It’s almost that time of year again—time to head on over to the Timonium Fairgrounds for the ultimate summer sendoff. That’s right, I’m referring to the one and only Maryland State Fair. Now celebrating its 143rd year as a local mainstay, the Maryland State Fair remains one of the region’s most eagerly anticipated seasonal gatherings. It even draws in folks far and wide from throughout the state and from the neighboring Mid-Atlantic locales in Pennsylvania, Virginia, Delaware, and beyond.
A “Fair” Bit of History
After several failed attempts at establishing an ongoing agricultural community fair-like gathering within the greater Baltimore area, a group of Maryland businessmen at last found success with an 1878 event held on a four-acre site in Lutherville, Maryland. That was the first-ever run of what was to become the Maryland State Fair. Later that year, however, an extension to the North Central Railway dissected the existing fairgrounds site, leading those in charge to seek out a new, alternate location. This resulted in the leasing of a 37-acre plot of land which at the time was known as Timonium Estate. Timonium Estate not only proved to be a far better, more spacious site but the extension of the aforementioned railway also had a silver lining in that it became a primary source of transportation for folks traveling to the new Fair location. Others continued to make the journey by wagon or on horseback. But the train certainly helped in cutting travel time for those who lived further away.
By the late 19th century, the Maryland State Fair in Lutherville had a viable rival in the concurrently operating Pimlico Fair. Also referred to as the “State Fair” by some, the two eventually collaborated to hold joint fairs during the 1894 and 1897 seasons. By 1906, they officially merged into the Maryland State Fair and Agricultural Society of Baltimore County.
The Fair continued to grow and prosper throughout the 20th century. Eventually, many new features and attractions were incorporated into the mix, including additional agriculture-related follies, various vendors, novelty exhibitions, carnival amusements, and headliner entertainment.
It wasn’t all smooth sailing, though. For instance, during World War II the Fair was temporarily halted for a few seasons when the U.S. Army leased the Fairgrounds for a storage depot and a vehicle repair center. The Fair later reopened in 1946.
The Maryland State Fair eventually expanded its run into an 11-day duration. Then in 2018, an additional day was added making it into a 12-day event. It currently operates for 13 days and is always held at the end of August leading into the first part of September.
Fair Features and Follies
Every year the Maryland State Fair presents a host of featured attractions and events throughout its multi-day run. Some occur on specific dates and times, like scheduled entertainment performances, competitions, contests, themed demos, thoroughbred races, and other spectator events.
Other fan favorites are ongoing highlights to be experienced whenever you visit. Examples include exhibits and displays, daily activities provided in certain buildings and areas, main midway attractions, and changing but constant agricultural presentations and programs. Every Fair visit offers both unique and to-be-expected explorations alike.
Attending This Year’s Fair
The 143rd Maryland State Fair kicks off on Thursday, August 22 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. On Friday, August 23, gates open at 9 a.m. The Fair will remain in operation until 10 p.m. The same hours of operation apply to the Fair’s installment on Saturday, August 24, and Sunday, August 25. Day five will open on Thursday, August 29 at 5 p.m. The same hours will apply as those from opening day. Likewise, all the weekend dates will continue following the precedents set by the former week. The Fair will also be open on Monday, September 2 (Labor Day) from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday, September 5 marks day 10 of the Fair with operations adhering to the same 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. timeframe. The Fair will continue the same weekend timeline with day 13 wrapping things up for the year on Sunday, September 8.
Again, each day presents a broad range of changing entertainment acts and events. You can view the entire listing of day-to-day endeavors at this year’s Fair via their virtual online program guide at the link here.
The Maryland State Fair is held at the Timonium State Fairgrounds, located at 2200 York Road, Lutherville-Timonium 21093. Tickets purchased at the Gate are $15 for general admission (ages 12-61), $12 for seniors (62 and older), and $10 for children six to 11. Children under five are free. Advance tickets may be purchased online at a discount. Also, be sure to check the program for daily specials and the resulting rates applicable to these specials. To learn more about this year’s installment of the Maryland State Fair, visit the website at www.marylandstatefair.com.