The Hereford Fall Festival on Oct. 20 will bring together the best of North County. Wine from nearby vineyards, food prepared by North County stores or organizations, and activities like hayrides will give the festival a homegrown flavor.

The third annual Fall Festival will be held this Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on a field on Mt. Carmel Road, across from Sparks Bank. The event is sponsored by Hereford Volunteer Fire Company and the North County News.

"The Fall Festival is a great way to spend a day in the country," said Tom Ruhl, HVFC chief. "We have wine from local wineries, local bands, and lots of local businesses participating in the festival."

Proceeds from the Fall Festival will benefit the fire company's building project.

Tickets are $10 and include a wine glass and six sampling coupons for wines from Basignani, Boordy and Woodhall vineyards. Tickets for non-tasters are $5, and kids under 12 are free with a paying adult.

World-renowned wine critic and author of "The Wine Advocate," Robert Parker, will be on hand noon-2 p.m. to give visitors some of his wine tips.

Special visits by the Ravens mascot and some Ravens cheerleaders are scheduled, as well as a visit from "Black Stallion," a monster truck from Hagerstown.

Kids will enjoy meeting Smokey the Bear and the mascot of Baltimore County Library's reading program, Sneaks the Cat. There will also be hayrides, face-painting and scarecrow-making.

Adults can stop by and see the display of antique farm tractors and unique cars ranging from street rods to classics.

Live entertainment during the day will be provided by Stillwater Band, The Dalton Gang Band, and the Southland Express Band.

No festival would be complete without good food, and the menu for Hereford's Fall Festival will include pit beef sandwiches, hot dogs, French fries, barbecue sandwiches, chicken, pizza, bagels, and seafood

For more information, call 410-357-4667.

'The Fall Festival is a great way to spend a day in the country.'

Tom Ruhl, chief, Hereford Volunteer Fire Company