Enjoy Antique Cars and Trucks Plus Gas Engines and Tractors at Gas and Steam Engine Show April 26-27

Join the Friends of the Agricultural History Farm Park for the Gas and Steam Engine Show on Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, April 27, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Agricultural History Farm Park in Derwood, MD. The event is free, family-friendly and will be held rain or shine. Enjoy gas engines and tractors, antique cars, hay wagon rides and a craft show. Food will be available for purchase. Pony rides ($) will be on Saturday. Live music by the New Southern Cowtippers will be featured from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sunday. Visit www.friendsofthefarmpark.org for more information.

Avian Flu Update for Montgomery County Residents

Montgomery County residents are encouraged to stay informed about the ongoing spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), which is affecting wild bird, poultry and dairy herd populations throughout the U.S. While the risk to humans remains low, it is important to take precautions when encountering sick or dead birds.

The Maryland Department of Agriculture recently confirmed a case of HPAI, caused by the H5N1 strain, in a Montgomery County backyard chicken flock. The infected chickens have been euthanized to prevent further spread, and all exposed individuals are being closely monitored for any signs of illness.

Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is a contagious viral infection that has affected more than 149.9 million birds in the U.S., including commercial and backyard poultry. The USDA has also reported H5N1 infection in more than 950 dairy cow herds across the U.S.

As of Feb. 4, 67 human cases of avian influenza have been reported in the U.S., with one death. Forty of these human cases were associated with exposure to sick dairy herds, and 23 were associated with exposure to infected poultry. No person-to-person transmissions have been detected.

The virus spreads easily through nasal and eye secretions, as well as bird droppings. Wild birds, particularly waterfowl like ducks and geese, play a key role in spreading the virus from one flock to another. Backyard poultry owners should be especially vigilant, as the virus can also spread via contaminated equipment, clothing and footwear.

Backyard flock owners are required to register their birds with the Maryland Department of Agriculture. Registration helps protect both Maryland’s poultry industry and your flock from diseases like HPAI.

Though the risk of transmission to humans is low, residents should follow these necessary precautions to protect themselves. If you find a dead bird:

• Personal Backyard Flock of Poultry​
  Call the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) Animal Health Program at 410-841-5810 (410-841-5971 after hours) or email md.birdflu@maryland.gov.​
• Waterfowl (duck, goose, swan, gull) or Bird of Prey (hawk, falcon, vulture)​
  Call the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) Animal Health Program at 410-841-5810 or toll-free in Maryland at 1-877-463-6497 from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except on state holidays.​
• Songbird (cardinals, bluejays, etc.) ​
  Safe to dispose of on your own. The risk that a songbird has avian flu is extremely low.​

Wear disposable gloves to pick up a sick or dead bird. If you don’t have gloves, turn a plastic bag inside out and use it to pick up the dead bird. Place the bird in two plastic bags, throw it away in your regular trash, then thoroughly wash your hands.

Ensure that your pets, especially dogs, do not come in contact with sick or dead birds.

Residents can help prevent the spread of avian flu by avoiding areas with sick or dead birds and following the guidelines set by state and local authorities. Poultry owners should continue to practice proper biosecurity measures to protect their flocks.

For the latest updates and additional information about avian flu, visit the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s website.

‘Christmas on the Farm’ Returns to Agricultural History Farm Park in Derwood on Dec. 7-8

The free annual look at how the holidays would be celebrated in the historic agricultural areas of Montgomery County will be on display Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 7-8, at “Christmas on the Farm” at the Agricultural History Farm Park in Derwood. The event will run from noon-5 p.m. each day.

The Agricultural History Farm Park is located at 18400 Muncaster Road in Derwood. In addition to free admission, parking also is free.

The day will include hayrides, farm animals, free cider and cookies, a bake sale table, barn decorations, holiday crafts and music.

For more information, go to friendsofthefarmpark.org.

The event is sponsored by Friends of the Agricultural History Farm Park, Inc., with the support of Montgomery Parks.

 

30th Annual Harvest Festival Returns to Agricultural History Farm Park in Derwood on Saturday, Oct. 5

The 30th annual Harvest Festival sponsored by Montgomery Parks will return to the Agricultural History Farm Park from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5, from 11 a.m.– 4 p.m. The event will feature traditional crafts, games, living history demonstrations, music, food and a chance to participate in farm-type activities. There also will be hayrides around the park.

