Originally published in the September/October 2026 print edition of the Old Line Farmer

For many Marylanders, the late summer months mean that it's fair season. Many in our state look forward to these special community events every year. Despite the fun carnival rides and fair foods, the core of our local fairs is Maryland’s largest commercial industry: agriculture.

“Agriculture is at our heart and always will be,” says David Gordon, General Manager of the Maryland State Fair. “It's our mission for ag education and showcasing the best of Maryland.”

Government officials can take heart that these events have a huge economic impact in our state. According to a 2024 report from Johnson Consulting, estimated annual spending at fairs in Maryland is over $93 million. This contributes to over $21 million in state revenue, a big economic driver for state and county governments.

“You can clearly see the impact that we help have on local county budgets and state budgets with that tax base that we're raising for them,” said Gordon.

According to the Dairy Alliance, the first agricultural fairs were started by farmers as a way to promote agricultural improvement and showcase their animals. This mission often extends to the wider community, where non-farmers can be introduced to agriculture.

“Maryland’s fairs and shows are powerful economic engines for our communities and vital classrooms for agricultural literacy,” said Harrison Palmer, the Executive Secretary of the Maryland Agricultural Fair Board. “They create accessible entry points into the state’s largest commercial industry—whether a child is raising their first livestock project, a gardener is entering home-grown vegetables into indoor competitive exhibits, or a family is showcasing generations of breeding excellence.”

The Maryland State Fair brings over a half a million visitors each year to the Timonium Fairgrounds, with the local county fairs bringing thousands of Marylanders together too.

“Fairs give the non-farming public a hands-on connection to the industry that sustains their daily lives and powers our economy,” said Palmer.