County Fair Season

The Maryland State Fair just ended over Labor Day weekend, now it is time for some great county fairs: The Anne Arundel County Fair and the Great Frederick County Fair. Both of these fairs offer great family fun, educational opportunities and entertainment.

Anne Arundel County Fair

The Anne Arundel County Fair runs 9/11 to 9/15 at the County Fairgrounds in Crownsville, which is in the exact center of the county, to allow easy access for fairgoers from all over the county. The Fair was established in 1952 and was held at the Sandy Point State Park for over 25 years until 1982 when the new fairground location was purchased. The Anne Arundel County Fair is a showcase of agriculture and home arts for the entire family.

There are many activities for young and old at the Fair including daily pig races, jousting demonstrations, 4-H competitions, horse puling contest and an antique tractor pull just to name a few of the events. You can see the entire schedule of events at the Fair’s website. There are also many displays and competitions of baked goods, canned goods, fine arts, photography and homemade wine and honey. There is also an Arundel Idol contest throughout the weekend of the Fair.

The Great Frederick Fair

The Great Frederick Fair  runs for 10 days starting September 13^th to September 22^nd at the Fairgrounds at 797 E. Patrick Street in Frederick, Maryland. The Great Frederick Fair is celebrating its 151^st year in 2013. The roots of the Fair go back to 1822 when the Frederick County Agricultural Society put on a cattle show and fair. This event lasted for a few years and then was discontinued until the society re-established in 1853. The Cattle Show and Fair started again in that year and was stopped again in 1861 during the Civil War. The current incarnation of the event was “reborn” in 1868. When the Fair reopened, President Ulysses Grant paid a visit. Since that time, every third week in September has been the set aside for the Great Frederick Fair.

The Fair is a showcase of agricultural and agriculture education for the entire family. Exhibitors come from all over to show their prized livestock, far and garden products and home goods. There are events every day of the fair including headlining concerts in the grandstand by Martina McBride, Hunter Hays, Beach Boys and Justin Moore. See the schedule for more information on dates, times and costs of the performances.

Like the Anne Arundel County Fair, there are 4-H competitions and livestock displays. There is also a tractor pull, harness racing and a demolition derby in the grandstand area. There are carnival rides, a farmer’s market, great fair food and a community tent. You can find out all of the up-to-date event information on the Fair’s Facebook page.

The fall is a great time to check out the county fairs in your area. The weather will be perfect to enjoy these annual events. You might just learn a little bit about agriculture, farming and livestock in Maryland!