Attendees can participate in activities such as candle dipping, tin-smithing, pumpkin painting, a potato scramble and building scarecrows.

The Agricultural History Farm Park is located at 18400 Muncaster Road in Derwood. The entrance fee is $20 per car (cash only). Refreshments, food and some activities have additional cost.

Live music will be provided by Story Tapestries’ jazz artist Alison Crockett and bluegrass stylings of the Hickory Grove Band.

Stories will be shared by master puppeteer Shroeder Cherry and Maryland’s official Griot, Janice Curtis Greene.

For a complete list of activities, visit the 2024 Harvest Festival webpage.

75th Annual Montgomery Agricultural Fair Will Be Filled with Fun Through Saturday, Aug. 17

The 75th Annual Montgomery County Agricultural Fair has again brought out the best of the County’s agricultural life and has many modes of entertainment over the past week. The fair, whose final day is Saturday Aug. 17, at the County Agricultural Center in Gaithersburg, includes animals, entertainment, food, commercial, home arts, arts and crafts exhibits.

The Montgomery County Agricultural Center at 501 Perry Parkway in Gaithersburg has been home to the Montgomery County Fair since its creation in 1949. Sitting on 62 acres, the fair has more than 50 buildings that are filled with more than 5,000 animals every year.

The fair will be open 10 a.m.-midnight on Friday, Aug. 16, and Saturday, Aug. 17.

Information on all aspects of the fair can be found at https://mcagfair.com/.

General admission to the fair is $15 on-site and $12 if purchased online. Children 11-and-under are free. Parking at the fairgrounds is $15 per vehicle. There is free shuttle bus service for those who park on the campus of Montgomery College in Rockville (51 Mannakee St.) or at the former Lakeforest Mall property (corner of Lost Knife Road and Odenhal Avenue). Online tickets can be purchased here.

Among the many special events still on the fair line up are the Demolition Derby “Nights of Destruction” on Friday, Aug. 16, and Saturday, Aug. 17. In addition to fair admission, the grandstand event admission will be $18 additional on-site, $15 if purchased online.

Camping Will Be Allowed in Certain Agricultural and Rural Zones

The Montgomery County Council has approved Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA 24-02) to allow camping in certain agricultural and rural zones with specific conditions. The new zoning measure expands campgrounds use to the Agricultural Reserve and Rural Cluster zones on properties that meet the requirements for farming in the zoning ordinance.

Some of the requirements in the amendment to the Zoning Ordinance include minimum acreage, maximum number of nights per guest, limitations on sanitation facilities and more. The new ZTA goes into effect on Aug. 19.

Under the previous zoning law, campgrounds were only permitted in Rural and Residential Estate 2C zones. The amendment to the Montgomery County Zoning Ordinance allows overnight stays in certain zones and amends the use standards for campgrounds.

Questions about the amendments to the zoning ordinance can be directed to the County’s Department of Permitting Services Zoning and Code Compliance team by calling MC 311 or 240-777-0311.

Farm Tour and Harvest Sale on Saturday-Sunday, July 27-28, Will Feature 24 Locations to Buy Fresh Produce, See Farm Animals and Explore Craft Beverage Industry

The 2024 Montgomery County Farm Tour and Harvest Sale on Saturday and Sunday, July 27-28, will have 24 agricultural locations open to visitors. The Farm Tour offers a chance to explore the County’s Agricultural Reserve by shopping for locally grown food, seeing farm animals and learning about farming as a way of life. The Farm Tour will offer a rare chance to visit many farms that are only open to the public during this special weekend event.

Two farms will join the tour for the first time, including Deere Valley Farms in Dickerson and Koiner Farm in Silver Spring. The Koiner Farm will be the first nonprofit urban farm on the tour.

The Visit Montgomery Adventure Planner “Farm Tour Digital Passport” is available to plan the weekend.

During the weekend, open sites will include farms, orchards, breweries and wineries. Most are free to enter and explore. However, a select few charge a nominal fee for entry or activities. Food/drinks, farm products, pick-your-own and other local items are available for purchase at each farm.

The Farm Tour also will present a fun-filled weekend of family-friendly activities. It is a unique educational opportunity for children to connect with nature and learn about where their food comes from before it reaches their table.

