Ladies & Gentlemen, if you're looking for something fun to do this weekend, go to the Farm & Home Show at the Winterplace Park.
This is their 72nd year putting on this Show and there's plenty to do, especially for the kids. They have animals you can see up close, food, music and all sorts of other activities.
What I found most interesting is this. Somerset County, Worcester County and Pocomoke completely support their Farm Shows. Wicomico County actually charges these people $2,135.00 to rent the space for this event. I mean, come on now! The County Executives Office said, No one remembers a time when the county has contributed $ to the F & H Show. They go on to say, The F & H show is run under the auspices of the County Extension Agent which comes under the Dept. of Ag.
I think it's high time that Wicomico County do something to work with the people who made this County what it is today! Forgetting where you came from because of progress is pretty messed up. You wouldn't have progress without these Farmers either.
Getting back to the good stuff. Tonight there's an antique tractor pull at 6:30. Live music at 7:00 and the show closes at 9:00 Pm. However, tomorrow brings on a ton of great stuff. There's a Horse Show at 8:00 AM tomorrow. A Car Show at 10:00. If you want to be IN the Car Show you need to register at 9:30. The Lone Ranger of Delmarva will be there at 10:00. Jousting from 12:00 to 2:00. A Model Horse Show from 12:00 to 3:00. From 1 to 4 "Moonstruck Duo" strolling minstrels. At 4:30 there's a Fashion Show. At 2:00 there's a Watermelon slices & seed spitting contest! At 4:00 there's some sort of 4H Olympics. At 5:00 there's a benefit auction, I believe done by Marshall Auctions. At 7:30 they'll have their award presentation and the show closes at 8:30 PM.
Pop in tonight and see this event. I went last night and it really is a lot to see and enjoy. The call your County Executive and County Council and tell them to pony up the $2,135.00 it cost these guys to put off this show.
I think the perception of the excutive's office is wrong. I think it is a not for profit group not a part of extension nor federal gov't. Also, I have heard Worcester donated $10,000 to their Farm Board and Somerset donated approximately $3000 along with a place to hold the event. And you are reporting Wicomico charged them $2300 plus to use a facility that belongs to the county? Is this correct Joe?
ReplyDeleteJoe, I am so happy you have put the Farm and Home Show on the blog. Since I am am at Winterplace every day, I kept waiting to see some advertising for the Farm and Home Show. I was at the Worcester County Fair last weekend in Snow Hill. It was great too. Basically, I saw little advertising for Wicomico County Fair (did I miss something) and the exhibits seemed to me much less than last year. There were not as many flowers, paintings and other exhibits inside. Maybe I was too early and will go back tomorrow to take a second look. Thanks for reminding everyone to support our local County Fair. Our county fathers should do the same.
ReplyDeleteHey Joe. Got a slight correction you need to make. The first line about being supported by the county should be Worcester not Wicomico. Wicomico County DOES NOT support the Show at ALL!!!!!!!!!!! As to advertising, we have been on CAT Country for about two weeks now, The Guide and WQMR. No ads in the Daily Times as they are too expensive. We do as much advertising as we can afford, so if the county were to throw us a small bone ($) we could do some more. We do as much free advertising as we can do. ANy questions, go to www.wicomicofarmandhomeshow.com.
ReplyDeleteThanks for putting a plug in for the the Wicomico Farm and Home Show. Great coverage. As a point of clarification, the Wicomico Farm and Home Show, Inc. is an independent, non-profit self-governing organization of approximately 15 volunteer board members. It is responsible to itself, and not under Extension Office jurisdiction. It is a member of the Maryland State Fair Board and does receive a grant each year that helps in paying the prize premiums for the winning entries at the show, but doesn't quite do it. The Farm Show board is responsible for raising it's own money to keep the show going and receives no money from the county, though it has asked for help. Money is raised through donations from a few generous business organizations, ads in the premium book, commercial and food vendor space, bake sale, and benefit auction. Some years the Show loses some money, some years profits a little. The goal of the board is to at least break even so it can put on the show next year. Again, this Farm Show Board is a working board that is strictly voluntary, with no monetary reward whatsoever to its members. They do it because they want to offer the opportunity for good, clean entertainment and a learning for families. Without the generous volunteer help of many people outside the board, and support of of the Parsonsburg Fire Company, the show as it is would not be possible.
ReplyDeleteThis was a real Farm & Home Show!!
ReplyDeleteAnd they have their own website. The place was packed and I had a hard time finding parking for the event. Way to go Talbot County!!
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Fun, Food, Animals and More...
The 25th Annual Talbot County Fair will be held this year on July 9, 10, 11 & 12, 2008.
Highlights include: 4-H/FFA Exhibits, Talbot
Agriculture, Livestock Shows, Rabbit Show,
Pedal Tractor Pull, Ice Cream Making Contest,
Various Entertainment, Livestock Auction,
Dinners, Watermelon Eating Contest and more!
Back once again by popular demand….
RIDES FOR ALL AGES!!!!
Bracelet Nights…$18 unlimited riding
Wednesday 4-10pm &
Saturday 12-10pm
Coupon Books (20 tickets) available for $18
Single tickets available for $1 each
I also have attended the Wicomico Farm & Home Show and was very pleased. Last night I could not believe the attendance to the Tractor Pull (I understand they have been trying to get the County to allow this for 9 years and finally here it is)...thanks to the Farm & Home Show.
ReplyDeleteI also do not understand why the county charges for the grounds either but the show is strictly volunteer HATS OFF TO THEM!
I think the MD State BD follows up with this because they pay out the premiums on winning entries.
This is a great show and has hard working people running it, and I would like to thank them and our farmers for starting this wonderful tradition.
The band last night FLY BY NITE was great and I am going to see PETERS VOICE today. Hope to see you there.
And....has Rick Pollitt or any of the County Council members attended this show?? If not, why not?
ReplyDeleteIn the two days that I have been there I have not seen anyone from the County there.
ReplyDeleteGot a question - how did Talbot County Fair get in this and why are they advertising a fair that ran in July 2008????
ReplyDeleteThanks Joe for all your help and putting us on your blog.
ReplyDeleteWe receive some grant money to help offset the premiums WE pay out. Over the years the grant money we receive has been slightly reduced.
Some things going on today, August 16, Saturday are Livestock shows in which the participants range in age from 9 to 18; The Lone Ranger and Silver" will be there all day; Jousting from Noon to 2; a horse show - all day; Car show from 10 to 1; and lots more for all day.
Lots of great food all day too.
So come on out and join us. We'd love to see you there!
County Council members probably think we are a bunch of dumb farmers! Ha Ha! The laugh is on them. Guess they forget we(farmers) feed them 3 times a day.
ReplyDeleteJust left the show and County Councilwoman Stevie Prettyman was there. I also saw Andy Harris, a candidate for Congress on the fair grounds.
ReplyDeleteI took my children today 4, and 9 years old. We had a great time. Nice to see the older adults talk and answer questions about the cars. My boy loves them. My 4 year old was able to pet a horse and goat. It's great to go somewhere and have good people around. We don't have alot of them left. Thanks farm and home show.
ReplyDelete