88th Annual Charles County Fair                            September 15-18, 2011                                              La Plata, Maryland All Rights Reserved - Charles County Fair, Inc., © 2011 - info@charlescountyfair.com - (301) 932-1234 www.charlescountyfair.com Admission Age 11 and over: $5.00 Age 10 and under:  Free 4 Day Passes: $12.00 All School Children admitted FREE on Friday, September 16th after 9:00am Location 8440 Fairgrounds Road La Plata, Maryland FREE Parking on-site and at our satellite locations at the Government building in La Plata and the Bel Alton VFD! About Charles County Charles County, Maryland, founded in 1658, is located in the southern part of the Washington, DC Metropolitan area on Maryland's western shore between the Potomac and Patuxent Rivers in historic Southern Maryland. Every September, the Charles County Fair Board is proud to put on an old-fashioned county fair with farm animals, a carnival, displays of all kinds, demonstrations, and plenty of food.  The fair celebrates Charles County's 353 years of agricultural heritage and history. The Charles County Fair is located on over 30 acres just south of La Plata, Maryland. Exhibits as varied as livestock, field corn, arts and crafts, quilts and flowers are shown in our Greens area. Over 790 exhibitors entered over 6,000 exhibits in 2009.  Entertainment, special events, and activities for all ages  as well as four stages filled with games, shows, music, a baby show, pig races, pony rides and performers of all sorts add up to fun for the whole family. Lawnmower racing is one of several events added in recent years. Our carnival midway is full of rides and contests for all ages. We even have a "kiddie" midway for those young ones among us. If you get hungry, there are plenty of choices from traditional county fair food to more healthy alternatives, even crab cakes! Site updated on September 16, 2011 Baby Show Info Related Info/Links (So. MD Fairs) Queen Nicotina Information General Rules and Regulations Charles County Fair History Map of Fairgrounds Location (from Google Maps) Printable Directions Fair Sponsors Fair Highlights Video Printable Schedule  Pet Show (2:00 pm Friday) The Best Family Entertainment Value in Charles County! Made with Xara Web Designer 7 Quick Links Pets are not allowed on the grounds during the fair with two exceptions.  Service animals are always allowed for those authorized to have them and the participants of the dog and pet shows may bring their animals into the fair for the duration of the event.  Once the show is concluded, the animal must be removed from the grounds. Fair Exhibitor Entry Info More Exhibitor Information Online Livestock Entries will be accepted until Thursday, September 1st at 11:59 pm.    All other online entries will be accepted until   Sunday, September 11th at 11:59 pm.     Click here for a printable entry form  Bring all exhibits to the fairgrounds on Wednesday, September 14th, unless otherwise noted in the specific department rules.    All inquiries about fair entries should be directed  to entry@charlescountyfair.com Online Pre-Entry You will be directed to an external website Your continuing support  allows us to upgrade the fair each year and to pay for our annual 4th of July fireworks. We also host many affairs and events during the year such as tool shows, hunting expos, fund raisers, lobster feasts, dog shows, tractor pulls, and family reunions. Please Remember...  Parking available at Bel Alton VFD (New this year!) Official Announcement Concerning Friday, September 16th... Charles County Public Schools and the Charles County Fair Board are working together to make the best of a challenging situation that caused schools to  close three days during the past two weeks. Schools were closed due to flooding, impassable roads and other damages caused by a hurricane and heavy, continuous  rains.   The Board of Education has unanimously approved a modification to the school calendar that changes Friday, Sept. 16 from a training day for teachers only to  a full day of school for students. In requesting the change, Superintendent James E. Richmond said, "Instructionally, it makes sense to make up time as we go along  rather than waiting to see what happens this winter. This is a unique situation that requires out-of-the-ordinary actions." The Superintendent will request two other  calendar changes at the Board of Education’s Sept. 13 meeting.   September 16 was also set as the traditional student day at the Charles County Fair. Charles County Fair Board President Charlie Gardiner said, “The Fair  promotes education and supports this decision made by the Board of Education due to recent events.”   Together, the two Boards have agreed that students registered to participate in 4-H activities, as well as those who were previously approved to work at the  Charles County Fair, will be allowed to receive an excused absence with proper documentation.    Additionally, the Fair Board is extending free admission at the gate for students until closing time on Friday. Check our Facebook Page for real time updates! Our 2011 Fair Queen is... Ms. Meaghan Pfeiffer, who was sponsored by the La Plata High School Student Government Association.  Ms. Jacqueline James was first runner-up and Ms. Kourtney Wathen was second runner-up. Congratulation to all the lovely ladies who competed this year!