Photograph a Local Fair!
Shenandoah County Fair, Woodstock, VA
County and state fairs have been an agricultural tradition in the United States for over 200 years and the late summer months are “prime time” for county and state fairs in the DC Metro area!
Fairs trace their roots back to ancient times where they began as commercial events for traders to gather and sell their wares The earliest recorded fair in the United States occurred in 1765 in York, Pennsylvania.
The county fair as we know it today began in 1811 and was started by a man named Elkanah Watson. Watson worked for many years in Albany, New York as a banker and businessman, but after retiring he moved to Pittsfield, Massachusetts where he raised Merino sheep on a farm. Looking to improve agricultural practices in the area Watson formed the Berkshire Agricultural Society. This group organized an annual exhibition and competition to showcase area farmers’ livestock. Farmers could earn a prize of $70 for the best oxen, cattle, sheep, and swine exhibits. Watson continued to help form agricultural societies throughout the region with their own shows and by 1819 most counties in New England had a fair.
The idea of a county fair continued to spread across the east and mid-west throughout the 19th century and over time, more features and activities were added, such as food vendors, games, carnival rides, baking contests and music which complement the original intent of the fair of promoting and educating the public about agriculture in the region.
Fairs provide the opportunity to do just about any type of photography – street, food, action, wildlife/animal, night, abstract, and the list goes on!
Here are some of the dates for fairs in the DC Metro area:
- Arlington County (VA) Fair: August 14-18.
- Fairfax County (VA) Fair: August 1-4
- Prince William County (VA) Fair: August 9-17.
- Montgomery County (MD) Fair: August 9-17
- Frederick County (MD) Fair: September 13-21
- Howard County (MD) Fair: August 3-10
There are also some great fairs that are worth the longer drive:
- Fredericksburg (VA) Fair: July 26-August 4
- Frederick County (VA) Fair: July 29-August 3
- Shenandoah County (VA) Fair: August 25-31
- Virginia State Fair: September 27-October 6
- Maryland State Fair: August 22-25; August 29-September 2; September 5-8
We encourage you to visit a fair and experience all the photographic opportunities for yourself!
Photo by Sherryl Belinsky