City Council Elections Controversy + Your Week Ahead 🗳️

Happy Tuesday, Laurel! 👋

November is here, and our community is staying busy! From important civic discussions to festive fall events and holiday planning, there's plenty happening around town.

In today's edition, we're covering a developing story about our city elections, exciting news about the annual LARS Turkey Trot and one local business’s search for the perfect Santa. Plus, we've got 6 events happening THIS WEEK including the Harvest Moon Hayride, National Pupusa Day and Veterans Day celebrations.

And if you're a planner? We've got 15 more events coming through the holidays! Let's jump in! 👇

City Elections Under Scrutiny

Laurel's city elections are once again making headlines for the wrong reasons. Recent developments have raised questions about election procedures, candidate qualifications and the integrity of the electoral process.

The controversy has sparked community conversations about transparency, accountability and how we ensure fair elections in the City of Laurel. Local voters are paying close attention as city officials work to address concerns and clarify the situation.

This is a developing story that impacts every Laurel resident. Stay informed about what's happening with your local government.

Read the full story here.

Filling Laurel with Gratitude — One Basket at a Time

There’s something special about Laurel when we come together to care for one another — and Laurel Blessing Baskets is the perfect example. On Tuesday, November 19th from 4:00–9:00 PM, volunteers from all corners of our city will gather to pack Thanksgiving baskets for local families in need.

Each basket is more than a meal — it’s a reminder that Laurel looks out for its own. Whether you can donate food, give a few dollars or show up to help, your kindness truly matters.

If you’ve been looking for a simple, hands-on way to spread gratitude this season, this is it. Learn more or get involved at LaurelBlessingBaskets.com — and let’s make sure every family in Laurel feels the warmth of our community this Thanksgiving.

LARS Turkey Trot Returns Thanksgiving Morning!

Mark your calendars for Thanksgiving morning, November 27th! The annual LARS Turkey Trot is back, and registration is now open.

This beloved community tradition brings Laurel residents together for a 5K run/walk that kicks off Thanksgiving Day the right way. Whether you're burning calories before the big meal or just enjoying the crisp fall morning with neighbors, it's a feel-good event that supports a great cause.

All proceeds benefit LARS (Laurel Advocacy & Referral Services) and their hunger relief efforts. You'll be helping ensure local families have food on their tables, not just during the holidays, but year-round.

Gather your friends and family, lace up those running shoes and join hundreds of your neighbors for this Thanksgiving tradition!

🏃 Click here to register now!

Wanted: Laurel's Most Dedicated Santa Claus

Old Glory Harley-Davidson is on the hunt for someone special—a dedicated Santa Claus to spread holiday cheer this season!

If you've got the beard, the belly laugh and the Christmas spirit, this could be your chance to make magic happen for local kids and families. Old Glory is looking for someone who embodies the joy and warmth of the season.

Whether you're an experienced Santa or just someone who lights up when the holidays roll around, they want to hear from you. This is more than a gig—it's a chance to create memories that families will cherish for years.

Interested? Reach out to Brittany at Old Glory Harley-Davidson and let them know you're ready to sleigh the season!

Laurel Cats Fundraiser at Tampico

Love cats? Love Mexican food? Perfect! Laurel Cats is hosting a fundraiser at Tampico Grill on Sunday, November 10th.

Stop by for lunch or dinner, enjoy some delicious food, and know that a portion of your meal goes toward helping local cats find forever homes. It's an easy way to support a great cause while treating yourself to a meal out.

Laurel Cats does incredible work rescuing, fostering and finding homes for cats in our community. Every dollar helps provide medical care, food and shelter for cats waiting for their second chance.

Laurel's House of Horror Wraps Up Another Season

The screams have stopped, the lights are back on and Laurel's House of Horror has officially closed its doors for the season—or at least until their Krampus Nightmare in December!

This local haunted house attraction provided thrills, chills and plenty of jump scares throughout October, giving brave souls a place to test their courage. Thanks to everyone who visited, volunteered and kept this spooky tradition alive!

Already counting down to next Halloween? Same. 🎃

From hayrides to pupusas, here's what's happening around Laurel THIS WEEK (November 4th-10th):

Coffee with a Cop 📅 Thursday, November 6th from 9 AM to 11 AM 📍 Ragamuffins Coffee House, 385 Main St, Laurel, MD | Grab a cup of coffee and connect with Laurel's finest! The Laurel Police Department invites you to stop by Ragamuffins for casual conversation, questions and community connection. All are welcome! ☕

Harvest Moon Hayride 📅 Friday, November 7th from 6 PM to 9 PM 📍 Starts at Outback Leather, 309 Main St, Laurel, MD | Enjoy a fun hayride from Main Street to Riverfront Park under the November sky! Perfect for families, couples or anyone who loves crisp fall evenings. Bring your jacket, grab a seat on the wagon and soak in the autumn atmosphere. Pre-registration cost is $4/person ($5/person on site). Kids under the age of 2 ride for free. Cost is $5 per person on site. 🎟️ Pre-register here!

