September: leaves are starting to get the hint that it’s time to change color and mornings have a bit of nip in the air. That’s why I’m so glad that some fairs are scheduled after the heat of summer has died down.
Fairs are an ancient tradition and having an area dedicated as a Fairground is an example of their importance to the community. The first and oldest fair in the nation, the York Fair, was established by the son of WIlliam Penn in 1765 to celebrate the “flourishing state to which the town hath arrived through their industry” and reportedly became “the liveliest days of the year”. Fairs provided a space for tradesmen to gather from afar, assured they would meet with the right groups to sell their wares. American ties to farming were strong, so our fairs were at first predominately agricultural. In the 1800’s with the rise of interest developing bloodlines and registries for animal breeds, it became a place to show off and compete livestock within categories. And, of course there was always the fun factor, which changes in tune with what the general public considers to be entertainment at the time.
Some Maryland Fairs of September:
Anne Arundel County Fair
Sept. 11-15, 2013. Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds, Generals Highway, Crownsville, Maryland. (410) 923-3400. Monster truck rides, carnival rides and games, farm animals and exhibits, pig races, antique saw mill, pie eating contest, talent show and much more.
Charles County Fair
September 12-15, 2013. Charles County Fairgrounds, 8440 Fairgrounds Road. La Plata, Maryland. (301) 932-1234. Farm animals, displays, demonstrations, food, entertainment, carnival rides, games and activities for all ages.
Great Frederick Fair
September 13-21, 2013. Frederick Fairgrounds, 797 E. Patrick St., Frederick, Maryland. (301) 663-5896. Musical entertainment, tractor pulls, equine expo and showcase, agricultural events, food.
St. Mary’s County Fair
September 19-22, 2013 Leonardtown
Livestock, home arts and crafts, flowers, field crops, jousting, 4-H and school exhibits, horse pulls, carnival rides, pig racing and more! Livestock, home arts and crafts, flowers, field crops
Calvert County Fair
September 25-29, 2013. Calvert County Fairgrounds, 140 Calvert Fair Rd. Prince Frederick, Maryland.(410) 535-0026. Farm animals, exhibits, musical, entertainment, food, carnival rides, contests and a 4H auction.
Oktoberfest
September 28, 2013
The Great Frederick Fairgrounds will be transformed into a German village for the annual Frederick’s Oktoberfest. This event is rich in tradition, history and good old-fashioned fun.
In PENNSYLVANIA
York Fair, York, PA
September 6-15, 2013
yorkfair.org
Southern Lancaster County Fair
September 18-20th, 2013, Quarryville
