Upcoming City events
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With a wreath placement at the City’s memorial outside the Municipal Center this Friday at 4 p.m., and
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With a day of service on Monday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Multiservice Center. The event will open with meaningful program at the start, then be followed by the assembly of care packages for seniors.
- Clothing
- Toys, and
- Non-perishable foods
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The Parade kicks-off at 3:45 p.m. from the Municipal Center and will wind down Sandy Spring Road onto Montgomery Street, ending at Fourth Street.
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And the Armory Illumination will take place as it gets dark, around 5:15 p.m.
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Tree Lighting with Santa Claus
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Performance by the Laurel High School Chorus
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Live Ice Carving Demonstration
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Hot Chocolate & Cookies
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Crafts & Holiday Activities
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Final Farmer’s Market, Thursday, October 16 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Quill Lot on Main Street
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Trick-or-Treat on Main Street, Thursday, October 30 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
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Harvest Moon Hayride & Bonfire, Friday, November 7 from 6 p.m to 9 p.m. at Riverfront Park
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Veterans Day Flag Placements, Sunday, November 9 starting at 11 a.m. at Ivy Hill Cemetary
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Holiday Parade & Armory Illumination, Saturday, December 6 from 3:45 p.m. to 6 p.m. along the parade path from Municipal Center and ending at Laurel Armory
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Breakfast with Santa, Saturday, December 6 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Partnership Activity Center
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And more!
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Sharpening gardening tools, knives, and the like
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Fabric repair on your clothing, backpack, and similar
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Electronics battery corrosion, game controller drift, Bluetooth troubleshooting, etc.
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Bike shifter adjustments, flat tires, brakes, and minor tune-ups
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Early Voting Day will be Saturday, Nov 1 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Election Day will be Tuesday, Nov 4 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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Voting locations will be the same as last election: Ward 1 residents at the Municipal Center on Sandy Spring Road and Ward 2 residents at the DiPietro Center on Cypress Street.
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Mail-In Voting is also available - Applications to request a mail-in ballot must be submitted by noon, October 28. And the mail-in ballot, once received, must be placed in the designated drop box at the above voting locations or postmarked no later than Election Day, November 4. (Applications for a mail-in ballot are available from the City’s designated page.)
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To vote, individuals must be residents within the City limits and registered voters within Prince George’s County. Check out this map to confirm you’re within the City limits and check out this Maryland Voter Lookup tool to confirm you’re appropriately registered. (If you need to register and/or update your registration, you can use the Maryland Voter Registration webpage.)
City marking MLK Jr. Day on Jan 16 & 19
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is coming up next Monday, January 19 and the City will be marking in two special ways:
More information below and see you there!
Reminder: Free Christmas tree Pickups on Weds in January
For all you live Christmas tree lovers out there (our family included) 😀, don’t forget the City will do free pickups of your trees every Wednesday during the month of January.
No scheduling necessary as long as you place at your curb , but if possible, you’re encouraged to call 301-725-0088 to log your address.
Celebrating the Semiquincentennial -- 250 years of the US of A!
This year, on July 4, 2026, our country will celebrate its 250th year!
And to quote Governor Moore, “Maryland was there from the beginning …” - Check out this 2-minute video from Maryland’s 250 Commission for a quick take:
I remember as a kid coming across bicentennial quarters from 1976 and thinking they were super cool and carried special value – And here we are at another momentous milestone, poised to mark a quarter millennia as a country. To my mind, it is something to say that this experiment we call America, something that had never quite been done in the history of the world up to that point, is still perduring. Back in 2007, I heard a reflection on Declaration of Independence that really struck me: ‘The American Revolution differed from many other revolutions in that it was premised on the objective laws of human nature and their Author.’ Imperfect is true, and America still strives to live up to her ideals, but we all today take up the mantle handed on to us in order to carry and advance in our time the promise of America and her people. To quote one of the Founders, Benjamin Franklin, ‘We have a republic, if we can keep it.’
I’m excited for our 250th and hope you are too! The City is also laying the groundwork and preparing for the celebration. To be a part, please reach out to me and it’d be my pleasure to connect you with the group of collaborators – what better way to express American ideals? 😀
Happy 250 years America and here’s to keeping those candles burning brightly for many years to come! 🕯️🕯️🕯️
Menorah Lighting *today* and Kwanzaa Celebration Sat, Dec 27
We are truly blessed with so many faith and cultural communities in Laurel, all sharing from their rich heritage and contributing to the good of their neighbors and our City. And this time of year is full of many celebrations, such as Chanukah which runs from December 15 - 22 and Kwanza which runs from December 26 to January 1. Below are public opportunities to join in these celebrations — a great way to showcase your traditions and beliefs or also to appreciate and learn from the traditions of others.
