Great Frederick Fair offers something for everyone

Written by CRYSTAL SCHELLE

When The Great Frederick Fair comes around, it’s a reminder that days are getting shorter and fall is officially here.

This year’s event kicks off Friday, Sept. 16, and runs daily through Sept. 24, at the Frederick fairgrounds, 797 E. Patrick St. in downtown Frederick.

According to Karen Nicklas, the fair’s general manager, The Great Frederick Fair attracts nearly 240,000 annually, many of whom have made it a tradition.

“This event is truly a community event. It is a celebration and showcase of agriculture, but also a fun, annual tradition,” she said. “Each year there is something new, and there is truly something for everyone.”

Headliners for this year’s entertainment are Christian singer Chris Tomlin on Friday, Sept. 16; country music performer Clay Walker on Saturday, Sept, 17, and Joan Jett on Sunday, Sept. 18; I Love the 90’s (Vanilla Ice, Coolio, Tone Loc, Rob Base, Montell Jordan, Young MC) on Thursday, Sept. 22; singer-songwriter Brent Cobb, Friday, Sept. 23, and comedian Ron White on Saturday, Sept. 24. Returning are fan-favorite events such as a tractor and truck pull and demolition derbies.

The Great Frederick Fair has always supported agriculture in Frederick County. Nicklas said 10 additional $1,000 scholarships will be presented for youth ag awards. And the fair partnered with Frederick County Public Schools for agriculture in the classroom and ag-education field trips to the fair.

New this year is free entertainment with the price of a ticket, including pig racing, cowboy circus, a show by the Dennis Lee Band, a walking robot and a stilt walker, Nicklas said.

To first-timers, she recommended three things to get the ultimate Great Frederick Fair experience: “1. food; 2. animals; and 3. livestock shows and/or any other free entertainment.”

The Great Frederick Fair

Sept. 16-24

Event features food, music, agricultural displays, carnival and more Hours: Friday, Sept. 16 – 4 to 10 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 17, through Saturday, Sept. 24 – 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Admission: $10 for ages 11 and older, free for those 10 and younger For a complete schedule of events and to learn more about the cost of carnival rides, go to thegreatfrederickfair.com Grandstand events have separate ticketing and pricing. To see a list, go to thegreatfrederickfair.com/the-greatfrederick-fair/visit-the-great-frederick-fair/ concerts-motorsports