The St. Mary’s County Division of Tourism proudly presented the winner of the Celebrate 375 Leonardtown Trunk of Treasures Giveaway prize to Brent Johnson on Wednesday, May 6 at the Tourism Division offices in Leonardtown. The winner is from St. Mary’s County and works at the Naval Air Station Patuxent River.

Accompanying the winner was his spouse, Meredith Johnson, who had entered the giveaway six times and encouraged her husband to “Go for it!” Mr. Johnson entered only once, but it was his entry that was drawn.

The trunk featured goods, services and art from Leonardtown merchants and artists with items having a combined value of over $1,500. The trunk was a hand made leather 17th-century-style traveling trunk crafted by Loveville Leather. Meredith Johnson noted, “The trunk was what really drew me to the Trunk of Treasures Giveaway. I was a history major at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, and I love the history behind the style of the trunk.”

Mrs. Johnson is also employed at the Patuxent River Naval Air Station. Mr. Johnson is pursuing an engineering degree from Embry Riddle. They reside in Wildewood, in California.

On hand to congratulate the winners was Dan Burris, Commissioner of Leonardtown, and Karleen Jaffres of Café des Artistes and Val Deptula of The Good Earth who both contributed items to the trunk. Also present was Bob Schaller, Director of the St. Mary’s County Department of Economic and Community Development.

The Leonardtown Trunk of Treasures giveaway is the first of three seasonal giveaways sponsored by the St. Mary’s County Division of Tourism this year. The Celebrate 375 Trunk of Treasures giveaways are part of the campaign to promote Maryland’s 375th Birthday. The entries for the second Trunk of Treasures are already being received. Entries may be made online at www.Maryland375.com or in person at the Welcome Center.

The Celebrate 375 campaign celebrates Maryland’s 375th birthday here at Maryland’s birthplace. The campaign runs throughout 2009 and features multiple components such as packages, discount offers and activities and events.

For more information about the St. Mary’s County’s Celebrate 375 campaign, please contact the St. Mary’s County Division of Tourism by calling (301) 475-4200 ext. 1404 or visiting www.Maryland375.com.