Fair Play: Our Guide to Area Fairs By Larry Fox Washington Post Staff Writer Friday, July 20, 2001

Virginia
Virginia State Fair, Sept. 27-Oct. 7
Arlington County Fair, Aug. 16-19
Fairfax County 4-H Fair, Aug. 4-5
Loudoun County Fair, Aug. 6-12
Orange County Fair, July 26-29
Prince William County Fair, Aug. 10-18

West Virginia
West Virginia State Fair, Aug. 10-18

For generations, state and county fairs have been a showplace of American lifestyles, merging livestock and canned vegetable competitions with whirling neon-lit rides and cotton candy. These staples of Americana aren't enough to entertain us these days, it seems, for some new attractions have been added:

• Birthing centers, where visitors can witness the arrival of newborn calves and piglets.

• Robot competitions.

• Exotic animals that you would never see on a farm, much less in this country outside of a zoo.

The birthing centers will be featured attractions at the Maryland State Fair, Aug. 24 through Sept. 3 in Timonium, and the Virginia State Fair, Sept. 27 through Oct. 7 in Richmond (see chart on following pages).

"I saw it at another fair and thought it was great!" said Andy Cashman, assistant general manager of the Maryland State Fair. The Birthing Center, which will operate Aug. 31 through Sept. 3, will have 15 cows and about 12 pigs giving birth, attended at all times by veterinarians.

""We've had it for three years but kept it low-key. We weren't sure how it would be perceived," Cashman said. "We have two farmers who bring their animals in specifically for the fair. Some of the cows may give birth to twins. The pigs will give birth to litters of eight to 15 piglets."

At the Virginia State Fair, the births are also a popular attraction. "It's usually a standing-room only situation," said Dick Harman, a spokesman for the fair. "We have calves, lambs being born, with the births going on continuously during the fair's run.

"Veterinary students from Virginia Tech answer spectators' questions. We have four to five different animals born each day during the fair. When it [a birth] gets close they all rush over. We had one radio station do an on-air play-by-play of a birth."

The Maryland State Fair's Cashman echoed those comments: "It's almost like a football game," he enthused. "We get thousands of people standing there and watching it. We have bleacher seating, and people sit for hours watching and waiting for the births. People go 'yeah!' when the hoofs come out, then you see the head and the calf coming to life. Families absolutely love it. One woman told me she was there nine hours watching this cow give birth. It's a great educational experience."

And after the fair? "The babies will be taken back to the farm," Cashman assured us.

The Maryland fair isn't resting on its newborn animals' cuteness, as wonderful as that might be. One new attraction is aimed straight at tech-savvy high schoolers: the NASA/FIRST High School Robotics Competition. The competition is organized by FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), a New Hampshire-based foundation that attracts corporate donations to sponsor such competitions.

Overseeing the competition is Mike Wade, a senior aerospace engineering technician for NASA/Goddard. "Each team is given a layout of the game and how to score points," Wade explained. "The students all get a kit of parts and they have six weeks to go back and figure out how to play the game, figure out what they want their robot to do and design and build a robot they will compete with."

The robotic competitors -- this is a sports-type event, not a battle to the last gear like those robot wars seen on television -- will be on display the first week of the fair. The games will be held Sept. 1-3 from 10 to 6, the last three days of the Maryland State Fair. Teams will compete for ribbons and prize money.

"I have 11 teams signed up now and hope to get 20," he said. Local schools participating include Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Greenbelt, Montgomery Blair High School in Silver Spring, Linganore High School in Frederick, Parkville High School in Baltimore, Commonwealth Governor's School in Stafford, Va., and two Richmond high schools, St. Michael's School and Governor's School for Government and International Studies.

Another fair trend we've noted in recent years are displays or acts involving animals that have never been spotted on the south 40 of any mid-Atlantic farm. For example: Baboon Lagoon at the Prince William County Fair and the Maryland State Fair's Endangered Cats of the World Show, which showcases spotted and black leopards, Bengal and Siberian tigers, African lions and cougars.

