Sunday, August 28, 2005

FAIR PLAY. Maryland goes fest wild this Labor Day weekend. The Maryland State Fair in Timonium started Friday and continues through Sept. 5 . Head there for the Ferris wheel, "Battle of the Beast" pro bull-riding, horse races and more. Crisfield hosts the National Hard Crab Derby and Fair ( Sept. 2-4 ). Pick your crustacean and cheer it across the finish line, enter the boat docking contest and watch locals take their lumps in the crab picking contest (the fresh meat's for sale). Looking for decorative arts, jewlry and knickknacks at the beach on summer's finale weekend? Ocean City's Arts and Crafts Festival runs Sept 2-4 .

Crisfield: $4. 410-968-2500,http://www.crisfieldchamber.com. Timonium: $6. 410-252-0200,http://www.marylandstatefair.com. Ocean City: Free. 410-289-8311,http://www.ococean.com.

-- Anne McDonough