TIMONIUM, Md. — The 134th MY Maryland State Fair presented by Toyota is a fun and educational destination complete with daily exhibits, presentations and entertainment that are sure to captivate visitors of all ages. No other event provides so much food, fun, family entertainment and education for so little. The Maryland State Fair, located in Timonium in Baltimore County, opens Friday, Aug. 28 and runs through Monday, Sept. 7, 2015.
The 4-H/Home Arts, Farm & Garden and Exhibition Hall hours: Monday through Thursday, noon to 10 p.m. and Fridays through Sundays and Labor Day Monday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mosner-Miller Museum/DNR Building hours: Monday through Thursday, noon to 7 p.m. and Fridays through Sundays and Labor Day Monday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Kiddie Land rides area hours: Monday through Thursday, noon to 10 p.m. and Fridays through Sundays and Labor Day Monday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Main Midway rides, games and food stands hours: Monday through Thursday, 2 p.m. to close and Friday through Sunday and Labor Day Monday, 10 a.m. to close. Early risers are welcome to attend livestock and horse shows in the various livestock buildings and show rings at 9 a.m. Admission to the Fair is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors (62 and older) and $3 for children (6-11). Children five-years-old and younger are admitted free. Rides are individually priced. Limited Fairgrounds’ parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis for $5. For more details, visit www.marylandstatefair.com.
NEW THIS YEAR
• MY MARYLAND STATE FAIR FIREWORKS— Opening Day, Friday, Aug. 28, 9:30 p.m., Racetrack Infield.
• MY MARYLAND STATE FAIR 5K and TRACK CHALLENGE — The event includes the inaugural 5K Race, the Beer Mile and the Track Challenge. Sign up early at www.T3RUN.com. Saturday, Aug. 29, 8 a.m., Grandstand entrance.
• M&T BANK PRESENTS THE 2015 MY MARYLAND STATE FAIR CONCERT SERIES with live national concerts on the Racetrack Infield Stage. Tickets are on sale now at www.marylandstatefair.com. Friday, Sept. 4, 7:30 p.m. — R5, the rapidly climbing exciting new voice of pop-rock will perform live. Bea Miller, recognized as Rolling Stone’s “10 Artists You Need To Know” is the opening act.
Saturday, Sept. 5, 8 p.m. — Fifth Harmony, the all-female, five member group and winners of Radio Disney’s “2015 Best Music Group” award will perform live.
Sunday, Sept. 6 — Latino Music Festival at MY Maryland State Fair begins at 6:30 p.m. with Bachata Plus followed by 503 Nation at 7:20 p.m., Alex Sensation at 8:10 p.m. and Baby Rasta & Gringo at 9 p.m.
• MY MARYLAND STATE FAIR LIVE, LOCAL BANDS & ENTERTAINMENT — Live, Local Bands & Entertainment on the Carolina Carports Free Stage in the Maryland State Fair Park. A variety of popular bands and entertainers are scheduled daily, among them: Awaken; The Beach Bumz; Beatlemania Returns; Crawdaddies; Dave DeMarco Band; Freddie Long Band; Glenn Workman Trio; Great Train Robbery; Greg Hatza Organ; Head Rush; Josh Christina & Good Old Stuff; Mark Bray and Steel Soul Cowboys; Midnite Run; Never Never; Nolan Garrett; Paul Soroka Power Trio; The 1974, The Rat Pack; Rob Fahey & The Pieces; Ronnie Wayne & Tidewater Band; Unity Reggae Band; Wylde Fire; Jarrett Lembach Karaoke, and more. Visit www.marylandstatefair.com for complete schedule.
• RAVENS WEEK at MY MARYLAND STATE FAIR — Wednesday, Sept. 2 through Friday, Sept. 4, noon to 8 p.m., in MY Maryland State Fair Ravens Village presented by Bud Light features a variety of fun activities, appearances by former Ravens players and more: Meet & Greet with Ravens Cheerleaders — North Gate and in Ravens Village. Ravens Game Viewing Party — broadcast on large screen televisions in Ravens Village, Thursday, Sept. 3, 7 p.m. Baltimore Ravens Day at MY Maryland State Fair, Friday, Sept. 4: Super Bowl Trophies on display, Prize Giveaways throughout the day; Photo Session from 4 to 7 p.m., followed by a Ravens Pep Rally.
