Don't miss the 57th Anne Arundel County Fair

For veteran Anne Arundel County Fair exhibitors like Brittany Faber, Charlie Dodge, Alyssa Degreenia and the Grimes family, seeing a blue ribbon tied to their entries means much more than placing first. While they all agree it was great to place in the past and would be terrific to do so again, in the end, their own personal journey toward a win is the best reward.

Those journeys will bring each of them to Crownsville this weekend for the 57th Anne Arundel County Fair, where visitors will experience animal husbandry at its best; see an extraordinary array of exhibits, demonstrations and contests; enjoy onstage entertainment provided by well-known artists; and partake of carnival-style rides and food along one of the East Coast's best midways.

At last year's happening, approximately 1,600 youth, teen, 4-H members and adult exhibitors brought more than 4,800 entries to be judged. In addition to ribbons and trophies, more than $20,000 in cash prizes was awarded. And more than 34,000 people came to check it all out.

Churchton resident Faber, a 4-H member who currently attends Anne Arundel Community College, says she's excited about returning to this year's fair.

"I raise shorthorn market steers as well as shorthorn heifers, Duroc market hogs, and Hampshire and crossbred market sheep," she said. "I've probably had an interest in animals since childhood, when I began spending time on my grandfather's south county farm. I learned a lot from him."

That interest plus a lot of hard work has yielded a number of fair ribbons for Faber, who hopes to someday own a small livestock farm.

"From halter-breaking my cows and sheep to their maintenance like the twice-a-day feedings plus walking, washing and grooming them, it takes a lot of time, money, hard work and help from my parents," she said. "The effort I put into raising these animals is all worth it, though, because that great feeling of accomplishment is the best reward, the best blue ribbon you could get."

While Faber is busy raising award-winning animals, Dodge is raising award-winning produce.

Over the past 30 years, Dodge, of Annapolis, has taken home many prizes for his giant pumpkins and watermelons. He, too, says the ribbons pale in comparison to the pride he feels in a job well done.

"While winning a ribbon is great, it's really secondary to the actual process, and I would try my hand at it even if I never won anything," he said. "Watching my seeds growing, caring for them and bringing them to maturity is what matters to me."

The truth of that statement was evident when he talked about this year's pumpkin crop.

"Up until last week, my giant pumpkins were looking very promising, with one probably weighing over 300 pounds. But in no time, they started rotting and hit the dust. I lost them all!" Dodge said. "My friends said I was on suicide watch. It's heartbreaking, not to mention frustrating, seeing them deteriorate before my eyes.

"But, the good thing is, I think I will have a watermelon in excess of 150 pounds to take to this year's fair."

The fair is a family affair for the Grimes family of Davidsonville

- patriarch Oscar Grimes and son Bill.

Ever since the fair was first held at the old red clay Labrot Race Track near Sandy Point State Park, the Grimeses have been exhibiting and winning for their corn, rye, tobacco, hay and straw. This year, they're hoping to have a good number of entries - corn, hay, straw, tomatoes, potatoes and onions - from their farm as well as a unique tobacco shadow box display. The Grimes grandchildren - Matthew, David, J.D. and Jennilyn - will be part of the scene, too, as they exhibit their vegetables, handmade miniature wooden musical instruments and needlecrafts.

"We are glad the Anne Arundel County Fair Association still emphasizes the agricultural side of it by continuing to acknowledge the farmer, the livestock, and the farm equipment which are really good things for people to see," Oscar Grimes said. "These are things that are important to our state's agricultural heritage."

As for Degreenia, she has spent years juggling classes, sports and school government positions with raising her market hogs and dairy heifers. The Chesapeake High School senior - who is also a 4-H All-Star, South Central Dairy Princess and Maryland Dairy Princess alternate - believes belonging to 4-H has given her the opportunity to learn many skills that have changed her life for the better.

"I am a person without a rural-living background, and having the opportunity to own these animals makes me realize how important it is to spread the news about agriculture," Degreenia said. "From feeding, birthing, vet visits and showing my animals, there aren't better experiences. As far as the fair goes, it isn't about who got first place; it's all about what we learn and the friendships we make along the way."

John Kozenski Jr., a veteran member of the fair's board of directors and this year's president, also knows firsthand about the win-win situations that await fair exhibitors and visitors.

"We are very fortunate to have so many wonderful and dedicated skilled people who exhibit," he said. "They show what they do in the form of their exhibits, but mostly they demonstrate a special spirit of showmanship, that of sharing their skills with others and teaching about the time and effort needed to grow or make their exhibits become reality. This type of positive showmanship and competition inspires us all to learn, improve and excel in life. "

The fairground's exhibit halls will showcase entries in the farm and garden, baking and canning, home arts, woodworking and photography categories. There also will be numerous educational demonstrations such as honey extracting, candle making, quilting and spinning, even an operating shingle mill.

Hundreds more entries in categories such as cattle, goats, sheep, poultry, draft horses and rabbits will be brought to the fair by ribbon-winning hopefuls and 4-H'ers. Visitors also can see the 4-H Extension Program at work and hear about the county's various 4-H clubs and their projects.

Along with exhibits, demonstrations and contests - from pie-eating competitions to husband-calling matches - the fair will once again include favorites such as talent shows; an antique tractor pull and display of vintage engines; and a cake auction. The children's activity area will allow kids age 10 and younger to rule the roost from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. This hands-on experience will delight with wheelbarrow races, a fun-filled scavenger hunt, crafts, games and music.

The fair's entertainment lineup will feature an assortment of talented performers. Tomorrow night, the Mike Butler Trio will open for country music band Trailer Choir. Saturday night's headliner will be Gallagher, presenting his ever-popular "Splash Show." Sunday's oldies music concert will spotlight the energetic vibes of Big Cam and the Lifters at 2 p.m. Admission into all the entertainment is included in the fair's admission ticket with the exception of premium seats for Gallagher's show. These upfront spots are $20.

"Come out and see agriculture and a way of life we hope will never die," said Sharon Gertz, this year's fair manager.

Kozenski, the fair's president, agreed.

"Everybody - children and adults - needs to come to the fair," he said. "It's the place to see the best our county has to offer."

Margaret Horton Edsall is a nationally known writer who resides in Edgewater.