»Public Menorah Lighting & Gelt Drop«
This afternoon at 5 p.m. at the amphitheater next to the Laurel Library there’ll be a public menorah lighting and “gelt” drop. In Jewish tradition, the candles of a menorah are lit over the eight days of Chanukah to recall the miracle connected to the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. This public menorah lighting is hosted by Chabad of Laurel and is very much intended as an invitation for all to come, learn about this tradition, and build community connection, so please feel no hesitation to come! Not to mention, there’ll be hot cocoa, delicious doughnuts, and a chocolate coin “gelt” drop (a fun tradition for kids where chocolate candy coins are dropped for kids to gather up). You can learn more about Chabad of Laurel and their missions to ‘share authentic Judaism and create opportunities to experience its rich heritage in Laurel’ at their website linked above.
»Kwanzaa Celebration on Sat, Dec 27«
And this coming Saturday, December 27 from 2 - 4 p.m. there’ll be a public Kwanza Celebration at the Laurel Multiservice Center to which all are invited. The seven candles of Kwanzaa signify the seven principles of Kwanzaa, including “unity”, “collective work and responsibility”, and “faith”. The event will also feature an African Naming Ceremony and promises to be a meaningful celebration of African heritage for all, so come on out to experience with our City!
Laurel's 11th Annual Fill-A-Truck Toy Drive
At this week’s Council Meeting, I shared about Laurel’s 11th Annual Fill-A-Truck Toy Drive, and wanted to extend the invitation to residents to consider including it in your Christmas/ holiday preparations this year –
Many of our local business, non-profits, and volunteer organizations are banding together with the goal to fill a truck with donations by December 20th, including new:
Monetary gifts and gift cards are also welcome, and drop-off locations are at the Laurel Volunteer Rescue Squad on Bowie Road or the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department on Cherry Lane.
Thank you to volunteer Clyde Williams and all the organizations and individuals involved! – And perhaps the greatest gift of the season, is to give. 🙂
Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting *this* Sat, Dec 6
The holiday season is now in full swing, and with it: Laurel’s holiday parade and Armory illumination! 🎄🎅
The parade is sure to feature certain North Pole guests – There’ll be music, games, and fun inside the Armory – Of course, the magic of the lighting ceremony will be on display ❄️ – And more.
So get yourself some Laurel holiday spirit while you join with friends, neighbors, and family – See you there! 😀
LARS Turkey Trot - Race Against Hunger this Thu, Nov 27
A perennial tradition here in the Laurel, the Laurel Advocacy & Referral Services (LARS) annual “Turkey Trot” a.k.a. “Race Against Hunger & Homelessness” is set for this Thursday, November 27 with race time starting at 8 a.m. at McCullough Park.
If you haven’t participated before, this is a great year to start. And if this is already part of your annual Thanksgiving tradition, it’s also a great year to continue. :)
More information can be found on the event page for those ready to get in motion for the cause, and even if that’s not your thing but you’d still like to lend a hand, they’re also in need of volunteers to help the event go smoothly.
There’s always great energy and fun at this event – I guarantee no regrets to those coming out! 😀 🦃 🏃➡️
Annual Towne Centre Tree Lighting *Today*, Nov 20
Okay, so we may not be to Thanksgiving just yet, but perhaps you’re in the mood for some holiday cheer. :)
Pop on over to Towne Centre at Laurel starting at 6 p.m. for:
Admission is free, but registration helps the organizers ensure adequate supplies are on hand. And you’re also encouraged to bring a donation for the LARS holiday food baskets of cake or brownie mix along with a can of frosting (which you can drop off at their marked tent).
Here’s the event page to RSVP!
(And note: The City’s annual parade and tree lighting at the Laurel Armory will be on Saturday, Dec 6 – so be sure to mark your calendars and enjoy with the family as well!)
