Together with

Celebrate the Magic of Words in Bel Air

Hello Friends—

Welcome to the 178 new subscribers who joined since last week’s edition. Happy to have you in our (growing) community of 11,100+ readers!

Well, 4th of July weekend is here and that means the much anticipated Bel Air Independence Day parade. Check out the full schedule here.

And don’t forget that “First Friday” will be pushed back to next Friday, July 10th. Hope you stay cool!

🏠 For Sale: This 4-bed, 3.5-bath single-family home in Bel Air sits on a 0.29-acre lot with 2,700 sq ft of living space, wood floors, 2 fireplaces, a finished basement, and a backyard pool — plus a 2-car garage and C. Milton Wright schools. Priced at $739,800.

🦞 Menu Item: The $29 Lobster Roll at Burtons Grill & Bar is piled high with fresh tail, knuckle & claw meat on a toasty brioche bun, served warm & buttered or chilled with house-made aioli alongside fresh fries. Specially priced July 1 – August 31.

💼 Hot Job: The Formery in Bel Air is hiring 3 part-time positions for people passionate about movement, community, and creating an experience that transforms lives. Submit your application via their bio link — interviews kick off July 15.

Now to this weekend…

  • Games at Shamrock Park…

  • Rock Spring Swim Club Patriotic Pool Party…

  • And Trinidad and Tobago Baltimore Steel Orchestra Returns to Ladew's Great Bowl…

Scroll down, make plans, and Happy Independence Day!

TOGETHER WITH THE BOOK FAIR AT BEL AIR

Reading is Rad-ical at the Book Fair at Bel Air!

Join us on Saturday, August 8, from 10 AM–2 PM at the APGFCU Arena at Harford Community College for a FREE, family-friendly celebration of books and reading.

Meet 110+ authors and vendors, enjoy character visits, games, prizes, face painting, a free photobooth, and more. Whether you're a lifelong reader or raising one, there's something for everyone.

America 250: Honoring Our Local Veterans

As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, we're honored to recognize veterans from our local community who answered the call to serve.

Sgt. Rick Carter

U.S. Army Special Forces Green Beret

Helped with the training of Cambodian soldiers in Vietnam '71-'72

Want to recognize a local veteran? We'd be honored to feature them. Just click here or reply to this email with a photo and a brief description, and we'll do our best to include as many as we can.

Things To Do This Weekend In Bel Air & Surrounding Areas

Friday, July 3rd

Collectors Corner Independence Day weekend sale! (Free)
📅 Friday, July 3 | 11 AM – 5 PM
📍 Collectors Corner, 17 N Main St, Bel Air
Collectors Corner's Bel Air outpost runs a three-day 4th of July Weekend Sale with 25% off back issues, toys, statues, graphic novels, apparel, and collectibles. All $5 stickered items drop to $2.50; spend $250+ and get an extra 10% off.

Four the Fourth — Harford County Running Club (Free)
📅 Friday, July 3 | 6 PM – 8 PM
📍 Emmorton Elementary School, 2502 S Tollgate Rd, Bel Air
A 4-mile out-and-back evening run on sidewalks along S Tollgate Rd, stroller friendly, with parking in the back lot of Emmorton Elementary School.

Saturday, July 4th

Bel Air Farmers' Market (Free)
📅 Saturday, July 4 | 8 AM – 12 PM
📍 Bel Air Farmers' Market, 2 S Bond St, Bel Air
A producer-only market with 60+ local Harford County vendors selling fresh produce, handmade goods, and more every Saturday morning.

Games at Shamrock Park (Free)
📅 Saturday, July 4 | 9 AM
📍 Shamrock Park, Bel Air
Family games hosted by Bel Air 4th of July, including a water balloon toss, Uncle Sam Says, watermelon eating contest, and a Bel Air Community Band performance at noon.

🎵 Bel Air Community Band at the 4th of July (Free)
📅 Saturday, July 4 | 12 PM
📍 William A. Humbert Amphitheater, Bel Air
The Bel Air Community Band performs patriotic tunes at noon at the William A. Humbert Amphitheater as part of the town's full-day Independence Day celebration.