• MY MARYLAND STATE FAIR STROLLING ENTERTAINERS — stilt walkers, magicians, clowns and more will greet fairgoers at various times and locations throughout the Fair.
• MY MARYLAND HORSE FESTIVAL features polo, jousting and fox-hunting demonstrations, local bluegrass music, local wine and beer, food trucks and a tethered Hot Air Balloon Glow. Tuesday, Sept. 1 and Wednesday, Sept. 2, in the Infield.
• MY HORSELAND, at the Grandstand entrance. Learn about the horse industry and participate in hands-on braiding, saddling, stick horse building, stick horse races and other activities. Friday, Aug. 28, through Sunday, Aug. 30, and Friday, Sept. 4 through Monday, Sept. 7, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Monday, Aug. 31, through Thursday, Sept. 3, noon to 9 p.m. In addition, on racing days, new holographic technology in the Grandstand will provide tips on how to bet on horse races.
• LIVE AND SIMULCAST THOROUGHBRED HORSE RACING, Friday, Aug. 28, to Sunday, Aug. 30, and Friday, Sept. 4, to Labor Day, Sept. 7. Post Time is 1 p.m. Admission to the racetrack is included in the fair’s admission price.
• MY MARYLAND MULE RACES, the inaugural event will feature a variety of mules (horse and donkey hybrid) in a head-to-head elimination race around an oval loop on the fairgrounds racetrack, Sunday, Aug. 30, at approximately 5 p.m. immediately following the thoroughbred races.
• U.S. PONY RACES — non-wagering steeplechase pony races with young jockeys ages 3-16, Friday, Aug. 28, 10:30 a.m. and live non-wagering flat pony races, Saturday, Aug. 29 approximately 5 p.m. immediately following thoroughbred horse races at the Racetrack. Riders must have own ponies and be preapproved by U.S. Pony Racing. www.usponyracing.com
• BEST OF MY MARYLAND BEST EXHIBITS — Pre-entries are already arriving from individuals to compete for ribbons, cash premiums and to be recognized as the best of Maryland’s best home arts, farm & garden, livestock and horse exhibitors whose talent will be highlighted in the buildings, barns and show rings throughout MY Maryland State Fair.
• CRAFTERS CORNER — local artisans will provide daily demonstration, tips and answers to fairgoers’ questions in the Home Arts Building.
• FUEL UP TO PLAY 60 ACTIVITY COURSE — Kids, come show off your skills in an activity course and learn how choosing dairy products and other good-for-you foods, and getting active 60 minutes per day, can help you perform at your very best, Sunday, Sept. 6, 5 to 7 p.m., in the Cow Palace Show Ring. Sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association. www.fueluptoplay60.com.
• MOUNTAIN DEW KICKSTART TRUCK — fairgoers may sample Mountain Dew’s two new Kickstart Pineapple Mango Hydration and Strawberry Kiwi Hydration drinks, along with fan favorites Real Fruit, Coconut Water and more, while enjoying Mountain Dew lifestyle footage on three large HDTV screens, Friday, Aug. 28 and Saturday, Aug. 29, noon to 10 p.m., across from the Cow Palace.
• SCALES & TALES OUTDOOR STAGE SHOWS — The Department of Natural Resources, in addition to their indoor exhibits, will host several outdoor informational shows featuring live birds of prey and reptiles from their Scales & Tales program, Saturdays, Aug. 29 and Sept. 5 and Sundays, Aug. 30 and Sept. 6, from 1 to 2 p.m. and 3 to 4 p.m. on the Carolina Carport Free Stage in MY Maryland State Fair Park.
• U-LEARN FARM — Count on U-Learn Farm to teach fairgoers of all ages, how agriculture impacts their daily lives. In addition to featuring a variety of fun and educational hands-on activities and exhibits, U-Learn Farm has partnered with the Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association to create an interactive bigger than life-sized milk carton, which represents the amount of milk the average cow produces in one year. Also, look for the new Greenhouse and Oyster Farming and the Chesapeake Bay exhibits and the Storybook Reading and Demonstration Stage, Fridays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Monday through Thursday including Labor Day Monday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., in the south end of the Cow Palace.