And there is more: At the West Virginia State Fair, the Adriatic Tiger show gets top billing, and the Virginia State Fair will present a Sea Lion show three times a day.

While these are all wild and wonderful, one fair -- the Great Frederick Fair -- does take the time to acknowledge one of the more gentle and fragile beauties in life. The huge exposition -- known for its smoke-belching tractors, acres of livestock and great country music -- will build a house to showcase one everyday creature that gets little attention from many folks: the butterfly.

ARLINGTON COUNTY FAIR

Where: Thomas Jefferson Community Center, 3501 South Second St., Arlington. Free shuttle buses run during fair hours from the Ballston Metro station and the free parking lots at the Arlington Career Center, 816 S. Walter Reed Dr.; the I-66 parking deck at Washington & Lee High School, 1300 N. Quincy St.

For More Information: 703/920-4556. Web site: www.capaccess.org/com/arlcty/fair/.

When: Aug. 16-19.

Hours: Aug. 16 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Aug. 17-18 from 10 to 10, Aug. 19 from 11 to 10.

Prices: Admission is free.

Major Entertainment: Nothing major, but an interesting mix of the familiar (pony rides, pig races, a petting zoo) with the exotic (international foods from the county's many cultures).

Don't Miss: The wide range of foods.

Description: This suburban fair that showcases the county's remarkable ethnic diversity and features hundreds of exhibits and vendors, lots of ethnic fare, arts and crafts, carnival rides and games.

LOUDOUN COUNTY FAIR

Where: Take Route 7 west past Leesburg, bear right on Route 9 and follow signs to the fairground.

For More Information: 800-752-6118.

When: Aug. 6-12.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Prices: $7, $3 children 6 through 12 (younger free). Admission fee is good for reentry all week. Aug. 9 special: $1 seniors and children 13 and younger.

Major Entertainment: Horses, but what do you expect in the center of Virginia's horse country?

Don't Miss: The horse shows.

Description: This fair in rapidly urbanizing Loudoun County features horse shows, midway rides and pet shows.

ORANGE COUNTY FAIR

Where: At Montpelier, James Madison's estate on Route 20, four miles south of Orange.

For More Information: 540/672-2271; Website: www.orangecountyvafair.com.

When: July 26-29.

Hours: July 26 picnic at 7:30, July 27 from 3 to 10, July 28 from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. and July 29 from 9 to 4.

Prices: $5, $3 children 5 through 15, younger free.

Major Entertainment: Racing of all kinds, four legs (horses, mules, Jack Russell terriers, skunks) and two legs (kids).

Don't Miss: The skunk races and the "Parade of Chickens."

Description: This old-fashioned, family-oriented fair opens July 26 at 7:30 with a free picnic, with fireworks, birthday cake and 4-H presentations. But bring your own picnic, blankets and chairs.

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY FAIR

Where: Take I-66 west to Route 234/Manassas south and drive seven miles to the fairground.

For More Information: 703/368-0173; Web site: www.pwcfair.com.

When: Aug. 10-18.

Hours: The fair and the midway are open Aug. 10 from 3 to 10; Aug. 11-12 from noon to 10; Aug. 13-18 from 3 to 10 and Aug. 18 from noon to 10. Rides open when gates open and remain open two hours after the building exhibits close.

Prices: The admission price includes virtually everything – grandstand and midway shows, mechanical carnival rides, parking and exhibits. Admission is $12 for ages 7 through 59, $5 seniors and children ages 3 through 6 (younger free).

Major Entertainment: Baboon Lagoon, Miss Moo Stage Show and a circus, presented several times every day. Demolition derbies Aug. 13, Aug. 15 and Aug. 17 at 7:30. The annual rodeo takes place Aug. 17 at 7:30, Aug. 18 at 6:30.

Don't Miss: The best fair value in the Washington area. Everything – rides, entertainment, exhibits – is included in the admission price.

Description: This fair offers midway rides, demolition derbies, a rodeo, concerts and hundreds of exhibits.

