The annual Montgomery County Agricultural Fair is back this week with rides and attractions for all ages, live entertainment, contests, farm animals and, of course, food.
One of Maryland’s largest county fairs, the Agricultural Fair sits on 62 acres of land in Gaithersburg. The fair was founded in the late 1940s and is largely considered the “best nine days of the summer” by D.C.-area locals.
This year, the festivities will run daily until Aug. 16. The fair is open from 10 a.m. to midnight on Aug. 15 and 16, with the gates closing at 11 p.m. each night. From Aug. 10 to 14, the fair operates from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., with the gates closing at 10 p.m.
Attendees can ride the traditional carousel or opt for more of a thrill with the 118-foot Air Raid. There are a total of 40 rides, so there’s something for everyone.
Animal lovers shouldn’t miss the swine races and a chance to pet sheep, goats, horses, rabbits and dogs. Also see a stilt walker, comedic hypnotist, magicians and a chainsaw carver.
Rev up for a monster truck tour, which will wow crowds on Aug. 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m. Cowboys and cowgirls will show off their bull riding skills at the Redeye Rodeo on Aug. 15 at 7:30 p.m.
New this year is the Stoney Roberts demolition derby on Saturday night only, Aug. 16 at 7:30 p.m.
If you get hungry, wash down chicken-on-a-stick or something deep fried with a cold beverage of choice. Dessert options include ice cream, doughnuts, stuffed cookie bombs, churros, crepes, baked goods and New Orleans-style snowballs.
Want to show off a unique skill? There’s probably a contest for you on the fairgrounds, from amateur flower arranging and toilet seat decorating to cheesemaking.
Admission is $13.98 online and $18 at the door, and free for children age 11 and younger every day. Active service members can enjoy free admission all day on Aug. 14 for Military Day. Purchase tickets and find more details at mcagfair.com.
