Barstow, MD – Just when it seemed the worst of the rain had passed, more rain–heavier than ever—fell on Southern Maryland Saturday morning, Oct. 1. Showers plagued the Calvert County Fair for four of its five days. Saturday morning brought a decision by fair officials to close the fair for about six hours.
When the event reopened, those who showed had opportunities to meet Washington Redskins’ legends, attend the Calvert Idol Contest plus view and participate in the annual 4-H Livestock Auction.
“I actually do better when it’s raining,” said vendor Bonnie Blackwell, whose Sweet Dreams Candy Shoppe booth was located in the commercial building. “When the rides aren’t working people come in the building.”
About an hour after the fair reopened Saturday afternoon, the midway rides were back in operation. In addition to rides and fair food, the children attending the fair enjoyed—and many participated in–a performance by the Kids Bucks Show reminiscent of the old game shows like “Beat the Clock” and “Truth or Consequences.”
Auctioneer J.D. Cox presided over the sale of lambs, goats, hogs and cows that local 4-H had raised. One of the hogs sold during the auction was named “Arnold Palmer,” named for the famed golfer who died recently.
By Sunday—although the fair parking area was a muddy mess—locals came in droves to get their annual fair fix on the event’s one truly bearable day. Appropriately, many packed the bleaches to watch The Bear Mountain Show. Although the display of bears indigenous to other nations has been criticized by animal rights organizations in other locations, the Southern Maryland audience enjoyed watching the furry creatures ride bicycles and perform paw stands.
Sunday also proved to be a chance for the persevering food vendors to finally make some significant sales. “We have to make the best of it,” said Dee Hardesty of Hardesty Haven Catering, whose large trailer is in operation at most of Calvert’s major events. The caterers sold a large variety of sandwiches, soups and chili.
Around 2 p.m. Sunday the onsite parking at the Barstow fairgrounds was maxed out and for the first time all week satellite parking and shuttle buses were implemented.
Check our fair galleries to see if you got “caught in THE NET.”
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com