aGricultural education contests:

• Click Here for Banners & Photography
  • Banners Age Groups:
    • Adults, Children (11 years & under), Teenage (12-18 years old)
  • Photography Age Groups: 
    • Adult and Junior (5-15 years old)

OPEN HOME ARTS DEPARTMENT 2019 BUILDING THEME: WORKING DOGS

* Look for "Building Theme" classes in each Section!

• Click Here for the Open Home Arts portion of the Fair Book

* APPEARING AT THE 4-H Activities hall

4-H & OPEN YOUTH HORSE PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST   “New for 2018!"

friday, august 10, 2018 - 8:30AM - 9AM

• The above mentioned times are entry times. After 9:00 AM, photos will be judged and displayed.  Photographs will be released at the end of the 4-H Model Horse Show (held at the same location on the same day) or 3:00 PM ... whichever time comes first.
   
• Entries are open to youth (4-H and non 4-H members) ages 5 - 18.  **Ages are based on age as of January 1, 2018.
   
• Four age divisions based on age as of January 1, 2018:  Clovers (5-7), Juniors (8-10), Intermediates (11-13), and Seniors (14-18).
   
• Four Classes:
  • Still Horse
  • Horse in Movement
  • Black and White Photo (picture must include a horse)
  • Farm Life (picture must include a horse)
     
• For more information and rules, click here!

* APPEARING AT THE 4-H Activities hall

4-H & OPEN YOUTH MODEL HORSE SHOW  “NEW FOR 2018!”

Friday, august 10, 2018 - Entries: 8:30AM - 9am...show begins at 10am

• The above mentioned times are entry times.  The show will begin at 10:00 AM.
   
• In this Model Horse Show, participants will enter their model horses to be exhibited and judged.  The show is an educational event, entailing collecting and showing of model horses.  This hobby inspires exhibitors to pursue perfection, authenticity, and creativity.
   
• Entries are open to youth (4-H and non 4-H members) Ages 5-18.  ** Ages are based on age as of January 1, 2018.
   
• Four age divisions based on age as of January 1, 2018:  Clover (5-7), Juniors (8-10), Intermediates (11-13), and Seniors (14-18).
   
• Four Show Divisions:
  • Division I - Breed Classes
  • Division II - Performance Classes
  • Division III - Fun Classes
  • Division IV - Horse Management
     
• For more information and rules, click here!

Fair Book Cover Contest

Saturday, august 4, 2018 - 9AM-8PM

sunday, august 5, 2018 - 9AM-9PM

The Howard County Fair Board would like to invite you to design the cover art for next year's Fair Catalog. 

The above times are entry times, not an on-site contest.

For more information, rules, and the application, click here.

* APPEARING AT THE CONTEST ARENA

Mule Pulling Contest

saturday, august 4, 2018 - 9:00AM 

Rules

• Mule Pulling is run according to the Maryland Horse Pulling Rules of Competition with the following two exceptions:
  • All teams are weighed and divided as nearly as possible into a Heavy Group and Light Group.  This weight break runs at about 2,600 lbs. team weight.
  • The mule teams are required to pull a distance of 17½ feet.
• The teams will be weighed at the Fairgrounds between 7:00 am and 8:30 am on the day of the Pulling Contest.
• There will be a $10 Entry Fee for each team.

Prizes

• Prizes for each class will be: First–$275.00; Second–$225.00; Third–  $175.00; Fourth–$125.00; Fifth–$100.00;
• All Others–$75.00

Chairpersons - Mary E. F. Streaker | 410.382.7135 & Daryl E. Collins | 443.224.4193

* APPEARING AT THE CONTEST ARENA

Coon Mule Jump

Saturday, AUgust 4, 2018 - immediately following Mule Pull

RULES

• Two Classes (1) 54" & Under; and (2) Over 54"
• Mules must jump from a stand still without knocking the bar off the jump.
• The Mule that jumps the highest, through a process of elimination, is declared the winner.
• Two Divisions based on height of mule at withers.
• Initial jump will be determined by the chest height of the smallest mule.
• Initial jump must be cleared to qualify for a place.
• You have 60 seconds to make a qualifying jump.
• There will be a $5 Entry Fee for each Mule.

