Entertainment
Click each date below to see what entertainment is happening on each day! If you're looking for a list of everything that is being held in our Contest Arena, check out that list below.
Don't forget to click on our Daily Entertainment section also, that's where you will find showtimes for our entertainment that repeats throughout the week and isn't included on the day specific lists!
Dean Crawford & The Dunn's River Band: 7:30 pm & 9:00 pm at the Entertainment Stage.
Dean has produced five CD's and has sold over 24,000 copies and has made numerous TV appearances in the market. His songs are a main staple on several large market and internet radio stations throughout the region. Dean leads a mighty six piece band that would be the envy of any national touring country act on the scene today. The band covers both contemporary and traditional country music which enables them to please any audience anywhere! A faithful and growing fan base is what keeps this group on the rise with sold out appearances and souvenir sales that eclipse any other group in the region.
Dean and Dunn's have opened up for notable Nashville greats such as Neal McCoy, Buddy Jewel, Montgomery Gentry, Jamie O'Neil, and Bucky Covington. They were called upon and honored to accept the invitation to open for the greatest country singer of all time, in his last public appearance.....the Possum, Mr. George Jones!!
Square Dance Demonstration: 4:00 pm at the Entertainment Stage.
Square Dance: 7:00 pm at the 4-H Activities Hall.
All sponsored by the Tom Thumb Dance Club.
Billy Harrison and Haywire: 3:00 pm on the Entertainment Stage.
Billy Harrison loves to play Bluegrass, with his band which includes his sister. He has lived in Woodbine, Maryland his whole life.
- Billy Harrison – Lead & Harmony Vocals, Lead Guitar
- Terry Wittenberg – Lead & Harmony Vocals, Banjo & Guitar
- Terry DiPaula – Lead & Harmony Vocals, Rhythm Guitar
- Tad Marks – Fiddle
- Heath Laird – Bass
- Garrett Wren – Mandolin
Performing with high energy, they do not hang their hats on Traditional Bluegrass, but bend the rules to put themselves out on the edge with doing their own arrangements/compilations of some very familiar classic rock songs. That is where the “haywire” comes into play.
Michael Christopher: 7:30 pm and 9:00 pm on the Entertainment Stage.
Michael Christopher found perseverance and grit during his childhood growing up in rural Pennsylvania, and the lessons he learned along the way would be right at home in the lyrics of today’s most popular country music.
For the last decade, Michael’s focus and passion has been on music: writing, singing, and performing in clubs, amphitheaters, and festivals across the country. While headlining events across the northeast and beyond, Michael has also opened for some major country stars, including Tyler Farr, Sammy Kershaw, Lonestar, Chris Lane, Jamey Johnson, Phil Vassar, William Michael Morgan and Walker Hayes. His guitar-heavy, rock-edged sound intertwines with invocative lyrical virtuosity and positions him with elite company in the country music scene.
In his self-titled album, Michael worked with an exclusive group of hit songwriters and producers including Dennis D’Amico recording at Ronnie’s Place/Black River Entertainment Studios, and Grammy-Award winning engineer Jamie Tate at The Rukkus Room. The result is a twelve-song anecdote of life and love that not only displays Michael’s flexibility and ingenuity as a songwriter, but also expands the boundaries of the country music genre. “There is something for everyone on this record. We really tried to offer a perspective, a sound and a voice that is relatable for everyone…no matter what you’re feeling, no matter what you’ve been through…this record has something for you,” mentions Michael.
To follow up his debut album, Michael decided to do an EP devoted to his favorite season; summer. “Summer Vibes” is an eclectic modern country summer time soundtrack!
With a ton of new music under his belt and a full tour schedule, Michael Christopher continues to excel on his way to the next chapter of his career.
Outlaws & Peacemakers (Wild West Reenactment): 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm in the Contest Arena.
This local Wild West reenactment group will be demonstrating the art of reenactment, how they stay safe, and the dangers of using blank ammunition.
Parade of Horse Breeds: 5:00 pm in the Contest Arena
Watch as a variety of horse breeds take the spotlight in the Parade of Horse Breeds! An announcer will highlight the unique characteristics and talents of each breed. After the event, there will be an opportunity for you to talk to the exhibitors and to get up close with these incredible animals. Learn and enjoy!
