The 78th Annual St. Mary’s County Fair opens its gates from September 17 to September 21, 2025, at the St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds in Leonardtown, Maryland, inviting Southern Maryland residents to celebrate a cherished community tradition. Hosted by the St. Mary’s County Fair Association and supported by St. Mary’s County Government, the fair offers a packed schedule of exhibits, competitions, and family-friendly activities across five days. From the crowning of the Queen of Tolerance to a jousting tournament and antique tractor pull, the event showcases the region’s agricultural roots and vibrant community spirit.
Kicking off on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, Entry Day allows participants to submit exhibits, ranging from homegrown produce to crafts, with specific rules and times outlined in the fair’s catalogue, available through the St. Mary’s County Fair Association.
The fair officially opens on Thursday, September 18, from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., featuring the opening of exhibits and the crowning of the Queen of Tolerance, a tradition honoring inclusivity and community values that resonates deeply in Southern Maryland’s diverse towns like Lexington Park and Great Mills.
Friday, September 19, designated as Kids Day, runs from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., offering free admission for students until 5:00 p.m. The day includes 4-H shows, highlighting the agricultural skills of St. Mary’s County youth, a cornerstone of the fair since its inception in 1947. These shows, often featuring livestock and home economics projects, connect directly to the region’s farming heritage, with many participants hailing from local 4-H clubs in places like Mechanicsville and Charlotte Hall.
Saturday, September 20, brings Parade Day, also from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., with a highlight being the Fair Parade along Maryland Route 5 (Point Lookout Road). The parade, expected to cause traffic delays from 8:30 a.m. to noon and partial road closures around 10:30 a.m., will feature floats, marching bands, and community groups, drawing crowds from across Southern Maryland. Residents are advised to use alternate routes, such as Maryland Route 235, to avoid congestion. The day also includes a jousting tournament, Maryland’s state sport, and a Clydesdale demonstration, both celebrating the region’s equestrian and agricultural traditions.
Family Day on Sunday, September 21, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., closes the fair with events like the baby show and an antique tractor pull, appealing to all ages. The tractor pull, a nod to Southern Maryland’s farming history, showcases vintage machinery often seen in rural communities like Hollywood and Bushwood. Visitors are also encouraged to stop by the Commercial 2 building, where St. Mary’s County Government will showcase programs and services, from recreation opportunities to public safety initiatives, fostering engagement with local residents.
The fairgrounds, located at 42455 Fairgrounds Road, Leonardtown, offer onsite parking, though carpooling is recommended to ease congestion. Accessing the main parking lot via Maryland Route 4 and Fairgrounds Road is advised for smoother entry. The fair’s central location in Leonardtown, a historic town known for its community events like First Fridays and the annual Oyster Festival, makes it a convenient destination for St. Mary’s County residents and visitors from neighboring Calvert and Charles counties.
Since its founding, the St. Mary’s County Fair has been a hallmark of Southern Maryland’s cultural calendar, blending agriculture, entertainment, and community pride. Its mix of traditional activities, like 4-H competitions, and unique offerings, such as jousting, reflects the region’s rural character and commitment to preserving heritage. The fair also provides a platform for local organizations, including the St. Mary’s County Fair Association, to promote community involvement and youth development.
Residents attending the fair can expect a vibrant atmosphere with food vendors offering regional favorites like crab cakes and stuffed ham, a Southern Maryland delicacy. The fair’s schedule ensures accessibility for all, with free student admission on Kids Day and a range of activities suited for families, seniors, and young adults. For those planning to exhibit, the catalogue provides clear guidelines, ensuring fair competition and a showcase of local talent.
The St. Mary’s County Government’s involvement underscores the fair’s role as a community unifier, bringing together residents from urban centers like California and rural areas like St. Inigoes. With its diverse programming and free or low-cost entry options, the fair remains an inclusive celebration of Southern Maryland’s agricultural and cultural legacy.