Anne Arundel County Fair Returns For A Week Of Fun

The Anne Arundel County Fair is coming back to the fairgrounds for family fun and games from September 15-19 after a year off of festivities in 2020 because of COVID-19. Joseph Degreenia, a member of the fair week team, is excited to see people of all ages gathered for the fair.

“Many generations of county residents have participated in the fair and it’s great that families can now come back and make even more memories while taking pride in the county,” said Degreenia.

The main events this year include a concert on Friday and Saturday night with a variety of musical genres; wild west animal shows; a tractor pull; the annual livestock auction; and indoor exhibits to showcase the agricultural, horticultural, culinary and creative talents of Anne Arundel County residents. Carnival rides will be set up every night courtesy of Jolly Shows. Individual ride tickets will be sold, or wristbands can be purchased for $10 on Wednesday, $15 on Thursday, and $30 on Friday and Saturday.

“I enjoy seeing the youth participate and learn more about livestock and agriculture within their county, but it's a lot more than just agriculture,” said Degreenia. “I also like seeing people of all ages enter things into the indoor building and just entire families coming up to the fair.”

Degreenia encourages everyone to submit an entry to the indoor exhibits, whether they are an expert or just getting started on their hobby.

“Many people took up hobbies during the pandemic, like painting, woodworking and gardening, so it’s time to show off those skills,” said Degreenia. “If anything, you can win bragging rights for your new hobbies.”

Categories include baked and canned goods, farm and garden, flowers, homemade wine, honey, quilts, photography and even livestock.

“There are hundreds of different categories that you can enter, so it's inclusive,” said Degreenia.

In addition to the indoor exhibits, guests can also participate in pie and watermelon eating contests, a jousting demonstration and more.

Rules, regulations, categories and judging guidelines for submissions are listed in detail on www.aacountyfair.org. The fun and games begin on Wednesday, September 15, at 5:00pm until 10:00pm; Thursday from 10:00am to 10:00pm; Friday from 4:00pm to 11:00pm; Saturday from 9:00am to 11:00pm; and Sunday from 9:00am to 8:00pm at the Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds at 1450 Generals Highway in Crownsville. Admission is $10 for all guests 10 and over; anyone under 10 can enter for free when accompanied by a paying adult. Entry is free to all scouts in uniform on Wednesday and to 4-H members and Future Farmers of America members all week with a presented membership card. The fairgrounds can accept only cash as payment, but an ATM will be positioned at the gate.