Chuck Bell. Weather is unpredictable, and no one holds Mother Nature’s crystal ball.

The community surely missed this annual tradition filled with local vendors, live music, and family fun. But the spirit of togetherness lives on.

Be sure to mark your calendars for the Juneteenth Jubilee Festival on Friday, June 14, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., also at Allen Pond Park. It will be a vibrant day celebrating freedom, culture, and community with music, food, and festivities for all ages.

The fourth annual Juneteenth Jubilee Festival is the next upcoming event at Allen Pond Park from 11:00am to 5:00pm. The free event celebrates freedom, culture, and community with live music, food, art, wellness resources, and activities for all ages. Highlights include local food vendors, a marketplace for handmade goods, live performances, wellness booths, college and civic organization outreach, a Kids’ Zone, and two entertainment stages. The festival honors Juneteenth, marking the 1865 emancipation of the last enslaved people in the U.S.

Summer Starts in Bowie, Maryland: Beaches, Vineyards and Short Destination Getaways

School is out and summer is officially here — and in Bowie, Maryland, that means it's time to trade homework and routines for sunshine and spontaneous escapes, all only a short drive away. From sandy shores along the Chesapeake Bay to scenic vineyards and charming weekend getaways, Bowie is perfectly positioned for families, couples, and solo adventurers looking to make the most of the season. Whether you’re planning a quick day trip or a full weekend retreat, summer fun starts right here.

🏖️ Five Beaches a Short Drive Away

Sandy Point State Park - mile‑long sandy beach under the Bay Bridge, lifeguards Memorial–Labor Day

Breezy Point Beach & Campground - Chesapeake Bay, family‑friendly, fossil hunting, fishing pier

Mayo Beach Park - Edgewater, river‑meeting‑bay, playgrounds, reservation passes on weekends

North Beach - quaint boardwalk town, pier fishing, bay views

Chesapeake Beach - historic resort community, waterpark, crabbing & seafood

🍇 Five Local Vineyards

Vino 301 - National Harbor, wine tasting and tours

The Vineyards at Dodon — Davidsonville, estate‑grown, tours by appointment

Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards — Brandywine, rustic barns, farm animals, tasting room)

Two Lions Vineyard — Upper Marlboro part of the Legacy Wine Trail, PG County

Janemark Winery — Family‑run since 1877, Southern PG County

✈️ Five Short Getaways

Assateague Island – barrier‑island wild ponies and Atlantic beaches

St. Michaels/Easton – charming Eastern Shore towns, culinary delights, art & history

Ocean City – classic boardwalk, family fun, broader Atlantic coastline

Shenandoah National Park – scenic drives and mountain hiking

Frederick Wine Trail – historic downtown, trail hikes and wineries

Bowie’s Own LaShawn James Named Maryland Pupil Personnel Worker of the Year

Image Credit: PGCPS

LaShawn James, a proud resident of Bowie, has been honored as the Maryland Pupil Personnel Worker (PPW) of the Year by the Maryland Association of Pupil Personnel. This award celebrates educators who go above and beyond to remove barriers to student success, and James exemplifies that mission.

With over three decades in education, including 17 years as a PPW, James currently serves students at Eleanor Roosevelt High School, Robert Frost Elementary, and Legends Charter School in Prince George’s County. From connecting students to appropriate resources to conducting home visits that rekindle school engagement, her impact resonates deeply.

This recognition is not just a personal achievement, it shines a spotlight on the vital, often unseen role PPWs play in shaping student outcomes. LaShawn James's compassion and tireless advocacy remind us of the difference one dedicated person can make. Bowie celebrates her well-earned honor and the lives she continues to uplift.

Congratulations LaShawn!

AVS & Friends 5th Annual Juneteenth Bike Ride

Image Credit: AVS & Friends

Cruise into Father’s Day Weekend at Bowie’s Classic Car Show - Saturday, June 14th

Image Credit: St. Matthew's Car Show

Gear up for a Father’s Day weekend to remember at Bowie’s Classic Car Show by St. Matthew's —where horsepower meets heart! This family-friendly event celebrates timeless automobiles, community spirit, and the joy of giving back.

Car enthusiasts are invited to register their cherished rides for just $20, while spectators can take in the sights and sounds for free. From sleek vintage classics to bold modern builds, there’s something to wow every age. Awards will honor the show’s standout vehicles, adding a little friendly competition to the mix.

Beyond the gleaming chrome, visitors can enjoy live music, kids’ activities, and a delicious lineup of food vendors. And there’s more than fun on the line—proceeds from the event go directly to the Bowie Food Pantry, supporting local families in need.

It’s a high-octane celebration of cars, community, and compassion—perfect for honoring Dad while making a meaningful impact.

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