Tourgoers can get a behind-the-scenes look at agriculture from robotic cow-milking to butter churning. Participating farms will offer a variety of activities including hayrides, pony rides and tractor rides. Some locations will have arts and crafts. Tours are self-guided in that families can choose to visit one, two or all 24 farms as their time and schedule allow.

Tourgoers can take part in the Buy Local Challenge to pick fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers or simply appreciate the peacefulness of the Ag Reserve.

During the Farm Tour weekend, all 24 participating venues will be open on Saturday, July 27, and 20 will be open on Sunday, July 28. Tourgoers should check the 2024 Farm Tour website for each farm they plan to visit for any additional costs, details on hours and activities or to make any necessary reservations. No pets are allowed except service animals for persons with disabilities.

The participating agricultural locations, farms, orchards, breweries and wineries will include:

• 61 Vineyard
• Butler’s Orchard
• Button Farm Living History Center
• Camp Olympia
• Comus Farm
• Deere Valley Farms
• Doc Waters Cidery
• East Rivendell Farm
• Homestead Farm
• Honey Acres Farm
• King Barn Dairy MOOseum
• Kingsbury’s Orchard
• Koiner Farm (Silver Spring)
• Lewis Orchards
• Lone Oak Farm Brewery
• Madison Fields
• Pleasant Valley Farm
• R.B. Savage & Sons Farm, LLC
• Red Wiggler Community Farm
• Rockhill Orchard
• Rocklands Farm Winery

‘Christmas on the Farm’ Will Show Off Holiday Festivities of Montgomery Agricultural History Farm Park on Dec. 2-3

The feeling of celebrating a holiday on a farm will be the theme on Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 2-3, at the annual “Christmas on the Farm” event at the Montgomery Agricultural History Farm Park in Derwood. Among the highlights will be the opportunity to see farm animals up close, to visit the park’s tool museum and to enjoy free cookies and cider.

The Agricultural History Farm Park is located at 18400 Muncaster Road in Derwood. The event will be held from noon-5 p.m. each day. Admission and parking will be free.

The event is hosted by Friends of the Agricultural History Farm Park, Inc., with the support of Montgomery Parks.

The event will feature music, hay rides, barn decorations, a bake sale and holiday crafts.

For more information about the event, go to https://friendsofthefarmpark.org/,

Candlelight Tours of Agricultural History Farm Park in Derwood Will Be Given on Dec. 15-16

The Montgomery Agricultural History Farm Park in Derwood always is a fascinating place that can quickly take visitors back to a time when agriculture dominated the County’s economy and lifestyle. There will now be an opportunity to learn about those times via candlelight tours on Friday-Saturday, Dec. 15-16.

The nighttime tours on each evening will be from 6-8 p.m. Tickets are $20 for ages 18-and-older and $10 for ages 7-17. Children under-7 are free. The Agricultural History Farm Park is located at 18400 Muncaster Road in Derwood.

The tours will look at the history of the farm, which dates back about 275 years, and the families that lived there. Costumed re-enactors will recount the experiences of the Magruder, Newman and Bussard families. Highlighted eras will include colonial, antebellum and post-war life on the farm. There will be live music and refreshments.in an experience for all ages.

Registration is required to participate in a tour. To register, go to Candlelight Tours - Activity Information (myvscloud.com).

Creating ‘High Tunnel-Type Greenhouses’ Will Now Be Easier for Urban Agriculture Growers

The Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) has removed permitting barriers to allow produce growers to build high tunnel-type greenhouses on urban and suburban properties, a benefit previously reserved for land designated as agricultural.

High tunnels can be a key piece of farm infrastructure for vegetable growers to increase food production. Similar to a greenhouse, a high tunnel is a less permanent structure, built with a metal frame and plastic cover instead of glass and metal. High tunnels extend the growing season by trapping heat and protect crops from diseases and pests.

Urban agriculture is fundamental to achieving food systems resiliency in the County, increasing urban access to nutritious food and empowering urban residents. Previously, a building permit from the County was required for high tunnels on properties not agriculturally assessed for tax purposes. It is often difficult for properties with fewer than three acres to obtain the necessary agricultural assessment. This requirement had presented a barrier to new farmers and those with fewer means on urban and suburban properties.

