This story, originally published at 3:44 p.m. Aug. 6, 2024, was updated at 3:36 p.m. Aug. 9, 2024, with the fair’s new opening date.
While the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair opened Saturday with its standard fare of carnival rides, cotton candy and livestock races, the annual event will celebrate its 75th anniversary in retro style, with the theme of “Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow.”
The fair, which cancelled its Friday opening due to inclement weather, will run through Aug. 17 at the fairgrounds at 501 Perry Parkway in Gaithersburg.
The anniversary theme “promises a captivating journey through our rich agricultural history, the vibrant present, and the promising future of our beloved community,” according to a letter from fair president Mandy German.
Hundreds of participants are expected to enter contests ranging from best livestock and jams to cheese carving and toilet decorating, according to Olivia Boughton, the fair’s media coordinator. And one resourceful county resident will be crowned as “HOTY” – that is, Homemaker of the Year. A full fair catalog of competitions is available on the fair’s website.
These contests are no small potatoes. The fair takes the events seriously–even judges are judged before they can participate. Back in November, the fair auditioned prospective judges at a training event. Potential judges must fulfill five requirements: attend judges’ training school, complete three segments in the same subject area by different instructors, provide written permission to be on a public judge list, judge at a minimum of two fairs or shows with another judge, and provide documentation to the fair’s Judging School of the dates they judged.
The county agricultural fair is one of 17 fairs held in the state annually, including events in Baltimore, Frederick, Kent and Howard counties. The counties share instructors, resources and judges. More than 800 volunteers help put on Montgomery County’s nine-day fair, according to the event website.
For those not planning to enter their prized fruit pies, there is still plenty of entertainment to enjoy, Boughton said.
This year’s special grandstand events include:
- Truck and Tractor Pull
Monday at 7:30 p.m.
- Renegade Monster Truck Tour
Aug. 14 and 15 at 7:30 p.m.
- Demolition Derby
Aug. 16 and 17 at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $18 at the gate and $15 online for all grandstand events. Admission is free for children under age 2.
Boughton said returning guests will be excited to see the fair’s popular magic and comedy show, Agricadabra, hosted by Brad Matchett at various times listed on the fair’s website. The show provides a fun take on healthy eating through food science, Boughton said.
“It’s all about healthy eating and agriculture, while kind of making it more exciting and fun with magic,” Boughton said.
Matchett will also host his popular comedy hypnotism show, which Boughton said has been a favorite in previous years. Both shows will run at least daily throughout the length of the fair.
Musical acts will include The Sons of Liberty, Hepcat Hoodie, The Grasso Brothers and Jess Kellie Adams.
The cowboy circus is also a popular attraction, according to Boughton. The show runs daily at 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.and is interactive, giving audience members the opportunity to participate in various games.
Fair admission is $15 per person on-site and $12 if purchased online in advance. Children age 11 and under are free. Parking on-site is $15. Free parking and shuttle bus transport are available at the Montgomery College’s Rockville Campus at 51 Mannakee Street and the Lakeforest Mall at Lost Knife Road and Odenhal Avenue. Ride tickets are sold separately, with varying wristband prices based on date and number of rides. More information is available on the fair’s website.