New Censation Band: 7:30 pm & 9:00 pm on the Entertainment Stage.
“New Censation” not just a name, but a concept.
With three European Tours to their credit, New Censation continues to delight and entertain audiences of all ages – and all interests with a wide variety of music, from every genre.
All four members are professional studio musicians and not only have been recording artist themselves but have worked either in the studio or on stage with many other performers in the industry.
Cyndi & Roy Wallman deliver a captivating combination of vocal styles, and are at the heart and soul of the group. Along with Will Williams, an absolutely stunning guitarist & vocalist and drummer Jay Elmore, adding vocal talents to his drumming skills, as well.
New Censation delivers excellent vocals and musical talent from all four members, highlighting rock solid music and performance.
Quality, style, class and charisma…dance music the way you always wanted to hear it live.
Experience them for yourself…
New Censation is available for clubs, weddings, private parties… you name it.
You’re going to LOVE us,
The NewCens Gang
Sheep Dog Herding Demonstration: 5:00 pm & 7:00 pm at the Horse Ring.
Since 2017, attendees have enjoyed sheepdog herding demonstrations at the fair. Once again, Nancy Cox Starkey of Mt. Airy, MD, will provide the commentary, and A J Hesketh-Tutton of West Friendship, MD, will put the sheepdogs through their paces herding a flock of sheep. Nothing short of impressive are the skills, talent, and ability of the handlers and their dogs. Watch and learn as they work in partnership to maneuver the sheep around the ring and through various obstacles. Always a crowd favorite!
Accordian Club Concert: 10:00 am on the Entertainment Stage.
Returning to the Fair to perform on Senior Day is the Maryland Accordion Club. Based in Catonsville, MD, this talented group of musicians promotes learning about and playing the accordion, also known as “an orchestra in a box”. Accordionists, as well as other instrumentalists, at every skill level from beginner to professional are welcomed. Current members include teachers, performers, amateurs, technicians, and reputable accordion dealers.
Farm-to-Fork Face-Off 2025: The Burger Battle of the Year! 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at the 4-H Activities Hall
The Howard County Office of Agriculture is choosing just THREE chefs to compete live at the Fair in a high-energy, burger throwdown using locally grown beef and fresh-picked produce. The chefs provide their own recipes and their choice of special ingredients.
The Farm-to-Fork Face-Off is all about lifting up Howard County’s farm and food communities by spotlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients and the chefs who transform them. This event connects farmers, chefs, and residents in a fun, flavor-packed evening that promotes sustainable, local food and shines a light on the incredible talent in our region.
Jay Henley & the Stonebroke Band: 7:30 pm and 9:00 pm on the Entertainment Stage.
Jay D. Henley likes playing in his old stomping grounds. The summer carnival season gives him plenty of opportunities to play for the hometown crowd.
Henley grew up on a Mount Airy farm where he spent a lot of time milking cows and developed a work ethic that continues to serve him well.
Streamline Rocks: 7:30 pm & 9:00 pm on the Entertainment Stage.
Sheep Dog Herding Demonstration: 5:00 pm & 7:00 pm in the Horse Ring.
Since 2017, attendees have enjoyed sheepdog herding demonstrations at the fair. Once again, Nancy Cox Starkey of Mt. Airy, MD, will provide the commentary, and A J Hesketh-Tutton of West Friendship, MD, will put the sheepdogs through their paces herding a flock of sheep. Nothing short of impressive are the skills, talent, and ability of the handlers and their dogs. Watch and learn as they work in partnership to maneuver the sheep around the ring and through various obstacles. Always a crowd favorite!
Browningsville Cornet Band: 7:00 pm on the 4-H Activities Hall Patio.
Talent & Variety Show: 7:00 pm at the Entertainment Stage.
My Lady's Manor Driving Club, founded in 1979, is a group of local, carriage driving enthusiasts. Their purpose is to promote the owning, training, driving, and exhibiting of all breeds of equines; and to hold activities that will best contribute to those objectives. Members of the club are encouraged to participate with all types of horses, ponies, donkeys, and vehicles.
