TIMONIUM, Md. – For more than half a century, community business owners and individuals have shown their support of 4-H/FFA youth through participation as buyers at the Maryland State Fair 4-H/FFA Youth Livestock Sale. The 2021 sale will take place on Monday, August 30, 7:00 p.m., in the Maryland State Fair Cow Palace Show Ring. A pre-sale buyer’s dinner starting at 6:00 PM will provide the opportunity for buyers to register, pick up programs, and meet participating youth. Business representatives and individuals may also participate from their offices or homes via the Internet through www.Cowbuyer.com. Registration in advance is encouraged.
“The Maryland State Fair 4-H/FFA Livestock Sale is the culmination of a year’s worth of hard work and competition by 4-H/FFA youth. The youth have invested a lot of time, work, and money in their projects in order to prepare them for competition and the sale,” said Maryland State Fair General Manager Andy Cashman. “Through this process, they learn responsibility for their animals and the ability to make wise management decisions.”
The youth receive the proceeds from the sale of their animal to invest for next year’s project or for their future educational endeavors. All of the animals being sold at the Maryland State Fair Youth Livestock Auction will have been evaluated by professional judges. Arrangements for the delivery of the purchase to a selected meat packer per the buyer’s specifications will be provided by the Fair. Alternatively, the buyer may choose to donate the purchase back to the Maryland 4-H/FFA Youth Livestock Fund or another specified charity.
Prepare for the Fair! The 140th Maryland State Fair presented by Toyota is a fun and educational destination complete with daily exhibits, presentations and entertainment sure to captivate visitors of all ages. No other event provides so much food, fun, family entertainment, and education for so little. The Maryland State Fair, located in Timonium in Baltimore County, starts Thursday, August 26 and runs through Monday, September 6.
Hear live national and local entertainment during the M&T Bank Presents LIVE! ON TRACK Concert Series, featuring American singer, songwriter and actor Jesse McCartney on Friday, September 3 and Legendary Rock Band Blue Öyster Cult on Sunday, September 5. Concerts begin at 7:30 PM, in the Racetrack Infield. For ticket prices, and for the schedule of free local band concerts on the Maryland State Fair Park Stage, go to www.marylandstatefair.com
Enjoy Midway thrills & chills and child friendly rides in Kiddie Land, play fun Fair games, and taste a feast of Fair and farm foods, Monday- Friday, 12 Noon to close and Saturdays, Sundays & Labor Day Monday, 10 AM to close.
Watch several new shows including the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show, the K9s In-Flight Dog Show, the Strolling Piano and returning entertainment at various dates and times.
Explore The 4-H/Home Arts, Farm & Garden Buildings, and The Exhibition Hall for thousands of the best-of-the-best of Maryland creations and exhibits, Monday – Friday, 12 Noon – 9 PM, Saturdays and Sundays, 10 AM – 10 PM, and Labor Day Monday 10 AM – 8 PM. The Mosner-Miller Building featuring the Maryland State Fair Museum and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Exhibit Room closes daily at 8 PM.
See all kinds of livestock and horses in the Cow Palace, Barns, Show Rings and Birthing Center. Early risers are welcome to arrive early to attend the livestock and horse shows in the various livestock barns, buildings and show rings. Go to www.marylandstatefair.com for 4-H and Open Class Show schedules.
Learn how agriculture impacts our daily lives by participating in a variety of agriculture educational exhibits and hands-on activities in the U-Learn AG Education Zone, U-Learn Food & Fiber, The Birthing Center, Horseland, Nature Play Space and more at various times throughout the Fair.
Experience Live Thoroughbred Horse Racing, beginning on Friday, August 27 with a special evening of live twilight Thoroughbred horse racing starting at 3 PM. Post Time is set at 12:40 PM for the remainder of the meet on Saturday and Sunday, August 28 and 29, and Friday, September 3 through Labor Day Monday, September 6. Fairgoers may watch and wager on the races in the Grandstand seats as Thoroughbreds round the 5/8th mile track, or relax in the air conditioned OTB Center inside and watch on multiple TV’s and enjoy a meal at Nick’s Grandstand Grill & Crabhouse.
Get vaccinated at the Baltimore County Department of Health COVID-19 Mobile Vaccination Clinic while supplies last, Monday – Friday, 3 PM–7 PM. Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day Monday, 10 AM–7 PM in the Exhibition Hall. No appointment needed.
Admission to the Fair is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors (62 and older) and $5 for children (6-11). Children five-years-old and younger are admitted free. Rides are individually priced.
Limited parking on the Fairgrounds is available on a first-come, first-served basis for $10. Free parking at the Park and Ride on Deereco Road is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Taking the Light Rail is encouraged with an easily accessible Light Rail stop at the fairground Cow Palace Gate. Visit www.marylandstatefair.com.
–Edie Bernier, Maryland State Fair