MDA to Offer Family Friendly Activities and Events at Maryland State Fair

ANNAPOLIS, MD – The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) will highlight the many services it provides to improve the quality of life in Maryland by providing demonstrations and activities for the general public during the Maryland State Fair in Timonium, Aug, 28-Sept. 7.

MDA does more than just work with farmers to ensure sound farmland management practices. It helps ensure the wise use of fertilizers and pesticides, monitors the accuracy of weights and measures, controls mosquito populations, protects the health of humans and animals, and much more.

MDA Exhibits, in the Farm & Garden Building, in addition to educating adults on how its programs ensure sound farmland practices, control mosquito populations and more, will provide education stations for children, among them: Build a Bee Habitat where kids can make bumble bees from pipe cleaners and learn about pollinator habitats. Ag Mini-Golf and Interactive Agricultural Computer Games will teach kids about different agricultural commodities while enjoying games. Other highlights include:

• The Nose Knows. Mack, MDA’s bee dog (and most adorable employee), will demonstrate how the nose knows! Mack is trained to sniff out diseases in bee hives and is the only canine apiary inspector in the U.S. (He’s come a long way from the shelter where he was found!) Demonstrations are on Friday, Aug. 28, and Friday, Sept. 4, at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
• Snow in August. MDA’s State Chemist Section will show the kids how to make snow and slime! It sounds like fun, but we’re actually teaching them a bit about the importance of chemistry without them knowing it. Snow making will be available every day from 11 a.m. to noon and from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.  Slime making will be available every day from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

In addition, The Maryland State Fair will celebrate “Agriculture Day at the Fair” on Thursday, Sept. 3. The day will start off with a luncheon and tour of the fairgrounds with Secretary Bartenfelder, by invitation.

New this year is the My Maryland Horse Land and Horse Festival, which will offer free equine educational and entertainment events throughout the 11 day state fair. The horse festival is designed to present a unique opportunity for the 400,000 State Fair visitors to learn about the great variety of horse activities in the state, see horses in action and learn where they can ride and volunteer. The Maryland Horse Industry Board, a program within the MDA, will be at the festival every day.

The 11-day festival will feature thousands of home arts and agricultural exhibits, daily livestock and horse shows, a wide variety of midway rides and games, thoroughbred horse racing and national entertainment. For more State Fair information, visit www.marylandstatefair.com.

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