“Ag growers who are Black, indigenous or people of color often operate on properties with fewer than three acres of land, so this policy change was made to increase racial equity,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “This policy change also is expected to increase local food production, which helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions from long-distance food transport on our roads and increase urban access to healthy and nutritious food. I thank the local grower who advocated for change and the Office of Agriculture and Department of Permitting Services for implementing the new policy.”

DPS, based on recommendations from the Office of Agriculture (OAG) and with support from County Executive Elrich, recently made the policy decision to allow properties that are not agriculturally assessed to install a high tunnel without a building permit. The applicant must submit to the DPS a certificate showing that the high tunnel proposal has been reviewed by the Montgomery Soil Conservation District and the OAG to ensure that it will comply with sediment and erosion control, stormwater management, zoning, and any HOA requirements.

Tope Fajingbesi and her husband Niyi Balogun, owners of Dodo Farms in Brookeville, grow several different vegetables from their home country of Nigeria.

“The COVID-19 pandemic and the following supply chain disruptions really exposed the vulnerability of our food systems, and more than any other events I have witnessed, showed the need to increase food production in the County," said Tope. "Therefore, this gesture by the County Executive is a step in the right direction. Not only will food production increase, but I also anticipate that we will see an increase in culturally appropriate food for the County’s diverse residents.”

Upcoming County Agricultural Fair That Will Be Held Aug. 12-20 Is Focus of Latest Edition of ‘What’s Happening MoCo’ Podcast

Much goes into a year’s worth of planning to create the annual Montgomery County Agricultural Fair, which this year will be held Aug. 12-20 at the fairgrounds in Gaithersburg. A lot will become evident when the fair springs to life with rides, attractions, animal displays and the best of garden products and homemade goods. However, what goes on to pull it all together is interesting on its own—and that will be the focus as Marty Svrcek, executive director of the Montgomery County Agricultural Fairgrounds, is the featured guest on the next edition of the What’s Happening MoCo podcast.

The new episode will be available starting Thursday, Aug. 11—one day before the fair begins. The podcast will be available via popular podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts at https://bit.ly/whats-happening-moco, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Google Podcasts and others.

From ‘Music on Maple” to “Touch a Truck” to the literally “Cool Chilly Mall,” the podcast will address new attractions and hidden gems about this year’s fair—and some of the history behind the event that was first held in 1945.

Among the special features of this year’s fair will be a Reggae band performing Saturday evening; a motorcycle stunt show, drag races, big trucks up close and opportunities to learn about farm animals and technology.

The Montgomery County Agricultural Fair was born out of the desire of 4-H leaders to provide a show for the 4-H members in the County. The fair was designed to allow the 4-H members to exhibit their prize livestock, garden products and home economics projects. The Montgomery County Fair is now one of the largest county fairs in Maryland. It operates with the help of more than 2,000 volunteers each year.

For more information about this year’s Fair, visit https://mcagfair.com.

Throughout this year’s MoCoFair, What’s Happening MoCo’s host, Derrick Kenny, will be near the Pepco/Exelon stage. He will be recording interviews live onsite, engaging with residents and working with the Montgomery Connects’ digital equity team to share information about affordable broadband, free technology training and more.

The on-demand video of the newest episode can be viewed via the What’s Happening MoCo Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/WhatsHappeningMoCoPodcast.

In past episodes, What’s Happening MoCo has featured guests on a wide variety of subjects. The guests have included elected officials, Montgomery employees who specialize in specific aspects of government, business leaders and entertainers who live in the County. New podcasts are released twice a month. The What’s Happening MoCo podcast is a product of the County’s Department of Technology and Enterprise Business Solutions.

Residents interested in asking a question or suggesting a topic to be addressed in a future episode are encouraged to engage via the Facebook page or via e-mail at derrick.kenny@montgomerycountymd.gov.

What’s Happening MoCo podcast episode archives can be accessed by visiting the podcast’s webpage at https://montgomerycountymd.gov/CCM/whats-happening-moco-podcast.html.

Annual Montgomery County Agricultural Fair to be Held Over Nine Days from Aug. 12-20

The annual Montgomery County Agricultural Fair will be held over nine days for Aug. 12-20 at the Montgomery County Agricultural Center fairgrounds in Gaithersburg.

The fair is operated by the Montgomery County Agricultural Center Inc., which was formed as a privately operated 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization in 1949.