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND
• M&T Bank PREVIEW NIGHT at MY Maryland State Fair with RIDEMANIA, Thursday, Aug. 27, 5 to 11 p.m., will give fairgoers a taste of the fun in store when the fair officially opens. Preview/Ridemania Night Only, fairgoers may purchase Admission & Ride Wristband for only $20 or a Walk-Around Admission for $1. In addition, $1 hot dogs, $1 corn-on-the-cob and $1 small sodas will be available exclusively at the Maryland Foods Pavilion. NOTE: On Preview/Ridemania Night only the Midway rides, games and food stands will be open. Exhibition Halls, Livestock Barns, etc. will open Friday, Aug. 28.
• MAIN MIDWAY RIDES & GAMES OF SKILL AREA, presented by Deggeller Attractions and located in the center of the Fairgrounds, will offer thrills & chills for the bravest fairgoers with the new spectacular ride The Enterprise, the Mine Bender Roller Coaster, Hang Ten, YoYo and Cliff Hanger among 30+rides and 30+ games of skill. Monday through Thursday from 2 p.m. to close and Fridays through Sundays and Labor Day Monday from 10 a.m. to close.
• KIDDIE LAND RIDES AREA — features 15+ tame, but exciting rides among them the new Magic Maze, Farm Tractors, Baja Buggie, Rockin’ Tug, Happy Swing and more. Hours: Weekdays noon to 10 p.m. Fridays through Sundays and Labor Day Monday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• FAVORITE FAIR FOODS — a wide selection of favorite fair food will satisfy the spirit as well as the palate. Enjoy the traditional taste of cotton candy and corndogs to deep fried delights like Berger Cookies and Bulls Eyes on the Midway and fresh fruit, crab cakes, ice cream and more from Maryland Farms and the Chesapeake Bay at the Maryland Foods Pavilion and Maryland Dairy Bar.
• Arm Wrestling USA/Maryland Classic – The colorful and competitive sport of Arm wrestling returns to the Maryland State Fair for the eighth consecutive year. This premier event will feature people from all walks of life — both men and women competing for local bragging rights. Events feature standardized weight classes, streamlined equipment and National Rankings for all competitors who win a match. This special amateur competition challenges strength, athletic ability and personal desire to prevail. Saturday, Sept. 5, noon to 4:30 p.m., in the MD Foods Pavilion.
• BIRTHING CENTER — Fairgoers will have the opportunity to witness the miracle of birth of calves, piglets & hatching of chicks under the supervision of veterinarians and students, daily, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., in the Cow Palace.
• J BAR W RANCH BATTLE OF THE BEASTS PROFESSIONAL BULL RIDING AND COWGIRL BARREL RACING — The cowboys will once again face the bulls for one of America’s fastest growing extreme spectator sports when J Bar W Ranch hosts the popular Battle of the Beast Bull Riding and Cowgirl Barrel Racing Competition. 25 professional International Bull Rider Association riders will compete on some of the toughest bulls in the world of rodeo, and cowgirls will be timed racing around a barrel course, Monday, Aug. 31, 7 p.m., in the Horse Show Arena.
• BUNNY BURKETT & HER ETHANOL PERFORMS FUNNY CAR — World Record Funny Car Racer Bunny Burkett will display her ethanol blend powered flashy race car on the Grandstand apron, Sunday, Sept. 6 and Monday, Sept. 7, noon to 5 p.m. Sponsored by Maryland Grain Producers.
• CHILDREN’S TEA PARTIES — During the 1864 Maryland State Fair for U.S. Soldier Relief, a precursor to our Maryland State Fair, President Abraham Lincoln presided over the opening ceremonies and a Children’s Tea Party.” In honor of that tradition, the Maryland State Fair will once again host their rendition of Children’s Tea Parties. Girls and boys ages 5-12 are invited to reserve a spot for the Children’s Tea Parties hosted twice per day, Monday, Aug. 31 through Friday, Sept. 4, starting at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. in the Home Arts Building. 60 seats are available per tea party for $5 per child, cash payment only accepted. Reservations may be made at msfteaparty2015@gmail.com.
