Rebecca Evans
Staff Writer
SNOW HILL — For those looking for some free fun during a summer of spending or anyone who would like to spend the day walking along the scenic Pocomoke River, the 2016 Worcester County Fair will be held Aug. 12-14.
The fair will be held in Snow Hill’s Byrd Park across 12 acres that stretch along the Pocomoke River.
Dogs are welcome providing that they are kept leashed. Dog-friendly activities are also planned for the fair.
Friday and Saturday’s fair hours are 10 a.m.-8 p.m. The fair on Sunday kicks off early at 8 a.m. and ends at 4:30 p.m.
At the county fair, there are 32 classes one can register for to participate in the horse show.
“Previous years, we’ve only had 10-13 classes,” said Susan Todd, Fair board member and participant for over 30 years.
Preregistration ends Aug. 10 and costs $5 per class. Late registration is available the day of the fair for $8.
In the past, the fair has only been open to vendors and livestock exhibitors of Worcester, Wicomico, and Accomack counties. This year is an “open show,” meaning the fair is available to beyond those three counties.
Staples of the Worcester County Fair that visitors can expect to see again are the Classic Car and Truck Show on Saturday, Aug. 13 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., the Sunday, Aug. 14 Horse Show at 8 a.m. and the various shows featuring livestock.
New this year will be the Home Depot wood working workshop located in the Children’s Tent on Friday and adult bingo on Saturday. Both bingo and the 50/50 raffles are sponsored in part by the Ladies Auxiliary of the Bishopville Fire Department. Part of the proceeds will be donated to the Bishopville Fire Department to put towards the several hundred thousand dollar cost of a new fire truck.
The Worcester County Fair offers an experience unique from the big bustling state fairs.
“It’s a tradition. It brings the farming community and the 4H community together,” said Todd, who added the county fair is an opportunity for local friendly competition.
Fair Schedule of Events
Friday, Aug. 12
10:30 a.m.: Fair opens
11 a.m: Youth STEM Activities-Free activities for children
11 a.m.-2 p.m.: Worcester Celebrates Safe Kids Day-Various County Agencies will be on hand passing out all kinds of free stuff for kids
11 a.m.-2 p.m.: Home Depot Wood Working Workshop for children ages 8 and over (new event this year)
Noon-5 p.m.: Various Livestock Shows
2:30-4:30 p.m.: Kids Mud Bog — Race in miniature mud bog power wheels on the fair track. Twelve-volt power wheels provided to racers. Participants must be at least 3 years old and under 60 pounds. Participants are encouraged to bring their own helmet.
6:30 p.m.: Benefit Cake and Pie Auction
8 p.m.: Fair closes for the day.
Saturday Aug. 13
10:00 a.m.: Fair opens
10:30 a.m.: Country Costume Parade-Come dressed in your best country dress and parade around Byrd Park. Leashed pets are welcome.
11 a.m.: Children’s Limbo Contest
11 a.m.-2 p.m: Classic Car and Truck Show. Registration is at 10 a.m. antiques, classics, hot rods customs and special interest welcomed. Dash plaques will be presented to the first 50 participants.
11:30 a.m.: Tug Of War Contest, Children vs. Parents
Noon-2 p.m.: Music by Country Cross Roads
12:30 p.m.: Children’s Watermelon Eating Contest
1-6 p.m.: Livestock Shows
2-5 p.m.: Bingo Sponsored by the Ladies Auxiliary of the Bishopville Fire Department and the Worcester County Fair Board (new event this year)
2:30-4:30 p.m.: Kids Mud Bog — Race in miniature mud bog power wheels on the fair track. Twelve-volt power wheels provided to racers. Participants must be at least 3 years old and under 60 pounds. Participants are encouraged to bring their own helmet.
2-5:30 p.m.: Various Children’s Games-Children’s Tent
6 p.m.: Adult and Youth Talent Show with cash prizes
8 p.m.: Fair closes
Sunday, Aug. 14
8 a.m.: Horse Show — Post entries will be taken open show
10:30 a.m.-Fair opens
11 a.m.: Church Service by Bayside Community Church-Entertainment Tent
Noon-2 p.m.: Kids Mud Bog — Race in miniature mud bog power wheels on the fair track. Twelve-volt power wheels provided to racers. Participants must be at least 3 years old and under 60 pounds. Participants are encouraged to bring their own helmet.
12:30-3:30 p.m.: Motorcycle Show-
1 p.m.: Sheep Show
1-3 p.m.: Scales and Tails Program
2 p.m: Slow and Go Motorcycle Race
2-4 p.m.: Sand Art
4 p.m.: Awards Ceremony
4:30 p.m.: Fair closes