Prizes:

• Small Mule Jump: First - $200; Second - $150; Third - $100; and Fourth - $50
• Large Mule Jump: First - $250; Second - $200; Third - $175; Fourth - $125; Fifth - $100; Sixth - $75; Seventh - $50; and Eight - $25

Chairperson - Clint Thomas | 443.277.4147

* APPEARING AT THE CONTEST ARENA

Horse Pulling Contest

Saturday, AUgust 4, 2018 - 10:00 AM

RULES

• There will be two (2) classes: Light Weight (under 3,300 lbs.) and Heavy Weight (3,325 lbs. and up).
• The teams will be weighed at the Fairgrounds between 7:00 and 10:00 a.m. the day of the Pulling Contest.
• National Horse Pulling Rules will be observed and enforced.
• The Contest will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday August 4th, 2018, with the Light Weight Class first.
• There will be a $10 Entry Fee for each team.
• Prizes for each class will be: First - $400.00; Second - $350.00; Third - $300.00; Fourth - $250.00; Fifth - $215.00; Sixth - $190.00; Seventh - $165.00; Eighth - $140.00; Ninth - $120.00; Tenth - $110.00; All Others - $100.00.

Chairperson - Mary E. F. Streaker | 410.382.7135 & Co-Chairperson - Daryl E. Collins | 443.224.4193

* APPEARING AT THE show pavilion

Junior Showmanship Show

Saturday, august 4, 2018 - 12:00PM

sponsored by: the howard county farm bureau

• Purpose: To promote, educate and support our future leaders of agriculture by teaching them how to show livestock. 
• Age Requirements: 6, 7, 8, and 9 year old youth.

For more information, click here. 

* APPEARING AT THE CONTEST ARENA

Antique Tractor Pull

Saturday, AUgust 4, 2018 - 3:00PM 

RULES: 

Central MD Antique Tractor Club, Inc. 2018 rules apply.  All tractors must be 1972 or older.

                                         2,500 lbs. - 4mph

3,000 lbs. - 4 mph

3,200 lbs. - 4 mph

3,500 lbs. - 5 mph

3,500 lbs. - 8 mph

4,250 lbs. - 4 mph

4,500 lbs. - 8 mph

5,000 lbs. - 4 mph

5,500 lbs. - 5 mph

Chairpersons - John Schneider | 443.519.7840 & Ricky Norris | 240.357.7381. 

Central MD Antique Tractor Club’s e-mail - cmatc@comcast.net 

* APPEARING AT THE show pavilion

Pretty Animal Contest

Sunday, august 5, 2018 - 11:00 AM

RULES

• Each participant must submit a descriptive, legible narration (1-2 minutes long) to the Fair Office by 11:00 a.m., on Sunday, August 5. The story will be read to the audience by the Master of Ceremonies during the presentation.
• Participants will dress their entry for the best costumed animal in the categories of:  (1) Most Original; (2) The Funniest; (3) The Cutest; or (4) Best 4-H Message.  Judging is based on the narrative and the animal's costume.  If the handler chooses to be in costume, they will be considered part of the entry and be judged. 
• The costumed animals (dogs, cats, rabbits, sheep, large animals, etc.) must be treated in a humane fashion and must meet Fair Health Regulations.  Health papers must accompany animal exhibits at all times while on the Fairgrounds. Fair regulations may change subject to State and Federal Regulation changes.
• Dogs must have current immunization for Parvo-viral enteritis, distemper, and have current rabies vaccination.  Dogs must be on a leash at all times, stay in the showing area, and leave the fairgrounds at the end of the show.
• Awards will be presented to the outstanding entries in each of the four categories.

Co-Chairpersons - Blair and Megan Hill

* APPEARING AT THE show pavilion

Pie Eating Contest  

Sunday, AUgust 5, 2018 - 12:30PM

RULES

• Participants will be placed in the following age groups:
  (1)  5-8 years old
  (2)  9-12 years old
  (3) 13-17 years old
  (4) 18 years and older
• All hands on hips or behind back.
• Only standing, kneeling or leaning over table is permitted.
• First one to finish last bite of pie has to have pie in stomach--not mouth.
• A piece of pie is not a whole pie.