VIRGINIA STATE FAIR

Where: Richmond Raceway Complex (formerly State Fairgrounds). Take I-95 south to Richmond Exit 82, then take Chamberlayne Avenue south, turn left onto Azalea Avenue and follow signs.

For More Information: 800/588-3247. Web site: www.statefair.com.

When: Sept. 27-Oct. 7.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. The midway is open from 11 to 11 daily.

Prices: Advance tickets are $12.99 and go on sale Aug. 15. At the gate, admission for all 7 and older is $16.99, $12.99 seniors and children 3 through 6 (younger free) in advance or at the gate. Admission includes carnival rides, exhibits, some stage entertainment and parking.

Major Entertainment: The big names haven't been announced yet, but Toby Keith, with Rascal Flats, performs Oct. 5 at 7:30 (tickets $10) and Brian McKnight performs Oct. 7 at 7:30 ($10). Concert tickets available at www.ticketmaster.com.

Don't Miss: The new attractions: the Log Flume ride, the High School Rodeo on Oct. 1, the Antique Shoppers' Row and the Mad Science Show.

Description: The biggest fair in the region features thousands of exhibits and animals, a midway with more than 40 rides and games, horse shows and rodeos.

WEST VIRGINIA STATE FAIR

Where: Route 219, just south of Lewisburg.

For More Information: 304/645-1090; Web site: www.wvstatefair.com.

When: Aug. 10-18.

Hours: 9 to 9 daily, midway open until 11.

Prices: $5.50, $4 youths 6 through 17 in advance, $7 and $5 at the gate (ages 6 and younger free anytime).

Major Entertainment: Neal McCoy & Asleep at the Wheel, Aug. 11 at 8 ($26 and $32); O-Town, Aug. 12 at 7:30 ($21 and $27); Bull Mania rodeo show, Aug. 13 at 7:30 (free with gate admission); Charlie Daniels and Montgomery Gentry, Aug. 14 at 7:30 ($25 and $31); 98 Degrees, Aug. 15 at 7:30 ($31 and $37); Alabama, Aug. 16 at 7:30 ($27 and $33); Toyota Hollywood Stunt Show, Aug. 17 at 2 and 8 (free with gate admission) and Jeff Foxworthy, Aug. 18 at 8 ($32 and $38). Call 877/988-4257.

Don't Miss: The concerts, always a top lineup of stars.

Description: The fair showcases tigers, "Bruiser, the World's Biggest Dog," acrobats, hog-calling and sheepshearing contests, horse and dog shows, racing pigs, tractor pulls, fishing demonstrations, harness racing, a "best-dressed cow" contest, a midway with scores of rides and fireworks.

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY FAIR

Where: Route 178 in Crownsville.

For More Information: 410/923-3400; Web site: www.aacountyfair.org/.

When: Sept. 12-16.

Hours: Sept. 12 from 4 to 10; Sept. 13 noon to 10; Sept. 14 4 to 10; Sept. 15 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sept. 16 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. The midway opens Sept. 12-14 at 6, Sept. 15-16 at 10.

Prices: Admission is $4, ages 6 through 15 $2 (younger free anytime) Sept. 12-14; $5, $2 children on Sept. 16-17. Parking is free.

Major Entertainment: Ricky Van Shelton, Sept. 16 at 5:30 ($10 reservered seats; general admission included with gate admission).

Don't Miss: The tractor pulls, a fume-belching, gear-wailing test of horsepower.

Description: This fair, a showcase of agriculture and country life in a rapidly urbanizing county, features traditional exhibits of home crafts and farm products along with tractor pulls, draft horse pulls and country concerts.

CALVERT COUNTY FAIR

Where: Route 231 in Barstow.

For More Information: 410/535-0026.

When: Sept. 26-30.

Hours: Sept. 26 from 4 to 9, Sept. 27-29 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sept. 30 10 a.m. to 6.

Prices: $4, $1 children 5 through 11 (younger free).

