For the past three weekends, the Maryland State Fair—known as the largest celebration of agriculture in the state—attracted hundreds of thousands to the 106-acre Timonium Fairgrounds to dig in to steaming plates of funnel cake and sticky s’mores caramel apples; attempt to win stuffed animals twice their size; ride the Riptide rollercoaster and the giant Ferris Wheel; visit furry farm friends; and enjoy special attractions like horseback riding, puppy yoga, a traveling wolf pack demonstration, a mullet contest, live performances (including a Taylor Swift tribute show), and more.
For some attendees, it was their 30th year at the fair, while others enjoyed the festivities for the first time, bringing along friends and family. Here’s what a few had to say about this year’s experience:
Kevin and Bethany Burke
“This is kind of nostalgic. My dad used to bring me here every year when I was a kid,” Kevin said. “[Our daughter] is two. She loves getting to experience the fair culture and some of the rides.”
“She likes to see the animals,” added Bethany. “We’re going to take her on the carousel and get some good food.”
Derek Newell
Shawndel Williams
“I came out here for family and friends,” Williams said. “It’s the last day here, and I have a family member that works for the company. I’m from Virginia, but I’ve lived in Maryland for 20 years. My favorite part is the food and the atmosphere and everyone’s friendly.”
Terrie Jurd
“I’ve been coming for probably 30 years,” Jurd said. “I like to get on the Ferris Wheel and just look down at everything.”
Julia Jeremiah
“I sell wine made from fruits and vegetables,” says Jeremiah, a vendor with Pale Moonlight Wines. “This is our third week this season but our first year [at the fair]. My favorite thing has been the food.”
Brittany and AJ Daniels
“I get tickets through my work [at Autumn Lake Healthcare at Riverview],” Brittany says. “It’s a really fun family event to take the kids.” Adds her son, AJ: “My favorite part is probably doing the fun games and rides.”