• FOOD LION FOOD DRIVE DAY — TUESDAY, SEPT. 1 ONLY — Each fairgoer who brings five Food Lion Brand canned goods to the York Road Main Gate Entrance on Tuesday, Sept. 1, will be admitted free.
• GOAT MOUNTAIN — Watch goats in their natural habitat in the Maryland State Fair Park. daily, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., in MY Maryland State Fair Park.
• HORSE PULL COMPETITIONS — Miniature Horses show their strength by pulling sleds in the Miniature Horse Pull Competition on Saturday, Sept. 5 at 6 p.m., followed by the traditional Light Weight Draft Horse Pull Competition at 7:30 p.m. in the Horse Show Arena. The Heavy Weight Draft Horse Pull Competition is on Sunday, Sept. 6, 7:30 p.m., in the Horse Show Arena.
• MARYLAND GUERNSEY ASSOCIATION MILK IT COW MILKING CLINIC — While milking cows has gone high tech for most dairy farm operations, traditional hand-milking is the mother of invention. Fairgoers will have the opportunity to learn the traditional way of milking a cow, when junior members of the MD Guernsey Association host their Milk It fundraiser in the Cow Palace. Milk It will provide educational information about Maryland’s dairy industry and this special breed of dairy cows. And, for a small fee, interested fairgoers may take a lesson and try their hand at milking a cow. Saturday, Aug. 29 through Sunday, Aug. 30, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Monday, Aug. 31 through Friday, Sept. 4 from 5 to 7 p.m.; and Saturday, Sept. 5, through Monday, Sept. 7, 2015, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Cow Palace.
• M&T BANK/OLD TYME BREAD BALTIMORE RAVENS 100-TON SAND SCULPTURE & CONTEST — Sandscapes, holders of 12 World Sand Sculpting Championship titles, will sculpt a 100-ton sand sculpture. Fairgoers may enter to win the “$2,500 Guess to Win Contest” at the sculpture site. Guess which Ravens player’s jersey number will be depicted in the sculpture. Friday-Sunday and Labor Day Monday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Monday through Thursday, noon to 10 p.m. in the Exhibition Hall.
• MASON DIXON SQUARE DANCING FEDERATION DANCE & DEMONSTRATION—There will be a twirl of color in the Cow Palace as Mason Dixon Square Dancing Federation members show off their moves to the direction of Square Dance Caller Virgil Forbes. Fairgoers will be selected from the audience to participate in square dancing demonstrations. Saturday, Aug. 29, 7 to 9 p.m., Cow Palace South End.
• NEGRO LEAGUE BASEBALL EXHBIT — The showcase incorporates historical videos, life-size photos of Negro League Players, autographed baseballs, bats and other memorabilia from The Hubert V. Simmons Negro Leagues Museum collection, to create awareness of the cultural, social, and economic impact of the Negro Baseball Leagues. Negro Leagues Baseball Ambassador Ray Banks along with some former players such as “Satchel Paige All Stars” Luther Atkinson, “Indianapolis Clowns” Jim Bland and Geraldine Day, widow of Hall of Famer Leon Day will be on hand to share oral histories, Friday-Sunday and Labor Day Monday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Monday through Thursday, noon to 10 p.m. in the Exhibition Hall. www.smnlbinc.org
• RAGING BULL ENTERTAINMENT MECHANICAL BULL — Channel your inner cowboy or cowgirl by trying your luck riding the mechanical bull, Friday-Sunday and Labor Day Monday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Monday through Thursday, noon to 10 p.m. in the Maryland State Fair Park.
• 4-H ROBOTICS COMPETION & SHOWCASE featuring LEGO and WeDo — Sunday, Aug. 30, 9 a.m. 4-H Robotics Competition begins in the Cow Palace SW Area. The 4-H Robotics Showcase will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the 4-H/Home Arts Building.
• ROMA SAUSAGE EATING CONTESTS — Roma Gourmet Foods, headquartered in Baltimore, returns to the Maryland State Fair to host two Roma Sausage Eating Contests. Roma staff will select contestants from among fairgoers and award prizes to winners, Saturday, Aug. 29, noon and Sunday, Sept. 6, 3 p.m., in front of the Cow Palace Milking Parlor.