Major Entertainment: Country concerts: Amanda Perko, Sept. 28 at 9, and Crystal Marie, Sept. 29 at 7.

Don't Miss: The Great Little Bear Show and Daisy Moo's Milk Review, presented several times daily.

Description: The small county fair features animal and agricultural exhibits, a small midway, horse pulls and country music.

CARROLL COUNTY 4-H/FFA FAIR

Where: Carroll County Agriculture Center, Westminster, Smith Avenue off Route 32.

For More Information: 410/386-2760.

When: July 28-Aug. 3.

Hours: 8 a.m to 10 p.m. daily.

Prices: Admission and entertainment are free.

Major Entertainment: Grandstaff, July 28 at 7; Ben "Cooter" Jones of "The Dukes of Hazzard," July 31 at noon.

Don't Miss: The big parade July 29 at 6 and the cake auction, Aug. 1 at 7.

Description: The focus of this county fair is on animals, the kids who raised them and the 4-H/Future Famers of America projects they created.

CHARLES COUNTY FAIR

Where: Route 301, three miles south of La Plata.

For More Information: 301/932-1234.

When: Sept. 13-16.

Hours: Sept. 13 from 5 to 10, Sept. 14-15 from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sept. 16 from 10 to 6.

Prices: $4, $1 ages 6 through 12 (younger free).

Major Entertainment: Animals and midway rides.

Don't Miss: If you like traditional country fairs, this midway may make you nostalgic.

Description: This fair celebrates locally raised agriculture while offering entertainment that includes midway rides and games, musical entertainment, livestock and exhibits.

GREAT FREDERICK FAIR

Where: Take I-270 north to Exit 31-A and follow signs to the fairground.

For More Information: 301/663-5895; Web site: www.thegreatfrederickfair.com.

When: Sept. 14-22.

Hours: The fair opens with a pre-fair period Sept. 14-16, with reduced prices, limited exhibits and entertainment. On Sept. 14, the midway and carnival rides are open from 5 to 11 p.m. Admission and parking are free that evening. From Sept. 15-22, the fair is open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Prices: Free admission on Sept. 14, $3 Sept. 15-16 and $4 Sept. 17-22 (ages 17 and younger free anytime).

Major Entertainment: Randy Travis, Sept. 15 at 7:30 ($18, $23 and $25); demolition derby, Sept. 16 at 7 ($8 and $10); Neal McCoy, Sept. 18 at 7:30 ($18, $23 and $25); Brad Paisley, Sept. 19 at 7:30 ($16, $20 and $22); Terri Clark and Neal Coty, Sept. 20 at 7:30 ($16, $20 and $22); Travis Tritt, Sept. 21 at 7:30 ($18, $23 and $25) and Trace Adkins, Sept. 22 at 7:30 ($16, $20 and $22). Call 301/695-3928.

Don't Miss: The country music concerts, with the best acts this side of the state fairs in West Virginia or Virginia.

Description: The Great Frederick Fair is a showcase of agriculture and country music.

HOWARD COUNTY FAIR

Where: Route 144 just west of Route 32 in West Friendship.

For More Information: 410/442-1022; Web site: www.howardcountyfair.com/.

When: Aug. 4-11.

Hours: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Midway opens Aug. 4 at noon, Aug. 5-10 at 1 and Aug. 11 at 11 a.m.

Prices: $4, children 9 and younger free.

Major Entertainment: Grandstaff, Aug. 4 at 6:30 and 8; Zion Mountain Boys, Aug. 5 at 6, followed by SiDRoY and Reign; Pikesville Rye, Aug. 11 at 6:30 and 8.

Don't Miss: The Grand Opening Parade, Aug. 5 at 2.

Description: This traditional county fair features animals, crafts, threshing demonstrations, parades and other amusements.

MARYLAND STATE FAIR

Where: Take I-95 north to I-695 west to I-83 north to Exit 17/Padonia Road, bear right to Padonia Road and turn right onto Deereco Road in Timonium.

For More Information: 410/252-0200. Web site: www.marylandstatefair.com.

