Photo Above: A skyline image of The Great Frederick Fair after sundown, Saturday 16, 2023.
The autumn season gives way for many types of experiences: the return of favorite fall flavors, the rise of spooktacular setups, and, of course, the looming promise of the jolly season. However, there’s no way to ignore the yearly resurrection of The Great Frederick Fair. Whether it be for the spinny rides, the carnival food or the cute farm animals, there’s something for everyone located at the fair. Yet something that most kids don’t think about while wandering the streets is, “What started it?” Let’s take it back 200 years ago.
It began in the early 1800s when crops were king and wars were fought. Looking back at the fairground themes from the past, from “Ag-stravaganza” in 1997 to “Harvest the Memories” in 2022, it’s clear that the Frederick Fair prides itself on promoting good agricultural health. Local farmers from around Maryland, as well as farm-based businesses such as South Mountain Creamery and Dairy Maid Dairy, are invited to showcase their livestock and their products to those wandering about the area. The runners of the fair even go as far as to grant scholarships to young farmers across Maryland for their participation in the event. Even here at Frederick High, the influence is seen. FHS teacher Mr. Stonebreaker was happy to report that Frederick High Senior Abby Effland was crowned Dairy Princess during the events of the fair. In the simplest terms, The Maryland Dairy Princess Association describes a “Dairy Princess” as a young woman who is highlighted for her participation in promoting the importance of dairy products. Considering Maryland’s history and geography, it’s no surprise that such a widespread event would promote such rural growth.
Of course, as years have passed, technology has improved. The addition of mechanical rides, such as The Tornado, The Ring of Fire, Starship and the well photographed ferris wheel came with the passing years. They’ve quickly become the interest of the younger generation in comparison to the original purpose of the fairgrounds. Thus, the Frederick Fair staff devised the idea of the Jackpass.
For a flat fee of $30, attendees could pay for a wristband that gave them full access to every ride for the duration of the day, in contrast to buying tickets at the ticket booth. The catch? Jackpasses can only be purchased before the first day of the fair. Therefore, staying in touch with the upcoming dates of the Great Frederick Fair is very important for those who’d wish to plan their trips. On the bright side, however, the projected future of the Frederick Fair goes all the way out to the year 2032 — a child born today would be 9 by then!
The Great Frederick Fair is a wonderful place to plan a friend group gathering, a fast-paced date or simply an escape from the school season. Its lengthy existence is something to admire, for its determination to promote its belief in agriculture has continued to shine through after hundreds of years. No matter where you step upon the fairgrounds, there’s something for everyone to find. Perhaps as you take a lap on the ferris wheel, take a moment to appreciate all that the Great Frederick Fair has to offer.