80th Howard County Fair Celebrates Agriculture, Local Farms and Community in Howard County

 
 
The 2026 Howard County Fair celebrated its 80th anniversary, bringing eight days of agriculture, local food, livestock, entertainment and family activities to West Friendship, Maryland.

The Howard County Fair ran August 8–15, 2026, at the Howard County Fairgrounds. Throughout the week, visitors experienced livestock competitions, agricultural exhibits, 4-H and FFA programs, local food, entertainment and activities that celebrated Howard County’s agricultural community.

For 80 years, the Howard County Fair has connected residents with the farmers, agricultural businesses and young leaders who help shape Howard County’s economy and agricultural heritage.
 

Agriculture Took Center Stage at the Howard County Fair

Agriculture has shaped Howard County for generations, and the Howard County Fair put that legacy front and center.

Throughout the Fair, farmers, exhibitors and young agricultural leaders showcased livestock, crops, skills and traditions through competitions, demonstrations and educational programs. Visitors explored agricultural exhibits, saw livestock up close and learned more about the work that brings food from local farms to our tables.

Families also introduced younger visitors to agriculture through the Kids & Critters Barn and Little Farmer’s Barn. Animal exhibits, agricultural displays and educational activities gave children an up-close look at farming, livestock and food production.

These experiences connected residents with an industry that continues to contribute to Howard County’s identity and economy.
 

Local Farms and Food Came Together at Farm-to-Fork

The Howard County Fair didn’t just showcase agriculture. It also demonstrated how local farms, restaurants, food businesses and consumers connect across Howard County.

The 2nd Annual Farm-to-Fork Face-Off, an initiative of the Howard County Office of Agriculture and its HoCo Farms initiative, brought local farms, chefs and businesses together at the 80th Howard County Fair to showcase the quality and creativity of Howard County agriculture.

Three local chefs faced off in a 45-minute culinary challenge using locally raised beef and fresh local produce. Mark Bucher of Medium Rare earned the title of 2026 Farm-to-Fork Steak Competition Champion. Chef Daniel Bradescu of Blackwall Barn received Best Creative Use of Locally Grown Ingredients for a local corn crème brûlée, while Chef Rob Horner of Woodstock Inn earned Premier Presentation of Locally Grown Produce.

The ingredients highlighted the depth of Howard County’s agricultural community. Mary Acres Farm, owned by Howie Feaga, provided locally raised Delmonico and Porterhouse steaks for the competition. Fresh produce came from Cruz Crops, Through The Forest Farm, Norman’s Farm, Singh Sugar Maple Farm, Merry Acres Farm and the Office of Agriculture’s Roving Radish.

The event brought together the Howard County Office of Agriculture, Howard County Fair, HCEDA, Howard County Department of Planning and Zoning, Ace Hardware West Lake in Ellicott City, local farmers, chefs and businesses to celebrate and support Howard County’s more than 300 farms. We were proud to sponsor gift cards for the participating chefs and support the event judging.

More than a culinary competition, the Farm-to-Fork Face-Off demonstrated the connections that keep Howard County’s local food economy moving. Farmers grow and raise ingredients, chefs and food businesses transform those products, and residents support the system when they choose to buy and eat locally.

Those relationships create opportunities for Howard County farmers, restaurants, food producers and small businesses while keeping more economic activity within the local community.
 

Developing Howard County’s Next Generation of Agricultural Leaders

The Howard County Fair also gave young people opportunities to develop practical skills and participate directly in agriculture.

Throughout Fair week, 4-H and FFA participants competed in livestock shows, showmanship competitions, agricultural judging and other events. These programs encouraged participants to develop skills in agriculture, leadership, responsibility and entrepreneurship while showcasing months of preparation and hard work.

The 4-H and FFA Livestock Sale on Friday, August 14, gave residents and businesses another opportunity to support young people involved in Howard County agriculture.

Community members also contributed to the Fair through open-class competitions featuring farm crops, garden fruits and vegetables, wool and fiber, honey and beeswax, livestock, home arts and more.

Together, these programs celebrated Howard County’s agricultural history while encouraging a new generation to carry it forward.
 

Celebrating the 80th Howard County Fair

The Fair brought eight days of agricultural and livestock exhibits, competitions, amusement rides and games, live entertainment and activities to the Howard County Fairgrounds.

This year’s Fair carried even more significance as the event celebrated its 80th anniversary alongside the nation’s 250th birthday.

For eight decades, the Howard County Fair has created a place where farmers, businesses, families and residents can come together. Howard County has changed considerably during that time, but the Fair continues to connect the community with its agricultural roots.
 

Local Agriculture Supports Howard County’s Economy

Howard County agriculture extends far beyond the farm.

Local farms and agricultural businesses employ workers, purchase equipment and professional services, sell products directly to consumers, supply other businesses, participate in farmers markets and create agritourism experiences that bring visitors into the community.

That activity makes agriculture an important part of Howard County’s broader small business and economic development ecosystem.

Residents can support local agriculture throughout the year by shopping at Howard County farmers markets and farm stands, purchasing locally grown products, visiting local farms and agritourism businesses, and choosing restaurants and retailers that source products locally.

The Howard County Fair brought many pieces of that agricultural economy together in one place, giving residents an opportunity to see the people and businesses behind local agriculture.