There will be some of the same agricultural exhibits, petting zoos, carnival games and more at this weekend’s Worcester County Fair, but a new location and organizer is also bringing some activities the event has not had in the past.
Children are pictured riding on a miniature trolley at a past Worcester County Fair.
File photo
By Bethany Hooper, Associate Editor
There will be some of the same agricultural exhibits, petting zoos, carnival games and more at this weekend’s Worcester County Fair, but there will also be a load of new activities and vibes for attendees to enjoy.
From Aug. 9-11, community members are invited to take part in the annual Worcester County Fair. Now spearheaded by the Worcester County Recreation and Parks Department, this year’s event will feature a new location and more activities, as well as an abundance of live music, food and drinks.
“It is going to be a great time for family and friends to go and enjoy everything Worcester County has to offer here,” said Lauren Ahlers, marketing coordinator for Worcester County Recreation and Parks.
Earlier this year, it was announced that Worcester County Recreation and Parks would take charge of hosting the 2024 county fair. Recreation and Parks Deputy Director Jacob Stephens noted that officials, seeing the success of other events the department put on, had asked for assistance in revitalizing the event.
“The county saw a slight decline in the Worcester County Fair over the last several years, and they knew that the recreation and parks department held fairly large special events …,” he explained. “They wanted us to bring new ideas.”
The result, officials say, is a new and improved Worcester County Fair. Ending a years-long run at Byrd Park in Snow Hill, this year’s event will relocate to John Walter Smith Park, home of Worcester County Recreation and Parks programming.
The fair kicks off Friday, Aug. 9 with a ribbon cutting at 4:30 p.m. Featured events include livestock shows, a cake auction and a performance from the Jimmy Charles Band, which will take the stage at 6 p.m. and play until 8 p.m.
“This is a free concert to the public,” Ahlers said.
The festivities continue on Saturday, Aug. 10, beginning at 10 a.m. Featured events include a Wheels that Heal Car Show, a pipeline eating contest, a cornhole tournament, 4H Fashion Revue and various livestock shows, as well as a petting zoo (noon-6 p.m.) and demonstrations.
The fair will conclude on Sunday, Aug. 11, with a Jeep show, a local band showcase including The Homeschool Dropouts at 11:30 a.m. and Folk Villains at 1:30, livestock shows and an awards presentation beginning at 2:30 p.m. For the livestock events, a horse show will be held from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; livestock viewing from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; and livestock costume contest at 11 a.m.
The schedule for the 2024 Worcester County Fair.
Courtesy photo
Ahlers noted that 4-H displays, as well as a kids zone complete with inflatables, carnival games and a first bite fish tank, will also be offered throughout the weekend. The fair will also host a school supply drive to benefit Worcester County G.O.L.D.
“We will also have a beer garden and food trucks along with 50 local vendors,” she said.
More information on the Worcester County Fair, including the schedule of events, can be viewed online or on the Worcester County Fair Facebook page.
The fair is just one of several area events to be showcased as part of Worcester County Agriculture Week, held Aug. 3-11. The week begins with the Blessing of the Combines and culminates with the Great Pocomoke Fair and the Worcester County Fair.
“We’re trying to bring it all together with Agriculture Week,” Stephens said.