I've been today to the fair with my 5 and 2 year old. We had a nice time, and got tired before exploring all the options. plenty of what to do and see for toddlers who appreciate the animals, demonstrations and shows, and (highlight for them) the John Deer Tractors. Regarding pricing, we've come with our own water and snacks, which made the staying reasonable. As we concentrated on the free parts of the Fair, we went out with the fair tickets and parking.
This event has changed somewhat over the years but some things are still reminiscent of days gone by. The old timers barn has displays and presentations of tools, machinery, how to spin flax into yarn, by folks who appreciate how things used to be. The BIG CHEESE sandwich booth has served great grilled cheese sandwiches for decades. The 4 H participants proudly show off their prize animals. Unfortunately, the midway is noisy and crowded but I guess that has its' appeal for some. Kind of pricey.
We went w 2 adults and a 4 year old and 2 year old.First, parking was $10. Adult admission. $10 each.Then food. $5 for a hot dog. $5 for ice cream, the size of a kid cone.Outrageous!,,,That's not even the rides. Rides are at least $3 or $4 each. In the younger age range ther are maybe 6 rides to chose from,The animals were ok... When did the fair cost soooo much?Howard count or Frederick fair are not like this at all...
We enter from the end away from the midway and try to take in as much of the exhibits as possible before spending a few minutes on the midway. It's a very traditional country fair with tractor pulls, animial exhibits and all sorts of crafts.We never miss it. Look for discout tickets and discount days. Parking is pretty easy, unless it rains.
This is where I had my first job (just so we wouldn't have to pay parking and entry fee). Then I entered my art in the crafts fair (didn't have to pay parking or entry fee because I was a vender). Took my kids here and never thought about parking price ($10/car) or the entry fee (anything for the kids attitude). There are prize winning fruits, veggies, flowers, deserts, and livestock that I still enjoy seeing. But after decades of the rides and games, I avoid the north end (I'm too old and grumpy for all that calamity). I still enjoy the old timers show and mainly go for the grilled cheese. So after parking and admission ... A $3 grilled cheese (I also buy a block of Wisconsin cheddar to take home). Sure spending close to$50 to get a grilled cheese (proceeds support the 4H fair) is it worth it? I looked up Wisconsin dairy so I can mail order my cheddar.
This was the first time we went to this annual events. It has carnival, food, and farm animals. It is not bad for our young child. It is better than we expected. The food and the rides are a little bit over-priced. We spent almost $100 on food plus ride. And you need to get their early to get a parking spot. If you are most interested in kid-zone or animals, I would suggest park at Lakeforest Mall and take the shuttle so that you can take the pedestrian entrance. Otherwise, you will enter from the carnival side, which is really faraway from the kid-zone.
This is an old-fashion county fair with all the associated trappings, animal smells, country kitch, a midway with rides that shoudl probably be condemed and fair-food. If you're not into that old-fashioned stuff, DON'T GO. Personally, I grew up in the deep South and fondly remember county fairs. I enjoy the smells and sounds (still won't ride the midway rides
Maryland Agriculture at it's FINEST! Aricultural technology with beautiful farmland amidst well kept and friendly neighborhoods and keeping our community spirit bright and lively!! Come and Enjoy the Animals, our FFA, our Tractor Pulls, our homegrown food, our farmong antiques, our carnival rides and plenty of beautiful animals!! Begins August 9th, 2013
Montgomery County may be bordering Washington, DC - but you will not believe it when you step onto the fairgrounds. Aside from a full midway with rides and games & various food options - the animal exhibits and arts/crafts/food competitions are amazing. The fair is heavily tied into 4H and the animal and exhibit pavilions are a must see. Family day is usually on Wednesday - and you can get a discount on ride bracelets.
Fun, but pricey. Enjoyed all the farm animals with my toddler. Had a bear and some owls this year too.