In an Aug. 4 Weekend list of fairs in the region, the Shenandoah County Fair in Woodstock, Va., was listed under West Virginia.
All's Fair
Where else but at the fair would you find something as decidedly retro as a "Produce Parade" listed under the heading "New for 2006"?
Let's be real. Fairs aren't entirely immune to the march of time. Loud rock music does more than occasionally blare from the midway rides, even as the proliferation of glow necklaces after dark can make the average fairgrounds resemble a giant outdoor rave.
  (Robert Crawford for The Washington Post) |
Yet still we cling to the simple things that make fairs fairs: pie-eating contests, livestock shows and competitions for the county's largest potato. If only once a year, perhaps more than a few of us really do need to be reminded where that burger and fries we just ate came from.
Maybe it's time to look a prize-winning heifer in the eye. Maybe you just want to try your hand at winning a SpongeBob SquarePants doll from the squirt gun racing booth. Whatever it is, our annual guide to the area's state, county and local fairs -- where you'll find a little bit of today mixed in with a lot of yesterday -- will get you started.
MARYLAND
ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY FAIR
Sept. 13-17
Where: 1450 General's Hwy. (Route 178), Crownsville. Take U.S. 50 east to Route 3 north to Route 97 south to Exit 5 (General's Highway). After the third traffic light, fairgrounds are about a half-mile on the right.
For more info: 410-923-3400. http:/
Hours: Open Sept. 13 from 4 to 11; Sept. 14 from 10 to 11; Sept. 15 from 4 to 11; Sept. 16 from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sept. 17 from 9 to 8.
Prices: $5; $2 ages 6 to 15; ages 5 and younger free. Free admission Sept. 13-14 for ages 10 and younger accompanied by paying adult; on Sept. 13 for Scouts in uniform; and on Sept. 14 from 10 to 3 for seniors 55 and older and the disabled. Free parking.
You don't see that every day: Watermelon-eating contest (Sept. 17 at 10 a.m.).
CALVERT COUNTY FAIR
Sept. 27-Oct. 1
Where: 140 Calvert Fair Dr., Barstow. Take Pennsylvania Avenue/Route 4 south to Prince Frederick, turn right onto Route 231 and proceed two miles to fairgrounds on left.