July 4th at RSSC — Patriotic Pool Party (Free)
📅 Saturday, July 4 | 12 PM – 7 PM
📍 Rock Spring Swim Club, 454 Red Pump Rd, Bel Air
Members-only patriotic pool party with games, contests, flag raising, food trucks, and a Frosty Express — no guests allowed.

4th of July at St. Matthew Lutheran Church (Free)
📅 Saturday, July 4 | 5 PM
📍 St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 1200 E Churchville Rd, Bel Air
Family-friendly 4th of July celebration with food trucks (Das Bierhalle, Love.Crust.Pizza, Kona Ice), games, sweet treats from Sweet Six Bakehouse, and a great view of the Bel Air fireworks.

Bel Air Independence Day Parade 2026 (Free)
📅 Saturday, July 4 | 6 PM
📍 Main Street, Bel Air
The annual Bel Air Independence Day Parade steps off at Idlewild and S. Main, proceeding to the "Welcome to Bel Air" sign at E. Gordon and N. Main, with decorated floats, bands, and community groups celebrating America's 250th anniversary.

4th of July at Main Street Tower (Free)
📅 Saturday, July 4 | After the parade
📍 Main Street Tower, 29 S Main St, Bel Air
Watch the parade then head to Main Street Tower for beer pong and cornhole tournaments with cash prizes for winners, music, and a fireworks show at 9:30 PM.

Sunday, July 5th

🎵 Trinidad and Tobago Baltimore Steel Orchestra at Ladew Gardens ($)
📅 Sunday, July 5 | 6 PM – 8 PM (gates open 5 PM)
📍 Ladew Topiary Gardens, 3535 Jarrettsville Pike, Monkton
The Trinidad and Tobago Baltimore Steel Orchestra returns to Ladew's Great Bowl for a live concert celebrating America's 250th, with food, craft beer from Independent Brewing Company, and wine available on-site. Tickets: Members $25 / Non-members $30; children $10–$15.

Save the Dates:
American Revolution Exhibit, July 3-20, Hays House Museum & The History Center
Boots & Barnyards, July 10th, Forest Hill Chick-fil-A
The Red Thread’s Crystal Garden Suncatcher Workshop, July 11th, CoffeeBar Bel Air
Harford County Farm Fair, July 18-25, Harford County Equestrian Center
Kinetic Canvas: Banksy, July 31 & August 1, Chesapeake Theater

For more live music on the schedule this weekend, check out the “Harco Live Music Round Up” facebook group…

TOGETHER WITH THE RAMBLE FESTIVAL

Be Part Of The Vibe & Find Your Tribe @ The Ramble Festival

Looking for a unique fall weekend close to home?

Join us October 9–11 for The Ramble Festival—a family-friendly celebration featuring live music, kids activities, yoga and wellness experiences, local artisans, delicious food, camping, and plenty of room to relax and explore.

Whether you come for the day or spend the whole weekend, there's something for every age to enjoy.

Headlines in the Community…

Downtown Bel Air Independent Retailer Weekend Kicks Off July 10-12 — Shop Local and Enjoy Exclusive In-Store Deals at The Pink Silhouette, Texture & Tuft, and More. Read more…

The American Revolution Experience National Traveling Exhibit is Coming to Bel Air July 3-20 — Experience Interactive Displays and History at Hays House Museum and The History Center. Read more…

Harford County Awards $1M in Tourism Grants to Strengthen Local Nonprofits — 34 Organizations Including Bel Air Downtown Alliance and Ladew Topiary Gardens Receive Funding to Boost the Local Economy. Read more…

Ladew Topiary Gardens to Host America 250 Celebration Concert on July 5 — Enjoy the Trinidad & Tobago Baltimore Steel Orchestra in the Great Bowl. Read more…

Pet Of The Week: Presented by Our Friends at Shannon’s Pretty Paws Pet Grooming

We are more than just groomers, we’re a family!

Give your pet the 5-star treatment & book a grooming session at Shannon’s Pretty Paws today. Your furry friend will thank you (and so will your furniture).

