Tractor Pulls, Combine Derby, Cow Pie Bingo, Livestock Judging: It Must Be 4-H FFA Fair Time in Carroll County

The Carroll County 4-H & FFA Fair has been celebrating the rich agriculture and farming history of Carroll County since 1897. The week-long event promises family-friendly fun for all groups. 

This year's Fair will begin on Saturday, July 27 and run through Saturday, Aug. 3.

According to the Carroll County Fair website, the fair began as an annual picnic that was held on Aug. 14, 1897 at the Otterdale Schoolhouse. There was a parade to Gouldens’s Grove, preceded by the Taneytown Band, then prayer and music before lunch. In the afternoon speakers from the Maryland Agriculture Institute addressed the crowd.

By July 29, 1899, 2,000 attended and a “WELCOME” arch was erected at the entrance, which remained a tradition of the fair for years to come.

Since 1954, the Carroll County Agriculture Center has been the home of the Carroll County 4-H & FFA Fair. The fair is a showcase of Carroll County 4-H and FFA members exhibiting from 62 project areas ranging from livestock, crafts, gardening to technology and fine arts. 

This year, the Fair promises fun in the form of derbies, robotics contests, livestock shows and judging, chainsaw carving, pig racing, and the list goes on. On Saturday, Aug. 3, nationally known country rock band Parmalee will perform at 8 p.m. 

See the entire fair schedule and purchase event ticketswww.carrollcountyfair.com. 

Check back often, Patch will cover the Fair all week with stories, photos and videos. Add your own photos, videos and Fair information on Patch atwww.westminster.patch.com/boards.