Tue Sep 10 13:17:00 UTC 2024: ## Cumberland’s Heritage Days Festival Embraces Authenticity to Draw Crowds

**CUMBERLAND, MD** – The Allegany County Historical Society is focusing on authenticity to revitalize Cumberland’s Heritage Days Festival, a long-running celebration of the city’s rich history.

Dave Williams, president of the Historical Society, emphasizes that the festival is shifting towards offering real experiences rather than simply possessing historical artifacts. This approach is geared towards attracting younger generations and boosting tourism in the area.

The four-day festival, which runs from Thursday, September 10th to Sunday, September 13th, boasts a wide array of events, including the Wills Creek Muster, a historical reenactment, and the Friday Whiskey Rebellion at the Allegany Museum. Live music and vendor booths will also be featured throughout the weekend at Prospect Square.

Heritage Days was voted the region’s favorite festival by readers of Allegany Magazine last year, beating out the popular DelFest. The Historical Society has been actively involved in reinvigorating the festival since 2020, highlighting Cumberland’s historical significance as a key driver for tourism and economic development.

“What makes Allegany County so special in Western Maryland is embodied in the Heritage Days Festival,” said Williams. He believes that a more relaxed, experiential atmosphere with authentic historical performances is key to drawing in larger audiences.

The Historical Society is also working to engage young members, recognizing the need to ensure the continuity of their mission. “We’re all getting too old,” Williams said. “We need to turn interested people into members and volunteers.”

For more information about the festival and the Allegany County Historical Society, visit the official website at https://heritagedaysfestival.com/heritage-days-schedule-2024/.

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