Corn dogs, horse racing and the bustling carnival midway are back, with other longtime favorites, for the 143rd Maryland State Fair, which opens at the Timonium Fairgrounds on Aug. 22 for three successive weekends.
The fair, a Maryland mainstay since 1879, features foods, 4-H competition, farm exhibits and entertainment ranging from Ferris wheel rides to pig racing.
Here are five events making their debut this year.
Big Time Rush
The celebrated pop music quartet, known for the Nickelodeon TV show of the same name, performs Saturday, Sept. 7, at 7:15 p.m. Opening for the world-touring boy band is Crash Adams, a fast-rising Canadian rap duo. Tickets are $55 and include admission to the fair.
Puppy Yoga
Practice yoga techniques amid a bevy of squiggly, squirmy rescue pups that are bound to lick the faces and win the hearts of yogis who take part. The cute canines will be on hand Saturdays, Aug. 31 and Sept. 7, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Tickets are $50 and include fair admission. A portion of the ticket sales will be donated to rescue groups.
Mullet Hair Contest
Got a ‘coif that’s short on the sides and long in the back? Enter the Mullet Madness competition for a chance to win a trophy and cash prize. Entrants must preregister, including sending a mugshot of their mullet, by Aug. 15 at marylandstatefair.com/mullet. The $25 entry fee includes admission to the fair for the mullet wearer and a guest. The contest takes place Sunday, Sept. 8.
Wolves of The World
Meet a traveling pack of wolves, up close, and discover their habits, intelligence and agility in the wild in a demonstrative show that shows the other side of an oft-maligned creature of nature. The experience takes place across from the Cow Palace on the first and last weekends of the fair.
Let’s Sing Taylor
Led by a live band, Swifties of all ages can bask in the music and share in the songs in a tribute to pop star Taylor Swift at a 7 p.m. concert Sept. 6 that’s sure to draw some look-a-likes to Queen Taylor. Tickets are $25 and include fair admission.
If you go
The Maryland State Fair runs for three consecutive weekends: Aug. 22 to 25, Aug. 29 to Sept. 2 and Sept. 5 to 8. Admission gate hours will be 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursdays and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. other days. After 6 p.m., those under 18 must be accompanied by someone at least 21 years old.
