Costume Animal Contest at the MD State Fair

Got this press release last week...love that the pets' owners have to wear costumes, too!

ANIMALS AND THEIR OWNERS DRESS UP
FOR THE STATE FAIR COSTUME ANIMAL CONTEST

“Sponge Bob Square Goat,” “Dale Ernhardt, Jr. and Jeff Gordon Race Car Cows,” Cow Ripkin,” “The Lion King Horse,” and “Rudoph the Red-Nosed Rabbit” are just a few of the entries in previous Maryland State Fair Costume Animal Contests. This year, The Maryland State Fair’s Junior Fair Board will host the competition in which 4-H members will have the opportunity to dress up their sheep, goats, horses, dogs, rabbits, cavies, beef steer, dairy steer and themselves to enter the 2010 Costume Animal Contest, Friday, August 27, 2010, 7:30 p.m., in the Maryland State Fair’s Horse Show Ring.

“The Costume Animal Contest is an educational and entertaining way to inform the general public about raising animals,” said State Fair Junior Fair Board member and Costume Animal Contest Coordinator Robbie Miller. “The event gives 4-H members the opportunity to show their well-cared-for animals in a fun and creative way.”

All participants must dress themselves and their animals in costume and write a narration, in story or poem form, which will be read as they show their animal. The entries will be judged on originality of theme, costumes, and narration. Ribbons and trophies will be awarded along with a participatory premium for each contestant.

The Maryland State Fair, located at the Timonium Fairgrounds in Baltimore County, opens Fri., Aug. 27 and runs through Mon., Sept. 6, 2010. No other event provides so much food, fun and family entertainment for so little. The Midway rides, games and food stands, as well as the 4-H/Home Arts, Farm & Garden, Exhibition and the Museum/DNR Buildings will be open Mon. - Thurs. from Noon to 10 PM and from 10AM to 10 PM, Fri. – Sun. and Labor Day Mon. Early risers are welcome to attend livestock and horse shows in the various livestock buildings and show rings at 9 AM.

Admission is only $8.00 for adults, $6.00 for seniors (ages 62 and older),$3.00 for children (ages 6-11). Children five-years-old and younger are admitted free. Rides are individually priced. There will be a Ridemania Preview Night (with rides, games and food stands open) on Thurs., Aug. 26, from 5 PM to close, for only $15.00 to ride as many rides as one wishes. Non-riders pay only $4.00.