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Maryland Agricultural Fair Board

The Maryland Agricultural Fair Board was established by the state legislature in 1937. Originally known as the Maryland State Fair Board, the office was based at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium. When the Maryland Department of Agriculture was established, the office was moved to Annapolis and renamed the Maryland Agricultural Fair Board. 

2018-Fairs-Shows-cover.pngThe board is composed of nine members appointed by the governor. See a list of current Board members. Term of office is five years and a member may serve a maximum of two terms. Members may come back on the board after a break in service. The current board divided the state into regions that individual board members manage. When a board vacancy occurs, all activities funded within that region may nominate a replacement.

The board meets three times a year. Funding comes through the Maryland Racing Commission through a special grant made up of unclaimed pari-mutuel tickets and various fees. The grant process starts in December and is finalized by May 15. Grants to fairs and shows may be used for ribbons, awards, and premiums only. These range from the Maryland State Fair, to county fairs, to local community shows, to youth activities in 4-H and FFA.

The board publishes an annual guide listing fairs and shows that it funds. See the MD_AG_Fairs2018Web.pdf2018 Maryland Agricultural Fairs & Shows Brochure. These brochures are distributed to all welcome centers on state highways, all Extension offices, all fairs and shows, all chambers of commerce, all libraries, all county farm bureau’s and the Maryland Farm Bureau. It is also posted on the department’s website. 

Contact Information​

Maryland Agricultural Fair Board 
Maryland Department of Agriculture
50 Harry S Truman Parkway
Annapolis, Maryland 21401

Direct: 410-841-5816
Office: 410-841-5770
Fax:    410-841-5987


Grant Materials

IMPORTANT: Grant applications must be submitted online by Jan. 15, 2019. You must complete your application in one session.VIEW the application before you proceed so you know what information you will need to provide. Apply below:


Note to current grantees: You must submit your After Activity Report within 45 days of the event. 

*** The Premium Summary must be completed and uploaded while submitting your After Activity Report. Be sure that both the Summary and the Report are complete before you begin submitting your report. 

View a sample of the After Activity Report​ before you begin.


Related Documents  


Meeting Documents​