From a $1.50 check for winning a cake contest in 1947 to a black-and-white photograph of the Maryland State Fair’s first board of directors in 1879, the fair’s new museum showcases 127 years of Maryland history.
“There are so many neat things to talk about that people aren’t aware of,” said Andy Cashman, assistant general manager of the fair.
“There’s so much history — and some of it goes back three or four family generations.”
The year-round exhibit, which consists of numerous donations and gifts from local residents, walks viewers through more than 100 years of fair history — including Babe Ruth Day in 1927, the fallout from World War II, and renovations and new construction of the Cow Palace, stables and Exhibition Hall.
Although the fair today is known for carnival rides, fairway foods and midway games, Cashman is quick to point out that the primary focus of the fair is — and always will be — agriculture and home arts.
“The fair is an agricultural event. We still have people making homemade quilts, participating in cooking demonstrations and tractor driving,” he said. “It doesn’t matter if you live in Baltimore City, or Garrett County, or the shore, you can still do something here. That’s what sets the Maryland State Fair apart from regular amusement parks.”
Charles “Ducky” Daughton, 70, has seen his share of history — 2008 marks his 51st year working in the 4-H building for the fair. “People don’t realize how much of an impact 4-H and [the National FFA Organization] has on young people today,” he said. “My son was in 4-H for many years and is now working on his Ph.D. in physics at Ohio State. He said that if it wasn’t for 4-H, he wouldn’t be where he is now.”
Cashman jokingly calls the museum his field of dreams.
“I knew that if I built it, they would come,” he said with a laugh. “Now we’re just hoping that seeing this will encourage other people to donate pieces for display.”
IF YOU GO
127th Annual Maryland State Fair
Where: Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Road, Timonium
When: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Aug. 22 through Sept. 1
Tickets: $3 to $8
Info: www.marylandstatefair.com
WEB EXTRA
Click here for a complete schedule of the Maryland State Fair
