SALISBURY — Officials called the recent Wicomico County Fair a success, topping off 88 years of highlighting the importance of agriculture on the Lower Eastern Shore.
Fair Chairman Zach Evans announced during the Aug. 16 opening ceremony that nonprofit organizer Wicomico Farm & Home Show renewed its partnership with the county for another five years to host the annual event at the WinterPlace Park & Equestrian Center in Salisbury.
“Everybody, we expect to see you well through the 93rd year here at the county fairgrounds,” Evans said after the ceremonial ribbon cutting.
Thousands attended the three-day event, which concluded at 5 p.m. Aug. 18 due to inclement weather in the area.
“The county fair was a great success,” County Council President John Cannon said at the end of an Aug. 20 legislative session. “It was fun. A lot of people went out to it. It’s a good signature (event) for Wicomico County.”
A mixture of federal, state, county and school officials also attended the opening Friday afternoon ceremony, surrounded by spectators on nearby bleachers eagerly awaiting the start of the Maryland High Rodeo.
Returning fair events included the Maryland High School Rodeo; Mason Dixon Deputies Mounted Shooters; 4-H and FFA competitions; arts and crafts demonstrations; livestock shows; watermelon, pie and hot wing eating contests; petting farm; duck races; disc dogs; car and Jeep shows; inflatables; pony rides; mini train rides; music and vendors.
The event was produced by Wicomico Farm & Home Show and Wicomico County, and presented by Perdue, Toyota, Pohanka of Salisbury and Piedmont.
“This event has continued to grow over the years,” Evans said. “It’s not continued to grow because we weren’t offering wonderful programing, in fact, it’s continued to grow because we’ve been offering wonderful programming, and I’m really excited about how inclusive this event has become.”
County Executive Julie Giordano said it takes community support to run such an event in the county. Admission and parking for the three-day event are free.
“What’s so great about an event like this, is people get to see what’s going on in our community,” Giordano said. “If they are looking for trash service, if they want to see more information about Wor-Wic or whatever the case the be, there is something for everyone or interests everyone. It’s a great family event and it goes on for a weekend.”
Evans said they are averaging roughly 15 thousand people for the weekend for the last two or three years post-COVID. He said their day of highest attendance is usually Saturday because they start earlier.
“This has really become a place for everybody in our community, no matter who you are,” Evans said. “What it reminds me is that regardless of what your hobbies are, regardless of what you do for a living, where you are from, what you believe, who you vote for, whatever it may be, there’s a place for you here at the Wicomico County Fair and that’s how I feel about this community in Wicomico County.”
Reach Managing Editor Richard Caines at rcaines@iniusa.org.
Most Popular
Comments / 0