The fairgrounds are located at 501 Perry Parkway in Gaithersburg. General admission is $15 onsite and $12 online. Children 11-and-under are free. Parking on the fairgrounds site is $10. Free parking with shuttle bus service to the fairgrounds is available from nearby Lakeforest Mall at Lost Knife Road and Odenhal Ave.

Special admission days will be Senior Day on Tuesday, Aug. 16, with free admission for attendees 62-and-over from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Military Day on Thursday, Aug. 18, with free admission all day for active military in uniform or with a valid military ID from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Founded in 1949, the Montgomery County Agricultural Center has been home to the Montgomery County Fair since its creation. Sitting on 62 acres, the fair has more than 50 buildings that are filled with more than 5,000 animals every year. The fair features entertainment, food, commercial, home arts, arts and crafts exhibit.

Free special events at the grandstand will include lawn mower racing on Saturday, Aug. 13; Touch-a-Truck on Sunday, Aug. 14; and Truck Drag Racing on Monday, Aug. 15.

Special events that will require additional admission charges will include the Johnny Rocketts Cycle Circus on Friday, Aug. 12; the Renegade Monster Truck Tour on Wednesday, Aug. 17, and Thursday, Aug. 18; and the Demolition Derby “Night of Destruction” on Friday, Aug. 19, and Saturday, Aug. 20.

The fair was born out of the desire of 4-H leaders to provide a show for the 4-H members in Montgomery County. The show would allow the 4-H members to exhibit their prize livestock, garden and home economics projects to the community. The Montgomery County Fair is now one of the largest county fairs in Maryland.

On June 4, 1949, hundreds of volunteers participated in an old-fashioned barn raising and 12 outbuildings were constructed in one day, creating the Montgomery County Agricultural Center. Volunteers donated time, materials and talent to construct and continue operation of the fairgrounds.

More than 2,000 volunteers continue to help the successful operation of the fairgrounds. The nine-day fair requires support from more than 800 volunteers who assume the responsibility for organizing and producing the single largest annual event in Montgomery County.

Annual Farm Tour & Harvest Sale Returns on Saturday, July 23, and Sunday, July 24, to Highlight the Best of Montgomery’s Agricultural Reserve

The Montgomery County Annual Farm Tour and Harvest Sale will return after a two-year hiatus on Saturday, July 23, and Sunday, July 24, to highlight Montgomery County’s Agricultural Reserve. About one-third (93,000 acres) of all County land is protected for agricultural uses under the policy that created the Agricultural Reserve.

The 30th anniversary of the self-driving Farm Tour and Harvest Sale was celebrated in 2019, but the Montgomery Office of Agriculture’s informal tour was not held in the past two years due to the COVID-19 health crisis. The tour is back with 20 farms open to the public. The Farm Tour brochure can be viewed at brochure front (montgomerycountymd.gov). For more information, call 301-590-2823.

Several farms are open for “pick your own” opportunities. Some will be selling fruits, vegetables or meats. Refreshments will be available at other stops. Eight locations will have animals that can be viewed up close. Montgomery County’s emerging brewing and vineyard industries will be found at seven stops.

The number of farms available on this year’s tour is vast, but the Office of Agriculture has three suggested self-driving tours—each with an accent on different types of farm experiences.

Those tours are:

THE GRAPE & GRAIN TOURS

The Grape & Grain Tours are two separate self-driving tours. You can choose to visit three farm wineries, four breweries or easily combine both into a comprehensive tour of the Ag Reserve's craft beverage industry. Each venue has its own distinct qualities and all offer relaxing outdoor family friendly atmospheres. Food and/or music may also be available onsite.

FARMS-2-FEAST TOURS

Have you ever challenged yourself to create a meal made entirely from ingredients grown in Montgomery County? The abundance and diversity of farms make this a realistic goal and a perfect introduction to farm markets in the community. Choose a driving tour of farms within the County that are split between locations to the east or west of I-270. Both tours will provide a chance to purchase meats, eggs, fruits, vegetables, herbs, milk and desserts.

REVIVE THE SUNDAY DRIVE

Whether during the designated Farm Tour weekend or on another day, the Agricultural Reserve provides an opportunity for a relaxing, scenic, self-driving tour. The entire route without stops is approximately two hours. You can drive the entire route, drive part of the route or make a day of it by exploring the stopping areas noted.