Laurel Blessing Baskets returns next Wed, Nov 19
Now in its third year, the Laurel Blessing Baskets Thanksgiving tradition started by Mike Mondy of Keller Williams Realty is hoping to continue and even widen its impact in 2025. From the event description:
After successfully donating 140 baskets in 2023 and 220 in 2024, the effort returns with the goal of helping even more families across 7 local elementary schools. Each Blessing Basket is filled with essential items and distributed directly to families in need by local volunteers.
Community members are encouraged to participate by pledging baskets through a sign-up form containing items such as laundry basket to hold the goodies; $30+ grocery card for turkey; cans of corn, green beans, & cranberries; boxes of stuffing; and more (see link for helpful list).
Baskets can be dropped off this coming Wednesday, Nov 19 at KB Karnival Hall at 555 Main Street (behind ‘Olivers Old Town Tavern’). And if you want to help but are unable to attend in person, you can use the event GoFundMe link.
Thank you Laurel for your generosity for our neighbors this Thanksgiving, both through this program, and ones through Laurel churches, schools, and others – These acts help build a strong Laurel so that we can all offer our gratefulness this November!
Laurel Elections Candidate Forum *this* Wed, Oct 22 hosted by LBOT
We’re essentially two weeks away from the 2025 Laurel General Elections and here’s a perfect way to get familiar with and hear from the candidates running for office —>
The Laurel Board of Trade (LBOT) will be hosting their Candidates Forum this Wednesday, October 22 from 6 - 9 p.m. in the Council Chambers at the Laurel Municipal Center.
You can come in-person; watch live online via LaurelTV or the MyLaurel app, or watch live on your TV via Comcast Channel 996 (HD)/ 71 (SD) or Verizon FiOS Channel 12.
LBOT is also collecting questions to distill down into the list posed to candidates over the course of the evening — So if you have any questions you’d like to see asked, they’ve asked if you can submit them via ‘direct message’ on their Facebook page.
More details below and hope you can make it!
Chandler Mural Celebration Event coming Sat, Oct 25
Be sure to mark your calendars for Saturday, October 25 from 2 - 4 p.m. to join with Laurel for the Patuxent in their official celebration event to mark the completion of the beautiful Robin Chandler mural now adorning the side of the Quik Stop Food Mart in the 500 block of Main Street.
From L4P’s event page, where you can also RSVP:
We will be gathered in front of the mural on 5th street. We’ll have live music and food, activities, you can meet the artist and friends and colleagues of Chan Robbins, and mingle with other bird lovers! Please park along Main St., in the Old Town neighborhood, or in one of the lots along Main St.
It’s gonna be a lot of fun and great community-building event!
(Photo credit: L4P)
Electronics Recycling, Paper Shred, & Styrofoam + More next Sat, Oct 18
From our Department of Public Works:
Public Works is happy to bring back our October Recycling Drop-Off Event. Gather up your old, important papers, old electronics, lightly used home goods, certain Styrofoam products and your wet and dry paint - and come down to Public Works, 305-307 First Street, on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm (noon).
This is a great semi-annual opportunity to clear out your house of the items that shouldn’t go into the normal trash stream and can pile up (I know I had to replace a TV that finally gave out this year, so I’ll be there). :)
AND you can check off multiple of these ‘odd-items’ that would otherwise mean running to multiple locations: GreenDrop will be there for regular donations, paper shredder for secure document destruction, clear out computers including hard drive destruction, even recycle used paint (nominal fee for this one).
Note: This is only for residents inside the City limits, and more details can be found on DPW’s related event page.
See you there!
Key Dates for Fall & Winter Events around Laurel
Fall always brings the new school year, cooling temperatures, breezy leaves, and bundling up for winter – And, plenty of great annual Laurel traditions you’ll want to be sure to mark on your calendar – such as:
Hope you find opportunity to enjoy at least a few of above in the coming months, and please don’t hesitate to come up and say “hi” at any of these or other events we happen to be at! 👋🏼 😃
Laurel Fix-It Fair this Sat, Oct 4
I’ve seen a number of “Fix It Fairs” around our area and’ve always thought they were cool – And now Laurel has one of its own!
We’ve all got various items around the house that have a small part broken, missing, or just doesn’t quite work right – You don’t want to throw it away because you know it just takes a knowledgeable hand and the right tool a few minutes to patch up, but maybe you don’t have one or the other.
