LEONARDTOWN, Md. — Get ready, folks, because the 77th Annual St. Mary’s County Fair is galloping into town from September 19-22, 2024, and it promises to be a whirlwind of fun and excitement!
This year’s fair lineup is packed with fan favorites, including local exhibits, the enchanting Queen of Tolerance Pageant, mesmerizing chainsaw sculptures, and the ever-popular pig races. Music lovers will be treated to live performances, while animal enthusiasts can enjoy the livestock show and auction.
Thrill-seekers won’t want to miss the jousting tournament and horse pulls, and foodies can indulge in a variety of delectable offerings from an array of food vendors. And let’s not forget the fun-filled rides and countless other attractions that await!
Don’t forget to check out the fair catalog, which includes a schedule of all events and activities, as well as all necessary forms for competition entries. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the daily highlights:
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 — QUEEN OF TOLERANCE DAY — 4 PM-9 PM The day kicks off with the judging of exhibits from 10 AM to 3 PM. Gates open at 3 PM, and the fair officially opens with the Queen of Tolerance Coronation ceremony. Enjoy the one-price ticket event at the carnival and watch the mini horse pull and 4H horse drill team demonstration.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 — SCHOOL AND 4-H ACTIVITIES DAY — 9 AM-9 PM Students are in for a treat with free entry until 5 PM. Watch various 4-H activities, including livestock shows and judging contests. Enjoy continuous entertainment with chainsaw sculptures, K-9 dog demonstrations, and pig races. Don’t miss the educational exhibits, speech contest, and Middle School Band concert. The day concludes with a mule jumping competition and a light weight horse pull.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 — PARADE DAY — 9 AM-9 PM The Fair Parade takes center stage, along with an open class livestock show and 4-H livestock auction. Experience blown glass demonstrations, pig races, chainsaw sculptures, and a jousting tournament. The heavyweight horse pull promises a thrilling end to the day.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 — FAMILY DAY — 9 AM-6 PM Bring the whole family for a day of fun! Parents will love the baby contest, gospel music concert, and horse show, while kids enjoy the carnival “ride all day” ticket offer and pig races. The antique tractor pull returns, and the Farm Museum offers spinning and weaving demonstrations all afternoon. Blown glass artwork will be auctioned at 4 PM.
Take the opportunity to enrich your agricultural knowledge by visiting the livestock barns, exhibit buildings, and the Thurston Baxter Farm Museum. Learn about our agricultural heritage and its relevance today. Don’t miss the educational exhibits at The University of Maryland Extension building and the impressive displays in the Arts & Crafts building, featuring local talents from the Southern Maryland Decorative Painters and Southern Maryland Wood Carvers.
So come on down to the St. Mary’s County Fair and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of events, sights, and sounds that make this annual gathering a beloved tradition. See you there!
To learn more, click here. You can also keep up to date by following the fair’s official Facebook page.
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