• SWIFTY SWINE RACING & SWIMMING PIG SHOWS — Fairgoers will go hog wild when Piggy Azalea, Justin Bieboar, Christina Hogulera, Kevin Bacon, Brad Pig and other celebrity porkers compete in the Swifty Swine Racing and Swimming Pig Show. Billed as “America’s cleanest and fastest pig races,” each show will consist of three heat races starting at 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., on the Midway near the Farm & Garden Building.
• UPROOTED CHAINSAW PERFORMANCE ART SHOW — Sculptor Marty Long, in as little as 60 minutes, transform a log into a detailed piece of art using chainsaws. Trees are transformed into bears, eagles, Maryland Terrapins, Baltimore Ravens or whatever the carver’s creativity desires, 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on weekends and 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on weekdays in the MY Maryland State Fair Park. In addition, fairgoers may bid for Marty Long’s creations at two auctions to benefit the Maryland State Fair Scholarship Fund, Wednesday, Sept. 2 and Monday, Sept. 7, at 6 p.m.
• UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND DAIRY HERD AND EDUCATIONAL DISPLAY — daily, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., in Cow Palace.
TRADITIONAL FAVORITES
4-H & FFA Competitions: MY Maryland State Fair recognizes the talents of Marylanders of all ages, as well as the hard work of thousands of 4-H and FFA (Future Farmers of America) members, who will compete in shows and demonstrations throughout the 11 days of the Fair among them:
Open Class & 4-H/FFA Beef Shows — first weekend, Friday, Aug. 28, to Sunday, Aug. 30
Remaining 4-H/FFA Livestock Shows — first weekend, Friday, Aug. 28, to Sunday, Aug. 30
Open Class & 4-H/FFA Dairy Shows — second weekend, Friday, Sept. 4, to Labor Day Monday, Sept. 7
Remaining Open Class Livestock Shows — second weekend, Friday, Sept. 4, to Labor Day Monday, Sept. 7
Miss Maryland Agriculture Contest — Friday, Aug. 28, 7 p.m., in the Cow Palace
4-H/FFA Costume Animal Contest — Friday, Aug. 28, 7:30 p.m., in the Horse Show Ring
4-H/FFA Livestock Sale — Saturday, Aug. 29, 7 p.m., in the Cow Palace
4-H/FFA Fashion Revue — Sunday, Sept. 6, 5 p.m., in the 4-H/Home Arts Building.
New 4-H/FFA Fashion Revue Junior and Intermediate Showcase, 12:30 p.m.
BUILDINGS and EXHIBIT HALLS
Cow Palace, Horse Show Ring, Sheep & Swine Barns, Poultry & Rabbit Building — See thousands of livestock and horse competitions and exhibits.
Exhibition Hall — View a variety of commercial exhibits and enjoy shopping opportunities.
Farm & Garden Building — See thousands of fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy products, flowers, plant exhibits and more.
Farmers Market — Purchase fresh, local produce, Friday, Aug. 28 through Sunday, Aug. 30 and Thursday, Sept. 3 through Monday, Sept. 7, noon to 6 p.m., in the Farm & Garden Building.
4-H/Home Arts Building — Enjoy thousands of fine arts, handwork, canning, woodwork, baking exhibits and more.
Miller Mosner Building
Maryland State Fair Museum — Maryland State Fair’s rich history is reflected in a variety of museum exhibits that span multiple generations. Fairgoers may visit during Fair hours and donations of Maryland State Fair memorabilia are welcome. Museum hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. The Museum closes at 8 p.m. on Labor Day Monday.
Maryland Department of Natural Resources Building — Maryland wildlife, outdoor safety, licensing requirements and other exhibits, Monday-Thursday, noon to 7 p.m., and Friday through Sunday and Labor Day Monday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
PARKING on the fairgrounds is $5 and free parking at the Park and Ride on Deereco Road are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The fairgrounds encourages use of the Light Rail with an easily accessible Light Rail stop at the fairgrounds’ Cow Palace Gate.
ATM Machines will be located conveniently throughout the venue.