Farms participating in the 2022 Farm Tour:

1. Butler's Orchard
2. Button Farm Living History Center
3. Camp Olympia
4. Comus Farm
5. Do No Harm Suburban Farm
6. Doc Waters Cidery
7. Homestead Farm
8. King Barn Dairy MOOseum
9. Kingsbury's Orchard
10. Lewis Orchards
11. Landmade Farm Brewery
12. Loan Oak Farm Brewery
13. R.B. Savage & Sons Farm, LLC
14. Red Wiggler Community Farm
15. Rock Hill Orchard
16. Tusculum Farm
17. Two Story Chimney Ciderworks
18. Waredaca Farm Brewing Company
19. Windridge Vineyards
20. 61 Vineyard

Visit Montgomery has partnered with the County’s Office of Agriculture to create an interactive experience through the Visit MoCo Adventure Planner App. Download the app by visiting https://visitmontgomery.com/adventure-planner or search “VisitMoCo” in your preferred app store. Click on the passport section to create a personalized itinerary in just a few clicks. When you visit a participating farm, check-in on the app for a chance to win an exclusive Farm Tour and Heritage Sale giveaway.

Montgomery County Agricultural Fair Returns to Fairgrounds in Gaithersburg Aug. 13-21

The Montgomery County Agricultural Fair will return to the fairgrounds in Gaithersburg from Friday, Aug. 13, through Saturday, Aug. 21. The fair, which was first held in 1945, was not held last year due to the COVID-19 health crisis.

The Montgomery County Agricultural Center Inc. presents the annual fair. The event provides the opportunity for 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA) members to exhibit their livestock, homemaking and craft projects. The Fair also promotes the science and preservation of agriculture in the County.

The Fair will feature farm animals, carnival rides, dozens of food selections, monster truck shows on Aug. 18 and 19, demolition derby shows on Aug. 20 and 21, agricultural shows and exhibitions.

Adult admission tickets can be purchased online or at the gate. Children 11-and-under are admitted free to the Fair on all days. In addition, Fair visitors can avoid parking by taking a Ride On bus directly to the Fair. Learn more about the buses going to the fair.

The Fair will operate under COVID-19 safety restrictions that are dictated by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the State of Maryland and Montgomery County.

Parking on the grounds via the 501 Perry Parkway Parking is $10. Free parking, with shuttle bus access to the grounds, is available at Lakeforest Mall. 

Among the most popular days at the Fair are Family Days, which this year will be Monday, Aug. 16, and Wednesday, Aug. 18. On Family Days, carnival single-day ride packages are available at a special price.

Senior Citizens Day will be on Tuesday, Aug. 17. Residents 62-and-over will be admitted free until 5 p.m. Military Day will be on Thursday, Aug. 19. Admission will be free through 5 p.m. for active military members in uniform or showing a military ID.

Hours vary each day. Food and beverages may be brought into the Fair.  Alcoholic beverages are not permitted.

For more information about the Fair, go to its website at https://mcagfair.com/.

Montgomery County Agricultural Fair Returns to Fairgrounds in Gaithersburg Aug. 13-21

The Montgomery County Agricultural Fair will return to the fairgrounds in Gaithersburg from Friday, Aug. 13, through Saturday, Aug. 21. The fair, which was first held in 1945, was not held last year due to the COVID-19 health crisis.

The Montgomery County Agricultural Center Inc. presents the annual fair. The event provides the opportunity for 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA) members to exhibit their livestock, homemaking and craft projects. The Fair also promotes the science and preservation of agriculture in the County.

The Fair will feature farm animals, carnival rides, dozens of food selections, monster truck shows on Aug. 18 and 19, demolition derby shows on Aug. 20 and 21, agricultural shows and exhibitions.

Adult admission tickets can be purchased online or at the gate. Children 11-and-under are admitted free to the Fair on all days.

The Fair will operate under COVID-19 safety restrictions that are dictated by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the State of Maryland and Montgomery County.

Parking on the grounds via the 501 Perry Parkway entrance is $10. Free parking, with shuttle bus access to the grounds, is available at Lakeforest Mall.

Among the most popular days at the Fair are Family Days, which this year will be Monday, Aug. 16, and Wednesday, Aug. 18. On Family Days, carnival single-day ride packages are available at a special price.

Senior Citizens Day will be on Tuesday, Aug. 17. Residents 62-and-over will be admitted free until 5 p.m. Military Day will be on Thursday, Aug. 19. Admission will be free through 5 p.m. for active military members in uniform or showing a military ID.

