Rebecca Evans
Staff Writer
BERLIN — In a divergence from tradition, the Worcester County Fair is slated to be held from June 23- 25 this year rather than in its usual August.
The decision to move the fair to earlier in the summer was in response to the high heat fair attendees experienced last year, according to Fair Board Member Susan Todd.
Todd said that the decision to permanently move the Worcester County Fair dates to June will depend on public response and attendance. According to Todd, the new June dates have been met with positive feedback.
The Worcester County Fair has been held the second week of August for 50 years prior to this year.
The fair opens Friday, June 23 through Sunday, June 25 at 10:30 a.m. and is open until 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday night. This year’s festivities will wrap up at 4 p.m. on the last day, Sunday, June 25.
The fair will take place in Byrd Park in downtown Snow Hill abutting the Pocomoke River as it has since 2005. Parking and admission to the fair are free.
“How many places can you go that’s free? Not many,” said Todd.
New this year, the Worcester County Fair will be hosting the Miss and Little Miss Worcester County Farm Bureau contests on Friday, June 23.
Additionally, a Walk in the Bark dog walking event will be held Sunday, June 25 from 9 a.m.-noon. The entry fee will go to support the American Cancer Society. The entry fee is a cash or check donation to the American Cancer Society.
At 11 a.m. on Sunday, Bayside Community Church will hold a service at the fair.
The Country Costume Parade will return to the Worcester County Fair for its second year on Saturday, June 24 at 10:30 a.m. According to Todd, its popularity last year led fair organizers to include the parade in this year’s schedule. Children, adults and leashed pets are welcome.
One thing that will not be returning this year is musical entertainment. Nighttime performances by bands the fair hosted in previous years, Todd explained, were not well-attended.
“Once the sun goes down around eight at night, folks will head down to Ocean City. They don’t hang around the fair,” Todd said.
The Worcester County Fair will offer activities and educational opportunities for any visitors interested in learning more about local agriculture and Maryland natural resources.
Vendors such as Atlantic General Hospital, the Ocean City Police Department Mounted Patrol and the Worcester County Health Department will be present on Saturday, June 24 as part of Worcester County Fair’s Safe Kids Day. From 11 a.m.-3 p.m. these vendors will be available to discuss health and safety.
Vendors will be present on the fairgrounds selling local crafts, products and food.
Indoor exhibits will include baked goods, woodworking, photography, gardening and more.
Outdoor exhibits will feature livestock such as cattle, goats and poultry.
Entries for exhibits and vendors will be accepted through Friday,
June 9.
On Saturday, June 24, a ride-in motorcycle show will be held. Awards for several categories including Best in Show and Best Paint Job will be awarded. Registration begins at 2:30 p.m. and the cost of entry is $5.
The horse show is slated to take place on Sunday, June 25 at 9 a.m. and will feature youth age 18 and under from Worcester and Wicomico counties. Classes include Grooming & Showing, Barrel Racing and Pole Bending.
The Worcester County Fair is hosted each year by the Worcester County 4-H Maryland Club.
Worcester County 4-H is a youth program brought locally through the University of Maryland Extension of Worcester County. UME of Worcester County was established to promote agricultural education and to support the natural resources in Worcester County.