LA PLATA, Md. – Established in 1924, in a time when preserving agriculture and tobacco were essential, the land where the Charles County Fair has been preserved remains the largest ongoing event in Charles County, now at the Spring Hill site, which was purchased in 1925.
Each year the Charles County Fair board volunteers have come out and each year the community comes out with family and friends to gather to eat the admired funnel cake or the kettle corn. The Carnival Aspect was added fifty years ago so it’s celebrating a milestone as well.
President of the Charles County Fair Glenn Belmore stated that with the event being the largest in the county, he hopes to see it continue for another 100 years. “Numbers were up this year,” Belmore said. “We had an increase of about 10-15 percent. This year was in that we had the former Kings and Queens here and historic vehicles for the parade.”
Belmore said he hopes the public took away with them a part of history. “We had the Secretary of Agriculture [Kevin Atticks] down on Thursday and it was nice to share with him how much we’ve continued to grow our 4-H program, we’re maintaining the grounds and exhibits. Belmore said he has hundreds of volunteers for the non-profit, self-serving entity. He praised the local Lions Club, EMS and Fire Departments and local churches that all assist with the fair.
“It’s a time to give back to the community. We’ll have the [11th annual] Kris Kringle Market from December 13-15.” In July, the grounds will host and celebrate Independence Day, which is free to the public.
Sam Graves is serving as the board treasurer and Louise Stine sees over the Queen Nicotina contest. Stine, who was Queen herself in 1961 joined the board in the 1980’s. This year’s Queen Nicotina is La Plata senior, Lucy Mudd, now the 88th to represent Charles County.
The Wilhemina Drury Building was open for all to take a look at the stained glass window exhibit. The great-granddaughter of Drury, Jeanne Williams now serves on the board and is honored to do so. Her father ran the poultry building this year. She stated that she hopes it continues for many more years.
Contracting, Inc. was the Diamond Sponsor this year. The Gold Sponsor was Waldorf Chevrolet Cadillac. Silver Sponsors were Andrews Federal Credit Union and USMC, 1st Marine Corps District Recruiting. Q-Dog quality discount oil & gas sponsored the Glass Blower event. Mike’s Pest & Termite Control ‘Bug Mike’ was also a contributing sponsor for the fair. Bronze sponsors were also represented by Baldwin, Briscoe, Steinmetz, P.C., Genevie Plumbling, Timmon’s Concessions and Yisoobinaturals was a Patron sponsor. Many more are listed in the fair brochure.
From Thursday, September 12 until Sunday, Sept. 15 the public was able to explore all that the fair offers from auctions, to baby contests and Pony Rides to the seniors craft exhibit which enables the seniors of the community to enter in their many craft ideas. There are four senior centers in Charles County. They include the Richard R. Clark Senior Center in La Plata, the Indian Head Senior Center, the Nanjemoy Senior & Community Center on Port Tobacco Rd., and the Waldorf Senior and Recreation Center located on Post Office Road. The senior news can be found in their newsletter entitled, The Scoop.
With this year’s important national election less than fifty days away, the Republican booths had more of a presence at the fair than any other. The Democratic Central Committee elected not to set up this year. A Democrats for Trump table was displayed with memorabilia including hats, flags, t-shirts and banners; one of the most infamous attempts on Trump’s life in Butler, Pennsylvania.
James Ashburn, Chairman Charles County Republican Central Committee was explaining the difference between Code Home Rule and the new proposed CHARTER, a new form of government. Most booths at the fair were against the new CHARTER proposal. The Charter board was selected by the majority vote of County Commissioners. Apparently no resident requested the board to be formed, according to the documents handed out.
Republican Women of Charles County Maryland were represented. They are encouraging women to attend their meetings and to run for office.
Larry Hogan, who was the 62nd Governor of Maryland and only the second Republican Governor was represented at the fair unlike his challenger. He’s running up against Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks for a senate seat left open by Ben Cardin.
Michelle Talkington of Bryans Road is a Republican running against incumbent Steny Hoyer (D) for the U.S. House for Maryland District 5. Talkington is fighting for a decrease in spending, lowering taxes, reforming education and securing the U.S. border. Hoyer did not have representation at the fair. The Charles County Department of Social Service volunteers were passing out important information to citizens and explaining all that Human Services has to offer.
Teresa Jones, the Southern Region Public Engagement Officer hosted a booth for Maryland Comptroller, Brooke E. Lierman. Jones provided information on how to start a business in Maryland and also how the state and the Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA) according to the Cannabis Reform Act disburse revenue. Visit cannabis@marylandtaxes.com for more information.
Some of the best entertainment came out on the main stage this year with Bobby McKeys on Saturday. The hometown band of Honkytonk Casanovas who showed off their selection and talent from Elvis to the Beach Boys. Most that walked by their stage started dancing or sat to watch.
Joe Wenal, award winning chainsaw artist produced some amazing pieces yet again this year. The selection of food choices was excellent from American burgers to Thai food. Big Boy Tacos of Charlotte Hall were a hit for sure.
The Maryland History building was impressive with many artifacts that have been preserved well. The Charles County Public Schools hosted an arts gallery that was stunning with many first place winners.
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