Co-Chairpersons - Blair and Megan Hill

* APPEARING AT THE show pavilion

Miss Howard County Farm Bureau Contest

Sunday, august 5, 2018 - 2:30PM

Sponsored by: Howard County Farm Bureau Women

Rules

• Ages 16-19, and must be single.
• Family must be Howard County Farm Bureau Member.
• Contestants shall submit application to Committee.
• Howard County Farm Bureau Women have the right to decide final eligibility.
• Former winners are ineligible.
• All contestants must abide by Rules of Score Cards.
• Decision of the judges is final.

Prizes

• CASH AWARDS and GIFTS TO ALL PARTICIPANTS
• Agricultural Scholarship to Winner

Chairpersons - Danielle Bauer | danib3492@yahoo.com
 

* APPEARING AT THE show pavilion

Future Howard County Farmer & Little Miss Howard County Farm Bureau Contest 

Sunday, August 5, 2018 - 2:30PM
(Intermission of Miss Howard County Farm Bureau Contest)

SPONSORED BY:

Howard County Farm Bureau Women and
Howard County Young Farmers

RULES

• Boys and Girls, ages 8 – 11, as of August 1, 2018
• Family must be a member of the Howard County Farm Bureau as of the date of the contest.
• Contestants shall submit an application to the Committee, providing information regarding their involvement in agricultural, school and community activities.
• Contestants must belong to 4-H, or participate in agricultural activity.  These could include gardening, food and nutrition, home economics, or animal project.
• Each contestant must create a poster about their agricultural project, to be displayed throughout the fair.
• Howard County Farm Bureau Women have the right to decide final eligibility.
• All contestants must abide by the Rules of Score Cards.
• Dress for the Contest is “Sunday Best”.
• Decision of the judges is final.

Prizes

• Cash Awards to All Participants!
• Agricultural Scholarship to Winners

Chairperson: Jen Poaton | jposton@gmail.com

* APPEARING AT THE CONTEST ARENA

AUTO DEMOLITION DERBY - 1st night

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 8, 2018 — 7:00PM

(2ND NIGHT - SATURDAY, AUGUST 11TH, 2018 - 6:00PM) 

• Produced by R & R Productions - Phone #: 859.582.3155
   
• 6-Cylinder, 8-Cylinder, and Compact 4-Cylinder Automobiles
   
• To attend this event, spectators will need to pay the General Admission to the Fair and purchase a Demolition Derby ticket for admittance into the Contest Arena.
   
• Demolition Derby Tickets (The price of General Admission to the Fair is not included):
  • $10.00 - Adults (10 and up)
  • $5.00 - Children (Ages 4-9 yrs.)
  • Free  -  Children (Ages 3 yrs. & under) - Must sit on lap
     
• Tickets can be purchased during the Fair at the Fair Office and at the gate on the date of the event.
   
• Interested in participating/competing on Wednesday and/or Saturday night? All Downloadable Entry Blanks which include Rules & Regulations are available here. Please note, there are new rules & regulations for 2018!
   
  • Click here for Entry Blank for Wednesday, August 8th (6-Cylinder & 8-Cylinder Autos)
  • Click here for Entry Blank for Saturday, August 11th (6-Cylinder & 8-Cylinder Autos)
  • Click here for Entry Blank for Wednesday, 8/8 and Saturday 8/11 (Compact 4-Cylinder Autos)
     
• For more information, please contact 859.582.3155.
   
• For a second evening of Demolition Derby action, please join us Saturday evening, August 11, 2018, @ 6 PM! Cost of General Admission to the Fair and ticket prices for the Demolition Derby are the same as those for Wednesday night’s event.

* APPEARING AT THE entertainment stage by the dining hall

Howard County fair has talent- TALENT AND VARIETY SHOW

Thursday, august 9, 2018 - 7:30PM

Songs, dancing, comedy acts, instrumental numbers, etc.!

Contestants will be divided by age into three categories: Children 9 yrs. old and under, Youth 10-15 years old, and Teenage/Adult 16 years old and older.

Premium money will be awarded to all competitors!

Click here for more information including rules and entry form.

