It’s Almost Time for the Howard County Fair

Photo Credit: tw3nty3ight / Thinkstock / iStock

Do you remember going to your first county fair? What was your favorite ride? What was your favorite food? Here at the Wayside Inn, we remember the thrill of riding the Ferris wheel and the merry-go-round, as well as the satisfaction of eating an elephant ear and all of its powdered sugar goodness. If you’d like to relive your county fair memories, be sure to visit the Howard County Fair this summer! It’s coming up soon and will be celebrating its 70^th year!

Make Plans to Attend the Howard County Fair

The Howard County Fair is held each August at the fairgrounds in West Friendship, Maryland. The fairgrounds are about a 20-minute drive from the Wayside Inn in Ellicott City, making it a nice outing during your visit to the area. Daily events at the fair include amusement rides and games, as well as agricultural displays, pony rides, farm fresh produce market and more. Visit the county fair website for event dates, ticket prices and the latest information.

Live Entertainment

From bull rides to bluegrass bands, the live entertainment at the Howard County Fair does not disappoint. This year’s fair includes a relatively new event: a demolition derby! Throughout the week, you’ll be treated to magic shows, high-energy square dancing, rock and roll and bluegrass bands, as well as bands that play R&B and oldies. Don’t miss the baby contest, the parade of floats and a rodeo. This rodeo is official, with a lineup that includes pro bull riding, a rodeo clown, bull fighters, barrel racing and more.

Several contests will be held throughout the week, including an antique tractor pull, a pie eating contest, a cow milking contest. Mule pulling, coon mule jumping and an amateur variety contest will also be held.

Free and Fun Things to Do in Howard County

In addition to the Howard County Fair, there are so many fun things to do in this region. If you happen to be visiting the first Friday of each month, or the second Sunday of each month, be sure to make your way to Ellicott City’s historic district where you can enjoy First Fridays and Second Sundays. First Fridays offers after-hours shopping and events while Second Sundays incorporates a unique shopping event with local farmers and artisans. For information on this and other Howard County events, be sure to read Free (or Almost Free) Howard County Events on our blog!

Planning Your Trip to Maryland

Take some of the guesswork out of planning your trip to Maryland by downloading our Free Vacation Guide. This guide is packed with useful information about all the fun and interesting things to do and see in the area. The Wayside Inn is a great place to call your home away from home whenever you visit the Baltimore/Washington, D.C. area. Our six beautiful guest rooms offer all the comforts of home, and you can enjoy a delicious breakfast each morning that you didn’t have to make!