This week’s reader submission is: Baxter

This is Baxter our new addition this year. Baxter is 1 1/2 years old and already the “King” of the sofa. He enjoys sitting and watching TV, Animal Planet is an absolute must to keep him entertained. But if he’s not watching TV he is all over the place. There is no loss of energy for this mighty dog. He has so far jumped over the couch, leaped over the breakfast table to catch the cat, and ate a pan full with Taco meat he retrieved off the stove top. Nothing is sacred on the counter tops, no matter how far you push it back. One look with those sad eyes and we melt! Baxter is still a joy to have and has the funniest, playful personality. Everyone loves Baxter!

Baxter, king of the couch!

Have a furry, feathered, or scaly friend you’re proud of? Send a photo and a few fun facts, and we might feature them in an upcoming issue.

Real Estate Corner

Thinking about buying, selling, or simply curious what homes are selling for around town? Our Real Estate Corner highlights notable local listings, market insights, and trends shaping the Harford County housing market.

Are you a local realtor (or group) interested in becoming the exclusive sponsor of this section and have your listings reach 11,100+ local readers each week? Click here to submit your interest.

Bel Air’s Trusted Local Businesses (Vetted & Community-Backed)

When you need something done right the first time, you don’t want to guess.
These are local businesses that Bel Air Brief readers rely on—trusted, proven, and part of the community.

Reach out and tell them “Matt from the Bel Air Brief” sent you.

✔️ Garage Doors: Carl’s Door Service has 150+ Google reviews and a 4.8-star rating—trusted locally since 1965 for fast, reliable garage door repair and installation.

✔️ Financial Planning: Paul Applegate — Edward Jones helps Harford County families and business owners build clear, no-pressure retirement and financial plans that actually make sense.

✔️ Local Festival: The Ramble Festival - Discover one of the region's most unique fall traditions! The Ramble Festival returns October 9–11 with live music, family activities, wellness programming, local makers, great food, camping, and fun for all ages—all just a short drive away.

✔️ Roofing: Tar Heel Construction Group has 750+ five-star Google reviews, an A+ BBB rating, and has won “Best of Harford” six years in a row—Bel Air's go-to contractor since 2004 for roof replacements, repairs, siding, gutters, and solar.

✔️ Concrete Coatings: Platinum Concrete Coatings has 1,000+ five-star Google reviews—one-day installs with a lifetime warranty for garage floors, patios, and basements.

✔️ Pet Grooming: Shannon’s Pretty Paws is 4.7-star rated—calm, certified grooming for dogs and cats with walk-in nail trims available.

✔️ Marketing: Hardiman Marketing helps local businesses grow through social media, photography, and video—built for brands that want more visibility.

Want to be featured here and seen by 11,100+ locals each week? Learn more here.

Date Spot Of The Week

Fuji Sushi (Bel Air)

📍 Fuji Sushi, 5 Bel Air South Pkwy, Bel Air

If your date night needs something a little more interesting than the usual rotation, Fuji Sushi has been quietly delivering some of the best sushi in Harford County since 2007. It's locally owned, consistently well-reviewed, and the kind of place where the menu is long enough to make the decision-making part of the fun.

What to order: Start with the Crab Wonton, Coconut Shrimp, or Tuna Tower if you want something to share while you figure out the rest of the plan. For rolls, the Bel Air Roll (deep fried salmon, tuna, avocado, spicy mayo) is the obvious local pick, but the Amazing Roll, Fuji Roll, Flamingo Roll, or Harvest Roll are all strong moves if you want something more adventurous. The Deluxe Rainbow Roll or Sunset Roll are solid middle-ground options — impressive without being overwhelming. If someone at the table isn't a sushi person, the Hibachi Filet Mignon, Mango Chicken, or Pad Thai give them a clean exit ramp without ruining the night.

The vibe: Casual, comfortable, and easy to linger over. It's the kind of dinner where you order too much, share everything, and somehow end up staying longer than you planned.

Thanks for reading the Bel Air Brief today. Share it with someone who will be on a float in this year’s parade.

Matt | Bel Air Brief

Bel Air Brief Quick Links

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