(410)-392-3440
Mailing Address
PO Box 84
Childs, MD 21916

Physical address
Fair Hill Fairgrounds
4640 Telegraph Road
Elkton, MD 21921

(410)-392-3440

History

Fair Origins

The Cecil County Fair originated in 1953, when members of the Calvert, Cecilton and Colora Granges met over lunch to discuss the idea. The founding members were Robert Carrion, Bill Groff, Walt Mason, and Ray Mueller, Cecil County’s Agricultural Extension Agent at the time.

The group approached Mr. William DuPont, who owned the property known today as Fair Hill Natural Resources. Mr. DuPont welcomed the idea and was very supportive. In fact, he helped to share the expense of the fledgling fair throughout its first years, along with donating a grandstand and several outbuildings for displays and livestock.

In 1954, the first fair was held. It was a one-day event, held on July 31 from 10 AM to 10 PM. Admission was completely free. Local individuals, organizations, businesses as well as the county commissioners provided the financial support.

There were approximately 752 entries from 204 open and 4-H exhibitors. Prizes were awarded in many categories, including home arts, food, flowers, produce, dairy, beef and horses. About 750 people attended.

Among the first exhibitors were the Grange, the Homemakers’ Club and the Cecil County PTA. The midway consisted of just two booths – a dart and balloon game and baseball and bottle game run by Grove Miller, Jack Miller and Walt Mason. All comers walked away with a prize.

Following a calf scramble, where the winner kept the calf, the evening’s entertainment concluded with a performance by the North East High School Band.

The fair increased to 2 days in 1956, then 3 days in 1957. In 1961 it expanded to 4 days, then to 6 in 1976, 7 in 1983, and finally to the current 9 day event that it is today in 1995.

By the 1970 the fair was growing substantially to an attendance of about 20,000. In 1973 a tractor pull was added, sponsored by the Cecil County Young Farmers. The popular Stoney Robert’s Demolition Derby followed in 1977. By the 1980’s attendance reached 50,000. By this time, a great diversity of animal shows had been added as well as a full- scale midway.

Today more than 75,000 people attend the 9-day fair. We have over 7,000 entries from about 1,200 open and 4-H exhibitors. The fair continues to celebrate our agricultural heritage, while providing hands-on learning opportunities for children and adults to explore today’s agriculture. Entertainment highlights include the ever-popular demolition derby, a professionally-sanctioned rodeo, tractor and truck pulls, plus countless competitions for 4-H youth and county residents to showcase their skills.

On behalf of the all-volunteer fair board we want to thank you for attending the Cecil County Fair and sharing in our rich history as we help to strengthen the bond between our farmers and our community.

Click here for a transcript of our 50th Anniversary speech on July 19, 2003

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Mailing Address
PO Box 84
Childs, MD 21916

Physical Address
Fair Hill Fairgrounds
4640 Telegraph Road
Elkton, MD 21921

Phone: (410)-392-3440