MDA to Highlight Agency Consumer Services at Maryland State Fair

ANNAPOLIS, MD (August 2, 2011) – The Maryland Department of Agriculture (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, and protects the health of humans and animals…and much more. MDA will highlight many of the services it provides to improve the quality of life in Maryland during the 130th Maryland State Fair, August 26 to Sept. 5 at the State Fair Grounds in Timonium. Along with exhibits, MDA will offer several kid-friendly activities, from make your own slime to face painting.

“While Marylanders are aware how important the agricultural industry is to Maryland we want them to also be aware of how the Department of Agriculture’s programs positively impact their daily lives,” said Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance.  “MDA invites everyone visiting the fair to stop by and see us in the Farm and Garden Building to learn how our agency serves our citizens each and every day. We’ll have a number of fun activities plus information on the brown marmorated stink bug, and what farmers do to help the environment that homeowners can adapt to their own backyards.”

The Maryland State Fair will celebrate “Agriculture Day at the Fair” on Thursday, Sept. 1.  The day will start off with a luncheon and tour of the fairgrounds with Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Buddy Hance, by invitation.  The tour will include a seed spitting contest led by Mar-Del Watermelon Queen Jordan Calloway in the Farm and Garden Building.

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.

Below is a list of events that MDA will offer during the Fair.

The 2011 Schedule of Events in the Maryland Department of Agriculture Exhibit

In the Farm and Garden Building

Friday, August 26, 2011
12 noon – 2:00 p.m.: Slime Lab
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.: Face Painting
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Slime Lab
5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.: Face Painting

Saturday, August 27, 2011
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.: Slime Lab
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.: Face Painting
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Slime Lab
5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.: Face Painting

Sunday, August 28, 2011
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.: Slime Lab
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.: Face Painting
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Slime Lab
5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.: Face Painting

Thursday, September 1, 2011
12 noon – 3:30 p.m.: Salad Table
12 noon – 4:00 p.m.: Barnyard Origami
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.: Slime Lab
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.: Egg Candling
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Face Painting
5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.: Slime Lab

Friday, September 2, 2011
4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.: Egg Candling

Saturday, September 3
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.: Slime Lab
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.: Face Painting
2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.: Egg Candling
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Slime Lab
5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.: Face Painting

Sunday, September 4, 2011
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.: Slime Lab
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.: Face Painting
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Slime Lab
5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.: Face Painting

Monday, September 5, 2011
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.: Slime Lab
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.: Face Painting
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Slime Lab
5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.: Face Painting

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