Stone Ridge Boys: 7:30 pm & 9:00 pm on the Entertainment Stage.
Making their debut at the Howard County Fair this year, The Stone Ridge boys are certainly no strangers to the area. This talented, Maryland based County Music duo is comprised of James Naill and Brandon Reeves. They stay busy performing at local establishments, festivals, and private parties where their musical offerings are enjoyed by all.
Cody Clayton Eagle: 7:30 pm & 9:00 pm on the Entertainment Stage.
Cody Clayton Eagle is an accomplished country singer/songwriter hailing from the hills of West Virginia. Cody’s musical ability is only matched by his humble demeanor and dedication to his craft which are two traits that are very difficult to maintain. While Cody’s career in music is still fresh, his accomplishments match that of a veteran in the industry. Cody has shared the stage with a number of talented individuals. But of all of his accomplishments, his most well-known came in the form of a gold ticket to Hollywood given to him by the judges of ABC’s American Idol in 2019.
Many artists would use validation of three yes votes in one of the country’s biggest talent shows to slack off and take a back seat, but not Cody. This opportunity lit a fire in Cody to dedicate much of his time to perfecting his craft and begin his journey as a professional singer/songwriter. Shortly after his trip to Hollywood, Cody began working with a group of highly talented musicians and producers to help produce his first single “I Will Sing” which first debuted on May 24th, 2019. Cody utilized his time with these individuals and honed in on his songwriting abilities which then led him to his next big achievement; reaching the semifinal round of Nashville Rising Song.
Cody’s passion for country music is heightened by the artists that he looks up to such as the immensely talented Chris Stapleton, Cody Jinks, and the wildly popular Luke Combs. However, Cody isn’t just a one trick pony, as he loves performing just about any genre of music and does so expertly. You can find Cody playing all over the great state of West Virginia and beyond by following all of his social media outlets and keeping up to date with his performance calendar.
As a West Virginia native, Cody works diligently to make his home state proud and succeeds in his efforts with every performance, every song, and every note.
2025 Howard County Fair
Contest Arena Events
(Included with Price of Admission)
Saturday – August 2nd
3:00 pm 14th Annual Mule Jump
6:00 pm 47th Annual Horse Pull
Sunday – August 3rd
11:00 am Garden Tractor Pull (Registration begins at 8 am)
6:00 pm “Farmer Wars”
Monday – August 4th
3:00 & 7:00 pm “Outlaws & Peacemakers” (Wild West Re-enactment)
5:00 pm Parade of Horse Breeds
Tuesday – August 5th
6:00 pm 20th Annual Mule Pulling Contest
Wednesday – August 6th
6:30 pm Lawn Mower Contest
Thursday – August 7th
6:00 pm Skid Loader Contest
Saturday – August 9th
11:00 am Antique Tractor Pull (Registration begins at 9:30 am)
Peter Wood: Collector of the Impossible! (Magic Shows) (On the Entertainment Stage)
Shows on -
Sat.(8/2),Mon.,Wed.,Fri.: 11am, 12:30pm & 2pm
Sat.(8/9): 1, 2, & 3pm
Axe Throwing by Odyssey Mobile Adventures (Main Exhibition)
Daily, Times TBD
Pony Rides (Grass area east of the 4-H Activities Building) -
Daily, 10am – 10pm
Kids & Critters Barn (Barn 6) -
Daily, 9:30 am - 2 pm and 5 pm – 8:30 pm
Little Farmer's Barn -
Daily, 9 am – 6 pm
Agriculture Education Display (in Annex) -
Saturday (8/2) TBD – Opens after Judging
Sunday thru Saturday (8/9) 10 am - 9 pm
Butterfly Exhibit (Main Exhibition) -
Both Saturdays, Sun., Thurs., & Fri.: 10 am - 10 pm
Mon., Tues., & Wed. Noon - 10 pm
Antique Farm Machinery Display (beside Contest Arena) - Daily
Equine Exhibit (Horse Education Tent) - Daily, 2 pm-7 pm
