Maryland and Virginia County Fairs

There's something special about a good old-fashioned county fair. The counties of Maryland and Virginia that surround Washington, DC each host a summer fair, complete with carnival rides, live animal shows, musical entertainment, arts and craft exhibits, and lots of food. Each county fair has its own specialty, so check out the scheduled events before you go. Here is a guide to Summer 2009 county fairs:

In Maryland

Montgomery County Agricultural Fair
August 14 – 22, 2009. Montgomery County Fairgrounds, 16 Chestnut St., Gaithersburg, Maryland. (301) 926-3100. Livestock competitions and displays, monster trucks, lots of entertainment and food.

Prince George’s County Fair
September 10 - 13, 2009. Prince George's County Equestrian Center and the Showplace Arena, Water St., Upper Marlboro, Maryland. (301) 579-2598. Carnival rides, live animals displays, family circus, fireworks, live entertainment, food.

Howard County Fair
August 8 – 15, 2009. Howard County Fairgrounds, 2210 Fairgrounds Rd. W., Friendship, Maryland. (410) 442-1022. Carnival rides, live music, farm animals, food.

Great Frederick Fair
September 18 - 26, 2009. Frederick Fairgrounds, 797 E. Patrick St., Frederick, Maryland. (301) 663-5896. Musical entertainment, tractor pulls, equine expo and showcase, agricultural events, food.

Anne Arundel County Fair
September 16 - 20, 2009. Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds, Generals Highway, Crownsville, Maryland. (410) 923-3400. Monster truck rides, carnival rides and games, farm animals and exhibits, pig races, antique saw mill, pie eating contest, talent show and much more.

In Virginia

Loudoun County Fair
July 26 – August 1, 2009. Loudoun County Fairgrounds, 17564 Dry Mill Rd., Leesburg, Virginia. (703) 777-3835. Carnival, rodeo-bull riding, farm animals and demonstrations, magic acts, live musical entertainment and food.

Fairfax County 4 H Fair
August 1 – 2, 2009. Frying Pan Park, 2709 W. Ox Rd., Herndon, Virginia. (703) 324-5203. Farm animals, children’s rides and a pie-eating contest. Free Admission.

Arlington County Fair
August 19 – 23, 2009. Thomas Jefferson Community Center, 3501 S. Second St., Arlington, Virginia (703) 920-4556. Pig and goat races, pony rides, carnival rides, international foods, crafts. Free Admission.

Prince William County Fair
August 14 – 22, 2009. Prince William County Fairgrounds, Rt. 234, Manassas, Virginia (703) 368-0173. Virginia’s largest county fair. Carnival rides, barn shows, live entertainment and attractions for all ages.