Off the Beaten Path is your weekly source for the most interesting things to do and places to go in the DC, MD, and VA area. From festivals to pillow fights, Off the Beaten Path provides a weekly list of worthwhile adventures. Published every Sunday by MetroMontage.com.
Welcome to Issue #13 of Off the Beaten Path. This weeks issue focuses on The Maryland State Fair. Feel free to share this issue with family, friends, or co-workers by using the “Share/Save” button at the bottom of this page.
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The Maryland State Fair dates back to 1878 when a group of businessmen held what was then called the Lutherville fair on a small four-acre site. All though the fair was successful, the fair eventually was displaced because of the Northern Central Railway being extended through the fairgrounds. However, this set back did not discourage the group. The grouped moved forward and in December 1878 the group incorporated to become The Agrigucltural Society of Baltimore County.
On September 9, 1879, the newly formed corporation opened the fair at its new location, a 37-acres plot of land that was located off of the York Turnpike (York Road). At the time, the land was referred to as “the Timonium Estate”. Today, we refer to this location as the Timonium Fair Grounds.
Over the years, the fair has grown tremendously and many additions and changes have been made. The most recent major change came in 1999 when organizers of the fair could no longer squeeze any additional entertainment or events into the all ready jam packed 10-day schedule. Therefore, an eleventh day was added.
Today, the The Maryland State Fair takes up over 100 acres, and each year more than 500,000 people visit the fair also known as “The 11 Best Days of Summer.”
With so much to see and do, this weeks list of adventures focuses on what Off the Beaten Path feels is off the beaten path at the 129th Maryland State Fair.
Enjoy!
Miss Maryland Agriculture Contest
Twenty-three young women between the ages of 16 and 19 will compete to become Miss Maryland Agriculture on Friday, August 27 at 7:30 p.m. in the Cow Palace Show Ring at the state fair. The participants qualified for the contest by winning their respective counties Farm Bureau sponsored contests. Each of the women will be critiqued during the competition according to their farm & agricultural experience, speaking ability, Farm Bureau knowledge, personality, friendliness, and personal presentation.The winner of the competition will be crowned Miss Maryland Agriculture, receive a cash award, and a scholarship.
When: Friday, August 27, 2010, 7:30 PM
Where: Cow Palace Show Ring
Cost: Free with paid admission to the Maryland State Fair.
Bull Riding & Barrel Racing
Twenty-five professional bull riders from the International Bull Rider Association will compete in “The Battle of the Beast” on Monday, August, 30, 2010 at 7 PM in the Horse Show Ring. Over the 11 days of the fair, this is the only day in which professional bull riding will take place. If this is an event that you are really interested in seeing, you are encouraged to get their early to get a good seat.
When: Monday, August 30, 2010, 7PM
Where: Horse Show Ring
Cost: Free with paid admission to the Maryland State Fair.
Swifty Swine Racing Pigs
Swifty the Swimming Pig is the star of the “Swifty Swine Racing Pigs” show. From August 27 through September 6, Swifty and the other pigs will compete in three-heat races five times per day. Audience members will also be treated to a one pig show by Swifty too. In addition, Piggie University (PU) will educate the audience about pigs and share some fun facts too.
When: Friday, August 27 – Monday, September 6, 2010, 12:30PM, 2:30PM, 4:30PM, 6:30PM & 8PM
Where: Located at the south end of the Midway closest to the Farm & Garden building.
Cost: Free with paid admission to the Maryland State Fair.
Masters Of The Chainsaw
Some of the nations top professional chainsaw sculptors with take part in “Masters of the Chainsaw” throughout the week at this years state fair. The carvers will turn a three-foot tall log into a masterpiece of art in record time. A few of the finished pieces will be auctioned off to benefit the Maryland State Fair Scholarship Fund.
When: Friday, August 27 – Monday, September 6, 2010., Monday-Friday: 1PM, 3PM & 7PM
Saturday & Sunday (exception Sunday, Sept. 5th): 1PM, 3PM, 5PM & 7PM
Sunday, September 5th: 11AM, 1PM, 5PM & 7PM
Where: State Fair Park
Cost: Free with paid admission to the Maryland State Fair.
Maryland State Fair General Admission: $8.00 for adults, $6.00 for seniors (ages 62 and older),$3.00 for children (ages 6-11). Children five-years-old and younger are admitted free. Rides are individually priced.
Dates: 8/27/2010 – 9/6/2010
Website: www.marylandstatefair.com
Off the Beaten Path is published every Sunday by MetroMontage.com, a photography site that features the most intriguing events, people, and places in the Baltimore/Washington metropolitan area, and on rare occasions other metro areas. Presented by freelance photographer Anthony Washington. Want to know more about MetroMontage.com? Visit www.metromontage.com/about.
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