7-02-2026 3:29pm

SUMMER TOUR:

Jeff Barto Editor

We hope you know of a child who might like this series and want to learn about the Hunt Valley area. Please pass it along. Chuck Beary, aka Hunt Valley Bear, will be making appearances soon.

Summer Tour Pt. 2

Summer Tour Pt. 1

A Sizzling Summer 4th Of July

The air at Oregon Ridge Park was thick and super hot on the night of July 4th. A big digital thermometer on the stage read a scorching 100 degrees! Even though it felt like a giant oven, thousands of families sat on blankets and laughed together. It was the largest crowd ever in Hunt Valley and the excitement made it even hotter.

On stage, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra started playing beautiful, sweeping patriotic music. The violins danced and the trumpets boomed, making everyone forget all about the sticky heat. A Rocking Surprise. Right in the middle of the concert, the conductor raised his hands for silence. "Tonight, we have a very special local guest!" the conductor shouted.

The entire crowd started stomping their feet and cheering, "Chuck Beary! Chuck Beary!" Out stomped the famous Hunt Valley Bear himself! Chuck Beary looked incredibly cool. He wore a bright white tuxedo, dark black sunglasses, and carried an electric guitar. He leaned into the microphone, his deep voice booming over the speakers. "Is everybody HOT out there?"

Chuck roared, adjusting his sunglasses.The crowd screamed, "YES!""Well, we are about to make it even hotter!" Chuck laughed, turning to his furry best friend who had just hopped onto the stage. "You ready to rock this park, Quincy?" Chuck rock and rolled through three of his hit tunes.

Quincy Hopper the rabbit adjusted his bow tie, his long ears twitching with excitement. "Chuck, my paws are shaking, and it's not just from the coffee! Let's show Hunt Valley how a bear and a bunny celebrate the 250th!"Chuck smiled, showing his big bear teeth, and plugged his guitar into a giant amplifier. "Hold onto your ears, folks! This one is called B-Good Johnny!"

He started shredding a fast, rocking beat, and every single child in the audience sang along at the top of their lungs. As the song faded to a roaring applause, Chuck wiped some sweat from his furry forehead. "Phew! It is a hundred degrees up here. Quincy, buddy, I think we need a little breeze. Can you help cool things down?" Quincy hopped over to a massive black cannon sitting on the side of the stage and grabbed a match. "I don't know about a breeze, Chuck, but I can definitely bring the thunder!" Quincy yelled back."Do it, Quincy! Let 'em hear it!"

Chuck cheered. BOOM! Quincy fired the cannon safely into the sky. The crowd went absolutely wild as the rabbit started dancing all over the stage, spinning sparkling, glowing fourth of July sparklers in each paw. "How's that for a fireworks pre-show?" Quincy shouted, doing a mid-air spin. To finish the night, the whole orchestra joined Chuck and Quincy for the famous "1812 Overture.""

Alright, Hunt Valley, let me hear you sing!" Chuck shouted over the classical music. More cannons blasted, fireworks exploded in red, white, and blue, and everyone sang together.

The kids cheered that it was the best July 4th in history. Before the music even faded, a long line of children rushed to the front to get Chuck Beary’s autograph on their programs. They could not believe that Chuck Beary made a surprise appearance.

As the festival ended, Chuck and Quincy hopped into their car and drove down nearby Beaver Dam Road. A huge parade of happy families followed right behind them! The excitement filled the night and nobody wanted it to stop.

They all pulled into the parking lot of the BC Brewery which was only a couple miles away and crossed the light rail tracks and McCormick Road. Quincy and Chuck couldn't believe everyone was following them. It was late in the evening but nobody seemed tired at all.

When Chuck and Quincy walked through the doors, the crowded room erupted into a giant hero's welcome. Maybe he would play more music? But there is no way he could top his performance on this exciting July 4th.

Everyone raised a glass high into the air, cheering to freedom, music, and the best 250th July 4th ever!

Chuck and Quincy couldn't choose from the gigantic selection of beers but were happy with their final choice.

The crowds inside were excited that they could spend more time with the famous Hunt Valley Bear, and to experience such a legendary musical performance that would go down in history.