Thurmont Honors Black with Special Day

Alisha Yocum

The Town of Thurmont proclaimed Friday, March 21, as Robert Black Day. Black and his family are the owners of Catoctin Mountain Orchard in Thurmont. The proclamation was made for Black for following the principles set forth by his father, Harry Black, when he opened Catoctin Mountain Orchard in 1948, his “community stewardship” through support of individuals and nonprofits, his accomplishments such as the 2020 Apple Grower of the Year, and, more recently, being inducted into the International Fruit Growers Hall of Fame.

The celebration featured a parade through Thurmont, beginning at Catoctin High School and winding through town before concluding at Mountain Gate Family Restaurant, where Black’s family enjoyed lunch with community members.

Robert Black and his family, owners of Catoctin Mountain Orchard, are presented with a Proclamation celebrating March 21 as Robert Black Day in Thurmont

Mayor John Kinnaird and Robert Black during the parade celebrating Robert Black Day.