By Andi Anderson
Preparations are in full swing for the 127th Carroll County 4-H and FFA Fair, set to begin on Saturday, July 27.
This year's theme, “Creating Champions Today to Lead Tomorrow,” highlights the fair’s focus on fostering future agricultural leaders. The fair will take place at 700 Agriculture Drive, just south of Westminster, and will run through August 2.
Historically, Carroll County has always embraced its agricultural roots. According to historian Jay Graybeal, local newspapers in the past often featured articles about exceptional produce and livestock, sparking friendly rivalries among residents.
One notable contest, started in 1922 by Westminster furniture dealer Atlee W. Wampler Sr., invited locals to display their best pumpkins in his storefront window.
Despite oral histories suggesting harvest fairs in Carroll County before the Civil War, concrete evidence is lacking. Michigan agricultural historian Kenyon Butterfield identified the period from 1850-1870 as the "golden age of the agricultural fair."
The first recorded Carroll County fair occurred shortly after the Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863, with a temporary camp set up on “Fairground Hill.”
The Carroll County Agricultural Society was officially organized on January 11, 1869. They raised $25,000 through the sale of 500 shares of stock and purchased 30 acres of land for the fairgrounds.
The first fair after this meeting likely took place on July 4, 1869, featuring a grand exhibition of farm machinery.
President Ulysses S. Grant visited the Carroll County Agricultural Fair on October 2, 1873. He toured the fairgrounds, met with locals, and visited Western Maryland College before departing for Baltimore.
The Carroll County 4-H and FFA Fair, as known today, began in Taneytown in 1897. It moved to its current location in Westminster in 1954, thanks to local farmers and community leaders who purchased the land with their own funds. This site has since become the Carroll County Agriculture Center.
The fair continues to evolve, celebrating its rich history and agricultural heritage. Visitors can expect a variety of animals, exhibits, and competitions. From chickens and rabbits to goats, sheep, and cattle, the fair showcases the best of local agriculture.
Fairgoers are reminded to practice good hygiene, such as washing hands after touching animals, and to enjoy fair foods separately from animal exhibits. With numerous handwashing stations available, the fair ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
As always, the Carroll County Fair promises a week of fun, learning, and community spirit. Don’t miss out on this historic event, and be sure to visit the various exhibits and competitions.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-ahavelaar
Categories: Michigan, Rural Lifestyle