When: Aug. 24-Sept. 3.

Hours: The grounds open at 9 a.m. each day for the livestock and horse shows. Exhibits are open from 10 to 10 daily. The midway opens at 10 on weekends and noon on weekdays and closes every day at 11 p.m.

Prices: $5, children 11 and younger free.

Major Entertainment: Little Feat, Aug. 23 at 4:30 ($23-$40); Kool & The Gang and the Spinners, Aug. 24 at 5:30 ($15-$40); Mark Wills, Chely Wright, the Warren Brothers and Jennifer Beck, Aug. 25 at 5:30 ($18-$32.50); Trisha Yearwood, Aug. 26 at 6 ($23-$37.50); Charlie Daniels Band, with Jennifer Beck and Chad Brock, Sept. 1 at 5:30 ($16-$30); Blood Sweat and Tears and Paul Revere and the Raiders, Sept. 2 at 5:30 ($18-$40). Call 202/432-7328, 410/395-1105, 800/551-7328.

Don't Miss: The Birthing Center, where you can watch piglets and calves being born Aug. 31-Sept. 3. And the wild animals, including the "Endangered Cats of the World" show (leopards, tigers, lions and cougars) and "Scales & Tales" (owls, snakes and reptiles).

Description: This large fair has added a top-rate country music lineup to go with the usual attractions: exhibits of home arts, agriculture and livestock as well as a midway with more than 30 rides and daily horse racing at the Timonium track.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY FAIR

Where: On Perry parkway, off Route 355 in Gaithersburg.

For More Information: 301/926-3100; Web Site: www.mcagfair.com

When: Aug. 10-18.

Hours: Aug. 10 from 3 to midnight, Aug. 11-18 from 8 a.m. to midnight. Midway open 3 to midnight Aug. 10, 10 a.m. to midnight other days.

Prices: $3 Aug. 10-11, $5 on other days, ages 7 and younger free. $2 parking. Parking at Lake Forest Mall is free, with free shuttles to the fair from the Dalmar Street entrance.

Major Entertainment: Carman, Aug. 10 at 7:30 (tickets $24, children 6 and younger free); Jaci Valesquez, Aug. 11 at 7:30 ($24, children 6 and younger free); Hot Air Balloon Glow, Aug. 12 from 5:30 to 7 (free with gate admission); tractor pull, Aug. 13 at 7:30 ($5, children 7 and younger $1); Figure 8 Demolition Derby, Aug. 14 at 7:30 ($10, $1 children 7 and younger); Motor Madness Stunt Show, Aug. 15-16 at 8 ($5, children 12 and younger free); R&R Demolition Derby, Aug. 17-18 at 8 ($10, children 7 and younger $1); Call 800/861-0850. Advance tickets with a $2 discount to the Aug. 13-18 events available at www.mcagfair.com through Aug. 3.

Don't Miss: The Hot Air Balloon Glow, Aug. 12 from 5:30 to 7. See the setting sun light up some beautifully colored hot air balloons, in the lower field. Free with fair admission.

Description: The sprawling fair offers tractor pulls; racing pigs and ducks; a rodeo; guided barn tours of the livestock; horse shows; fireworks; music and more.

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY FAIR

Where: Prince George's Equestrian Center, routes 4 and 301 in Upper Marlboro.

For More Information: 301/952-0270 (after Sept. 1).

When: Sept. 6-9.

Hours: Sept. 6 from 4 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., Sept. 7 from 5 to 11:30, Sept. 8 11 to 11:30 and Sept. 9 from 11 to 8.

Prices: Admission, which includes the entertainment, is $5; ages 5 to 15 is $4 (younger free anytime). Parking is free.

Major Entertainment: Fireworks on Sept. 7 and the Prince George's County Boxing Invitational on Sept. 8 at 7:30.

Don't Miss: The cow-chip throwing contest, Sept. 9 at 5.

Description: – This fair offers hundreds of animal, horticultural and agricultural exhibits, live music and other amusements.