Nicole Martyn

The County Fair

The Howard County (Md.) Fair celebrated its 62nd anniversary in 2007. In this fast-growing suburb of Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, the county fair offers a slice of Americana, a vision of the way things used to be and a glimpse into the county's agricultural past and present.

  
Liz Hitz of Solid Stone Farm in Littlestown, PA laughs with her dad as she chills out near her heifers
   
Corey Smith, 16, and Samantha Mathis, 15, share a kiss while hanging out with friends Kenny Wilson, 18, Amber Hof, 14, and Scott Mills, 18, at the county fair
     
  
Howard County Sheriff's Deputy Terry Chaney rides in style down the midway in a 1974 squad car during the Parade of Floats at the Howard County Fair. Waving from the back seat is Hunter Moore.
   
The youngest 4H Clovers, to small to handle animals by themselves, show stuffed animals instead of real ones in the show ring. Here, Anna Turvin, Bethany Arrington and Taylor Moulton line up to hear the judge's comments during the 4H Swine Showmanship Contest.
   
After a long, hot week at the fair, Amanda Betz, 13, cools off with a little help from her friend Danielle Bauer, 13.
     
  
   
  
The county fair acts as an agricultural emissary to the suburban folks who visit, allowing people to see, smell, taste and touch aspects of life on a farm. Here, Micaela Blackburn, 2, and Sophie Bombick, 3, (right, legs only) experience corn kernels with their entire bodies in the "Down on the Farm" hands-on learning barn at the fair
     
  
Jet Rudy and Marilyn Collins lean up against a truck for a clear view on the First Annual Mule Pulling Contest at the fair.
   
A host of kids decked out in Western wear topped the Howard County Beef Club's float during the Parade of Floats on the last day of the fair. From left are: James Moxley IV of West Friendship, Tyler Seals of Sykesville, and Brandon and Cody Harrison of Mount Airy.
   
Paul Hayden, visiting from Columbia, Missouri took the chance to take his grandson, Ben Hayden, 5, of Clarksville to the County Fair. After visiting the horse show, Ben requested a visit the tractors.