We at the bureau wish you the best as 2004 winds down and hope you have a prosperous and safe 2005.

Next year will see the bureau attending the American Bus Association convention, meeting group planners and extolling the virtues of Baltimore County and the members of the bureau. We will also be trying a new trade show, the 19th annual New England Meetings Industry Conference & Exposition, with the State of Maryland.

These are just some of the exciting steps _ new and familiar _ the bureau is taking in seeking new business for our members and Baltimore County.

Only members of the bureau are able to take part in our "lead program" where potential business is referred from the bureau, so if you are looking for ways to build your business base, consider an affordable membership in the Baltimore County Conference & Visitors Bureau. For information, call Marge Saunders, our sales manager.

Here are some ideas of things to do to beat the winter blues:

dec. 28

>The Fire Museum of Maryland, at 1301 York Road in Lutherville, presents its holiday train garden from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 410-321-7500 or go to www.firemuseummd.org. Continues through Dec. 31.

dec. 31< p>>Pikesville-based J.O.B. Marketing & Travel Consultants presents a New Year's Eve celebration at the Sheraton Baltimore North on Dulaney Valley Road in Towson. Black-and-white attire. Call 410-484-5600 or 1-888-375-0080; or go to www.crabfeast.com.

>The Timonium Dinner Theatre presents "Jukebox Memories," music of the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. Call 410-561-1113 or 1-877-560-1113. or go to www.timoniumdinnertheatre.com. Continues through June 12.

Jan. 2

>Holiday Promotions presents an antique show at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium. Contact Bill Thomas at 410-538-5558 or at holpromo@yahoo.com.

Jan. 8

> Woodhall Wine Cellars presents "Hot Soups & Cool Wines," with soups of the world and Woodhall wine. Call 410-357-8644 or go to www.woodhallwinecellars.com. Continues Jan. 9.

Jan. 9

> The Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium hosts a woodworking show. Call Zachary Zeidler at 310-477-8521 or go to www.thewoodworkingshows.com.

Jan. 13

>The Maryland State Fairgrounds hosts a fishing expo and boat show. Call Bob Dobart at 410-838-8687 or go to www.fishingexpo.com. Continues through Jan. 16.

Jan. 15

>Boordy Vineyards hosts "Chili Winter Days," hearty chilis paired with red wines, and tours of the winery. Call 410-592-5012 or go to www.boordy.com. Continues Jan. 16, Jan. 22, Jan. 23, Jan. 29 and Jan. 30.

Jan. 29

>The Maryland State Fairgrounds hosts the World of Pets Expo. Call Bob Dobart at 410-838-8687 or go to www.worldofpets.org. Continues Jan. 30.

>The Maryland State Fairgrounds hosts a craft show. Call Jennifer Stapleton at 301-984-5950 or go to www.marketproshows.com. Continues Jan. 30.

Craig Peddicord is executive director of the Baltimore County Conference & Visitors Bureau. For more information, call 410-296- 4886 or go to www.visitbacomd.com on the Web.