Chairperson - Mary E. F. Streaker  410-382-7135

* APPEARING AT THE entertainment stage

Baby Contest Miniature Parade

Saturday, AUgust 11, 2018 - 10:30AM 

GROUP I - Non-Walking Babies
GROUP II - Walking Babies

For more information and rules, click here.

For entry forms, click here.

* APPEARING AT THE MIDWAY BOULEVARD

Parade of Floats

Judging: Saturday, AUgust 11, 2018 - 5:00PM

RULES AND REGULATIONS

DIVISION I - 4-H CLUBS    DIVISION II - OTHER ORGANIZATIONS

• The Floats will parade on the Fairgrounds.
• Any Organization in the County may participate.
• Make your entry with the Fair Office, and include a story about the Float (not to exceed one 8½ x 11" page, double-spaced and no more than 200 words.)
• Judging will be based on the following:
  Originality, simplicity, arrangement, identity, quality, attractiveness, neatness, and educational value.
• No distribution of candy or handouts allowed during parade for safety of spectators.
• Judges will use score cards and will confer after completing scores.  The decision of the judges will be final.
• Floats may not repeat themes from previous years.
• MUST BE 18 YEARS OLD OR OVER TO OPERATE ANY MOTORIZED EQUIPMENT.
• 4-H prizes:  Danish System - $75.00, $50.00, $25.00
• Pride of the Fair Float (Champion) - $100.00
• Open prizes:  $20.00, $15.00, $10.00
• NO ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER 12 NOON SATURDAY, AUGUST 11TH. Pick up your assigned parade number between 2 & 4 pm at the Fair Office

Special Awards for Parade of Floats -$200
Donated by Bixler's Lemonade Stand
Winner - Pride of the Fair 4-H Float -$75

Remaining Monies to be Divided Equally Between Blue Ribbon 4-H Floats

For entry forms, click here.

* APPEARING AT THE CONTEST ARENA

AUTO DEMOLITION DERBY - 2nd night

SATURDAY, AUGUST 11, 2018 — 6:00PM

(1ST NIGHT - WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 8TH, 2018 - 7:00PM)  

• Produced by R & R Productions - Phone #: 859.582.3155
   
• 6-Cylinder, 8-Cylinder, and Compact 4-Cylinder Automobiles
   
• To attend this event, spectators will need to pay the General Admission to the Fair and purchase a Demolition Derby ticket for admittance into the Contest Arena.
   
• Demolition Derby Tickets (The price of General Admission to the Fair is not included):
  • $10.00 - Adults (10 and up)
  • $5.00 - Children (Ages 4-9 yrs.)
  • Free  -  Children (Ages 3 yrs. & under) - Must sit on lap
     
• Tickets can be purchased during the Fair at the Fair Office and at the gate on the date of the event.
   
• Interested in participating/competing on Wednesday and/or Saturday night? All Downloadable Entry Blanks which include Rules & Regulations are available here. Please note, there are new rules & regulations for 2018!
   
  • Click here for Entry Blank for Wednesday, August 8th (6-Cylinder & 8-Cylinder Autos)
  • Click here for Entry Blank for Saturday, August 11th (6-Cylinder & 8-Cylinder Autos)
  • Click here for Entry Blank for Wednesday, 8/8 and Saturday 8/11 (Compact 4-Cylinder Autos)
     
• For more information, please contact 859.582.3155.

Open Baked Foods Special Contests:

* Open to all age groups

• Best Apple Dessert (Non-Pie)
• Best Apple Pie
• Challenge Cookie Contest
• King Arthur Baking Contest

Open Class Photography - photos of the 2017 fair:

* Open to all age groups

• Y05 - Class 36: Black & White/Sepia Tones and Y05 - Class 37: Color

Open Class Woodworking Challenge Contests:

* Open to all ages

• Challenge Carving Contest
• Non-Carvers Challenge Contest

Open Table Setting Contest:

* Open to all age groups

• The 2018 theme is "A Picnic in the Country". Click Here for more information & rules.

Open Class poster contest:

* Classes for three different age groups - Ages 6-9, Ages 10-12, & Ages 13-18

• Educational Poster based on Building Theme: Bovine

Open Class Flower and Herbs Special Contests:

* Open to all ages

• "Plant Your Team Colors" Contest
• Educational Herb Display