The Hollow at Laurel Mill Playhouse 📅 OPENING NIGHT Friday, November 7th @ 8 PM 📍 Laurel Mill Playhouse, 508 Main St, Laurel, MD | Still craving a little suspense after Halloween? Laurel Mill Playhouse presents "The Hollow," a gripping mystery with twists, intrigue and stellar local performances. Only 7 performances total (including just one Sunday matinee), so grab your tickets before they're gone! 🎟️ Get tickets here!

Largo Lot Party & Walking Tour 📅 Friday, November 7th (Adults Night Out, 6 PM - 8 PM) & Saturday, November 8th (Family Fun Day, 11 AM - 4 PM) 📍 9401 Grand Blvd, Upper Marlboro, MD | Curious about the future of Largo? Join this community celebration exploring the redevelopment plans for the Largo Town Center area. Experience food trucks, live music and guided walking tours. 🎟️ Register here!

Veterans Day Appreciation Breakfast 📅 Saturday, November 8th @ 10 AM 📍 Partnership Hall, 811 5th St, Laurel, MD | Join Mayor Keith R. Sydnor (USN Ret.) and the City of Laurel as they honor the brave men, women and family members who served our nation. Veterans may bring one guest. First 30 veterans to RSVP will be accepted. RSVP required.

Charity Gameathon for Extra Life 📅 Saturday, November 8th @ 10 AM thru Sunday, November 9th @ 10 AM 📍 3 Gear Studios, 25 C Street, Laurel, MD | Gamers unite for good! 3 Gear Studios is hosting a 24-hour charity gaming marathon to benefit Baltimore Johns Hopkins Children's Hospital through Extra Life. Make a donation or join the fun in person. It's gaming for a cause, and every dollar helps sick and injured kids. 💰 Click here to donate!

National Pupusa Day at La Casita 📅 Sunday, November 9th 📍 La Casita Pupuseria, 14311 Baltimore Ave, Laurel, MD | Celebrate National Pupusa Day with live music, giveaways and delicious specials at La Casita! This local favorite is pulling out all the stops for a day of Salvadoran pride and community celebration. Plus, tag your pupusa photos on social media for a chance to win a $100 gift card.

Planning ahead? Here are 15 upcoming events through the holidays—from craft fairs to Santa visits!

Native Gardening Hangout 📅 Wednesday, November 12th from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM | BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, 14714 Baltimore Ave, Laurel, MD | Learn about native plants and connect with local gardening enthusiasts! Perfect for anyone interested in sustainable, pollinator-friendly landscaping.

Basketball Skills Clinic 📅 Friday, November 14th from 7 PM to 9 PM | Laurel High School, 8000 Cherry Ln, Laurel, MD | Young athletes can sharpen their basketball skills at this clinic hosted by WNBA Coach Dale. Great coaching, fun drills and skill-building for middle and high school players. 🏀 Click here to register!

WLCA Craft Faire 📅 Saturday, November 15th from 9 AM - 2 PM 📍 T. Howard Duckett Bldg, 16601 Supplee Ln, Laurel, MD | Shop local for the holidays! Handmade goods, gifts and treats from local artisans. Free admission. Kids can even write letters to Santa!

Maryland City VFD Craft Fair 📅 Saturday, November 15th from 9 AM - 1 PM 📍 Maryland City VFD, 3498 Laurel Fort Meade Rd, Laurel, MD | Another great craft fair option! Support local vendors and the fire department. Vendor spaces still available. 📝 Click here for vendor sign-up!

Laurel 4th of July Committee Craft Fair 📅 Saturday, November 15th @ 9 AM | Laurel Multiservice Center, 204 Fort Meade Rd, Laurel, MD | The 4th of July Committee is hosting a craft fair to benefit the BEST FIREWORKS in the area!

Cleanup at Riverfront Park 📅 Saturday, November 15th @ 9 AM 📍 Riverfront Park, 24 Avondale St, Laurel, MD | Give back to our beautiful green spaces! Join volunteers for a morning of community service. Gloves, bags and good vibes provided.

Turkey Waddle 📅 Saturday, November 15th from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM | North Laurel Community Center, 9411 Whiskey Bottom Rd, Laurel, MD | Stations consist of fitness challenges, arts and crafts, and children’s activities. Light refreshments are provided.
For children 2-10 years old. 🏃 Click here to register!

Adult Trip: Guinness Brewery Tour 📅 Sunday, November 16th from 3 PM to 8 PM 📍 Guinness Open Gate Brewery, 5001 Washington Blvd, Halethorpe, MD | Laurel Parks & Rec is taking adults on a field trip! Enjoy brewery tours, tastings and fun with fellow residents. All trips depart from the Robert J. DiPietro Community Center.

Laurel Board of Trade Annual General Membership Meeting 📅 Monday, November 17th from 5:30 PM to 8 PM | Partnership Hall, 811 5th St, Laurel, MD | The Laurel Board of Trade invites members and interested business owners to attend their annual general membership meeting. Network, learn and get involved in supporting Laurel's business community.

