From July 28th to the 31st, Harford County celebrated its 28th Farm Fair, with a theme of “home grown.” Hosting events like archery shoots, animal shows, rodeos, tractor pulls, and much more.

   Owned by the Harford County Government, the festival was started in 1988 to “promote Harford County’s agricultural heritage and encourage youth involvement in agriculture activities.”

In an interview with Baltimore Sun, Amy Siler, co-chairmen, stated, “We have to tried to keep that cost where it is, and offer the same entertainment, it’s still cheaper than going to the movies. You can take a family of four and have a great day at the fair.”

      She continues, “”We are really lucky to have so many great sponsors around the county. We are really solid with the events that we are offering again this year and we are hoping for another good turnout.Everything is kind of coming full-circle, and we are really excited that it’s the 29th annual fair and we have been able to hang around this long,”

    The fair allows local residents to exhibit their home-grown vegetables and agricultural products, bakes good, crafts and needlework, photography and artwork. “We provide the opportunity for all ages to compete in pie and watermelon eating and a Spelling Bee. There are contests for Farm Babies and for Miss Harford County Farm Bureau.”

    Katherine Miller, junior, participated for the first time this year. “I took care of North Harford’s pigs. We have thirteen, which we raised from newborns here.” Miller says that her favorite thing about the farm fair is that it’s “a place where farms and students can get together.”

    Another first year attendee is Sarah Burton, junior. Burton showed off her pigs and lambs, which she got back in March. She worked every day to train them to be able to compete in their individual shows.

  Someone who has been to the fair for five years is Tim Hopkins. The junior stated that he enjoys “meeting friends” and showing off his pigs and cows.

Photo credit: (Karl Merton Ferron / Baltimore Sun)

Noah Sekowski, a 16 year old from Forest Hill, wins the grand prize with his cornish pair. The chicken sold for $550 in at the fair.