Talbot County Fair opens Thursday

EASTON — The Talbot County fair is back for its 41st year, and residents can come support local organizations and 4-H youth while enjoying the county’s rural offerings.

The fair will also include games, inflatables, food, vendors and exhibits for attendees to enjoy. Fair committee co-chair Amanda Clougherty said it’s a “way for families to connect with each other.”

“We’re an opportunity for families to make memories and have some fun while supporting a lot of local organizations,” Clougherty said. “There’s games — our kids’ activities area is going to have a lot of things to play with. … It’s just a fun evening out.”

The fair is held at 10659 Hiners Lane in Easton, home to the Talbot County Agriculture & Education Center. It is open Thursday and Friday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

While there is no fee for entry, Clougherty says they are asking for a $5 parking donation per car.

Cloughtery said Thursday’s opening ceremony at 4 p.m. will include a ribbon cutting to begin the weekend fun. A fashion show will help kick things off at 5:30 p.m.

On Friday, the Salisbury Zoo will be at the fair from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Clougherty said there will be bingo Friday from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

A silent auction for baked goods will also be held Friday. The baked goods will be from 4-H members, and proceeds will benefit the 4-H program.

“It helps to pay for 4-H kids to go to camp, for 4-H supplies and that kind of thing,” Clougherty said.

Saturday will include the Chesapeake Classic Car Club’s car show beginning at 9 a.m., the Eastern Shore Jousting Association at noon and a watermelon eating contest at 2 p.m.

The fair wraps up with the livestock auction at 7 p.m. on Saturday. Each day of the fair, there are livestock shows open to the public.

The Phillips Wharf Environmental Center’s Fishmobile will also be at the fair all three days. It has tanks with animals that live in and around the Chesapeake Bay.

Additionally, the fair and Ag Center will have dinners prepared by different local organizations each night. On Thursday, there will be a pork barbecue dinner by the Talbot County Young Farmers; on Friday, there will be a pork barbecue dinner by the Talbot County 4-H shooting sports program; and on Saturday, there will be a chicken barbecue dinner by Easton High School FFA.

Clougherty sees the fair as a way for county residents to support local organizations and youth while having a fun time.

“I love hearing about people who say we’re not going to miss it,” Clougherty said.

The fair’s full schedule can be found at talbotcountyfair.org/schedule.