MECHANICSVILLE, Md. – Amish Wedding season is upon us and that means it’s important for drivers to keep an eye out for buggies, especially late at night.
Motorists should also expect delays and heavy horse-and-buggy volume today, Nov. 1, 2021, and Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021, in the Loveville area along Point Lookout Road (Route 5) as the community pays its respects to Henry Stauffer, who was killed in a vehicular collision last week.
Private viewing services for Mr. Stauffer are being held today from 11 am to 9 pm and motorists can expect numerous buggies along Point Lookout Road between Sunnyside Road and Pin Cushion Road.
Viewing services continue tomorrow, Tuesday, Nov. 2, from 7 am to noon, and afterward the funeral procession will move along Point Lookout Road from Terrika Lane to Pin Cushion Road in Loveville. Motorists can expect Point Lookout Road in this area to be closed at times during the afternoon.
If possible, motorists should avoid the Loveville area today and tomorrow. Drivers should exercise extreme caution among the horse-drawn buggies. Share the road.
The Amish typically hold weddings from the end of October through December. Wedding season starts after the harvest is finished and runs until the severe weather sets it. Wedding celebrations traditionally take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Because the time-frame for weddings is so short, there are frequently multiple weddings held in one day. The celebrations are big events, held at the home of the bride’s family and last all day long. Usually the festivities go on until midnight.
Oftentimes, guests visit multiple celebrations in one day. In areas with a sizeable Amish population that means you could see a lot of extra buggies on the road, especially late a night.
While it’s always a good idea for drivers to pay attention to their surroundings, a big of extra care is in order if you typically drive in Amish country. Not only can you expect more buggy traffic but wedding guests who belong to the Old Order Amish, may also celebrate with alcohol.