Gates open Thursday at 3 p.m. for the 68th version of the popular St. Mary’s County Fair. One of the state’s premier traditional fairs, with an emphasis on agriculture, the St. Mary’s County Fair expects large crowds for the four days with perfect weather predicted.

As usual the Thursday opening day’s highlight is the crowning of the fair queen, known as the Queen of Tolerance. For the second year Thursday will also feature the miniature horse pull, which proved popular last year.

Schools are out Friday so that children can attend the fair; all elementary, middle and high school students are admitted free until 5 p.m.

Saturday is Parade Day, with parade participants lining up across the street at the schools’ complex and marching onto the fair midway.
Sunday is called Family Day, with events such as the baby contest, gospel music and a horse show.

This year for the first time a group called the Junk Rock Drumming Ensemble will perform throughout the day Friday through Sunday and will be strolling around on opening day.

A number of traditional fair events will take place, including 4-H shows on Friday, horse pulls Friday and Saturday, the always popular 4-H livestock auction on Saturday and the pig races, chainsaw carving and of course carnival attractions through the entire fair.

A fair wouldn’t be a fair without fair food, including the ubiquitous cotton candy and funnel cakes.

One thing that may be missing from the fair this year is long-time Fair Association President John Richards, who is having back problems and was hospitalized at mid-week. He was unable to make the regular presentation to the county commissioners on Tuesday.

Each year, money raised at the fair is plowed back into the facilities. This year a number of buildings received sprucing up and added insulation.
Those buildings house a number of exhibits entered by citizens as well as displays by many vendors.

Gate fees are $5 for adults and $1 for children 6-12 (except free on Friday until 5). Season passes for the four days are available for $9 for adults and $2 for children 6-12.

The fairgrounds is located two miles south of Leonardtown on MD 5.
For more information and the complete schedule go to the fair website at: http://www.smcfair.somd.com/