Well bring that item with you this Saturday, October 4 to the Multiservice Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and have skilled merchants there help you get that item back up and running (and not needlessly in a landfill somewhere). Items include:
Just use the QR code below to reserve your spot, then grab your item and come on out on Saturday. And if you’re just curious to see and learn what the skilled merchants are doing, I’m almost certain you can simply come on out to watch and pickup a few tips that’ll serve you well down the road.
More details below and encourage you to check out!
Last "City Hall in the Park" this Thu, Sep 25
(UPDATE 25 Sep 2025: Cancelled due to rain.)
If you haven’t made it out just yet to one of these, here’s your final chance to enjoy the 2025 City Hall in the Park series – This month’s location is Emancipation Park (next to the Laurel Library) and will be held this Thursday, September 25 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Not only is it a good chance to directly connect with and get your questions answered by Department Directors and elected officials, this year’s series features food from the grill 🍔, face painting and games for kids 🛝, and some fun Laurel-themed giveaways ❤️.
So pop on over to Emancipation Park for a casual night outside, stay connected to your hometown, meet some friendly neighbors, the kids can play at the playground, and more – it’ll be a good time, and see you there! 🙂
City Hall in the Park *this* Thu, Aug 28
The latest in the City’s summer series of City Hall in the Park is this Thursday, August 28.
This one will be held at the City Greenview pool/ park over in Patuxent Greens - a great opportunity to check out this City amenity you haven’t been there previously.
The gathering starts at 6:30 p.m., there’ll be FREE food, simple giveaways, face painting for the kids, and more. Plus the opportunity to hear from and connect with Department Directors and City electeds (including yours truly) to ask questions, get answers, share concerns and/or ideas, and more. And you’re sure to make a new friend or two from among your neighbors. 😀
These have been a great highlight of the summer (some garnering 20+ participants), so be sure not to miss, and I’ll see ya there!
New session of Laurel Citizen's University now Open!
Everyone I’ve talked to who’s participated in this program has had great things to say. It’s free and it’s a tremendous way to go ‘behind-the-scenes’ of essentially every facet of the Laurel City government.
From hearing direct from Department Directors (like Police and Public Works), to getting insight into the City’s finances, to connecting with the City elected officials (like myself), and learning the myriad of ways you can get involved in whatever areas interest you.
You’re sure to make friends, food is provided, there’s a graduation recognition at the end, and you will feel empowered by what you learn plus have a good time in the process, guaranteed. 🙂
See the below graphic for more info, visit the official Laurel Citizen’s University page to sign-up, and I hope to see you there!
Back-to-School Fair at Laurel High today, Aug 19
In search of a backpack giveaway for the new school year? How about free hair cuts and vaccines?
Then stop on by Laurel High School today, Tuesday, August 19 anytime between 5 a.m. to 11 a.m. to participate.
And if you’re there early enough (5 - 7 a.m.), you’ll get a chance to meet local News4 TV reporter Molette Green as she shares highlights from the event. 🎥
Additional details below!
City Election Scheduled for Nov 4 -> Candidates & Resources
Reminder that this fall, our City will be holding a General Election – Some key bits of info as a help:
About candidates on the ballot, per the City’s latest News Release:
As of August 12, 2025, the City of Laurel Board of Election Supervisors has certified the following candidates for the 2025 City of Laurel General Election: At-Large Council Seat — Christine M. Johnson and Brencis D. Smith; City Council, Ward 1 — James Kole and Adrian G. Simmons; City Council, Ward 2 — Kyla M. Clark and Jeffrey W. Mills. One additional filing is pending certification by the Board.
I hope you find the above information helpful, and please don’t hesitate to reach out to me with any questions!
(UPDATE: On 28 Aug 2025, Board of Election Supervisors also certified Sheila Carroll as a Ward 1 candidate. UPDATE 2: On 11 Sep 2025, Ms. Carroll announced that she was officially withdrawing from the race.)
Konterra Plan Town Hall on Mon, Jul 28
One of the biggest impacts to the Laurel area over the next 5-10 years will be the development of the Konterra property just south of the City’s bottom border. Decades in the works, ground was finally broken last fall and the vision of bringing mixed-use structures to the expansive location is now underway.
But there’s a proposed change to the plan for the area and public comment is critical to the process. At the Town Hall hosted by our PG County Councilman Tom Dernoga, Konterra representatives will present the latest concepts for the Town Center and surrounding properties, and representatives of property owners will be on hand.
You can register in advance or simply show up to be a part of the conversation on what is headed our way – Additional details in the event graphic below.