Laurel Blessing Baskets 📅 Wednesday, November 19th from 4 PM to 9 PM 📍 Karnival Hall, 555 Main St, Laurel, MD | Help ensure local families have a meaningful Thanksgiving! Volunteer, donate or spread the word about this beautiful community initiative. 🔗 Learn more: laurelblessingbaskets.com

Annual Tree Lighting with Santa Claus 📅 Thursday, November 20th from 6 PM to 8 PM 📍 Towne Centre at Laurel, 14828 Baltimore Avenue, Laurel, MD | The most magical night of the season is coming to Laurel Town Centre! Bring the family for an enchanting evening as we light up the holidays together. Admission is free but please register each member of your group so they can prepare good tidings! Please also be sure to bring a donation for the LARS holiday food baskets of cake or brownie mix along with a can of frosting.

LARS Turkey Trot 📅 Thursday, November 27th from 8 AM to 9:30 AM 📍 Alice B. McCullough Field, Montgomery St & 8th St, Laurel, MD | The big day! Thanksgiving morning 5K supporting hunger relief. (See Top Stories for details) 🏃 Click here to register!

Holiday Parade 📅 Saturday, December 6th | 3:45 PM (parade kick-off) & 5:15 PM (Armory Illumination) 📍 Laurel Armory, 422 Montgomery St, Laurel, MD | Mark your calendars! Santa, floats, music, tree-lighting and holiday magic. Laurel's most beloved winter tradition returns.

Breakfast with Santa 📅 Saturday, December 6th from 9 AM to 11 AM 📍 Partnership Hall, 811 5th St, Laurel, MD | Little ones can meet Santa over a delicious hot breakfast! A magical morning for families. RSVP required via email. 📧

LVFD Auxiliary Breakfast 📅 Sunday, December 7th from 8:30 AM to 11 AM 📍 Laurel Volunteer Fire Department, 7411 Cherry Ln, Laurel, MD | Start your Sunday with a hearty home-cooked breakfast and support the LVFD Auxiliary. Bring the family and fuel up for the day. Cost: $15/adults; $5/kids.

Teen Trip: Symphony of Lights 📅 Thursday, December 12th from 4:45 PM to 9:30 PM 📍 Merriweather Post Pavillion, 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia, MD | Laurel's teens are in for a treat! Parks & Rec is taking young people to experience the dazzling Symphony of Lights display. Think thousands of twinkling lights, holiday magic and memories with friends. All trips depart from the Robert J. DiPietro Community Center.

Snow Hill Manor Holiday Open House 📅 Thursday, December 12th 📍 Snow Hill Manor, 13301 Laurel Bowie Service Road, Laurel, MD | Step into holiday elegance at Snow Hill Manor's annual Holiday Open House! Tour this historic property decked out in festive décor, enjoy light refreshments and soak in the charm of the season. Reservations required by calling (301) 249-2004 or email @ [email protected]

LARS Holiday Cookie Decorating Class 📅 Saturday, December 13th from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM 📍 Laurel Advocacy & Referral Services, 309 Laurel Ave, Laurel, MD | Get your hands (and aprons) messy at this festive cookie decorating class! Only 20 tickets are available and tickets cost $60. Perfect for kids, adults or anyone who loves frosting and sprinkles. 🍪 Click here to register!

Adult Trip: Miracle on 34th Street 📅 Sunday, December 15th from 4 PM to 9 PM 📍 34th Street, Baltimore, MD | Join Laurel Parks & Rec for a festive visit to Miracle on 34th Street in Baltimore to see the famous holiday lights! They will stop for dinner in Hampden before enjoying the cheerful display. All trips depart from the Robert J. DiPietro Community Center. Resident - $10, Non-Resident - $15.

Krampus Nightmare at Laurel Haunt 📅 Friday, December 20th from 7 PM to 10 PM 📍 Laurel’s House of Horrors, 904 Fairlawn Ave, Laurel, MD | Think the holidays are all sugar plums and candy canes? Think again. The Laurel Haunt is bringing back Krampus Nightmare for those who prefer their December with a little more... darkness. This holiday horror experience isn't for the faint of heart! 🎟️ Click here for more info

Photos with Santa 📅 Monday, December 22nd from 4 PM to 5:30 PM 📍 Partnership Hall, 811 5th St, Laurel, MD | Get those last-minute holiday card photos! Santa returns right before Christmas for one more photo session. Bring your own camera/phone. Free event!

Holiday Movie: Elf 📅 Monday, December 22nd @ 6 PM 📍 Partnership Hall, 811 5th St, Laurel, MD | Cozy up for a free screening of "Elf"! Bring blankets, pillows and your holiday spirit. The perfect way to wind down before Christmas!

Thanks for reading! From City elections to pupusas to turkey trots, there's never a dull moment in Laurel. Get out there and enjoy everything our community has to offer!

Got an event, story tip or business we should feature? Just hit reply—I read every response.

See you next week!

— Mike Mondy
Founder, I❤️LAUREL

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