Hours vary each day. Food and beverages may be brought into the Fair. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted.

For more information about the Fair, go to its website at https://mcagfair.com/.

‘What’s Happening MoCo’ Podcast Features an Overview of Upcoming Montgomery County Agricultural Fair

The What’s Happening MoCo podcast visited the Montgomery County Agricultural Fairgrounds for a conversation with Marty Svrcek, executive director of the Montgomery County Agricultural Fairgrounds, about the upcoming County Agricultural Fair that will take place Aug. 13-21 in Gaithersburg. Mr. Svrcek was joined by Sara Olsen, the media specialist for the Fairgrounds.

The new episode is now available.

Mr. Svrcek said this year’s “nine best days of summer” will feature more than 40 family friendly carnival rides. The fair also will include options for free entertainment and an abundance of tasty traditional, ethnic and unique fair foods. Among the highlighted attractions will be a pirate-themed show, an illusionist and a host of Agricultural education activities, such as the "Mooternity Ward," livestock pavilions and the Ol’ Timers area. In respect to COVID-19, the fairgrounds will host a free vaccination area in partnership with the Montgomery County government.

The Montgomery County Agricultural Fair was born out of the desire of 4-H leaders to provide a show for the 4-H members in the County. That would allow the 4-H members to exhibit their prize livestock, garden and home economics projects to the community. The first fair was held in 1945. The Montgomery County Fair is now one of the largest county fairs in Maryland. It operates with the help of more than 2,000 volunteers each year. The fair was not held in 2020 due to the COVID-19 health crisis.

For more information about this year’s Fair, visit https://mcagfair.com.

The on-demand video of the newest episode can be viewed via the What’s Happening MoCo Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/WhatsHappeningMoCoPodcast. The podcast also can be heard via several popular podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts at https://bit.ly/whats-happening-moco, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Google Podcasts, and others.

In past episodes, podcast host Derrick Kenny has talked with guests on a wide variety of subjects. The show’s guests have included elected officials, Montgomery employees who specialize in specific aspects of government, business leaders and entertainers who live in the County. New podcasts are released twice a month.

Residents and others interested in asking a question or suggesting a topic to be addressed in a future episode are encouraged to engage via the Facebook page or via e-mail at derrick.kenny@montgomerycountymd.gov.

What’s Happening MoCo podcast episode archives can be accessed by visiting the podcast’s webpage at https://montgomerycountymd.gov/CCM/whats-happening-moco-podcast.html.

A Spring Adventure: One Acre Farm in Dickerson Will Host a Farm Tour on Sunday, May 23

The easing of COVID-19 safety restrictions has many people anxious to find ways to again explore Montgomery County. One family adventure will take place on Sunday, May 23, when One Acre Farm in Dickerson opens for its Spring Farm Tour.

One Acre Farm—which is actually 34 acres—will be open to the public for this one-day tour starting at 12:45 p.m. on Sunday. The farm is located at 18608 Wasche Road in Dickerson.

Visitors can meet Farmer Mike and the farm team, who will talk about how One Acre Farm grows vegetables and maintains the health and resilience of the farm's soil. Visitors also will learn about how the farm produces fresh produce.

“Our Agricultural Reserve is a precious resource and nationally recognized,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “We protect our farmland unlike few other major metropolitan areas in the country, and we must continue to do so. Understanding how farming is important to our health, our environment, and our economy is best learned by exploring a farm firsthand. Visiting the One Acre Farm, which is located within the County’s Agriculture Reserve, provides educational experiences for residents of all ages. And by visiting the farms and buying their products, we can support the hard-working, dedicated people who help preserve our naturals resources.”

No reservations are needed to join the free outside tour. Visitors must wear masks, appropriate shoes and clothing. No dogs are permitted.

More information about the One Acre Farm open house is available at https://www.oneacrefarm.com/post/spring-farm-tour-at-one-acre-farm.

 
One Acre Farm participates in the County’s Farm to Foodbank program, working with the Manna Food Center to grow healthy food for County residents who do not have easy access to nutritious foods. Through the Farm to Foodbank initiative created in 2010, Manna provides fresh, locally and regionally grown produce to those experiencing hunger and food insecurity in the County by purchasing from neighboring farms throughout the growing season. In the past year, Manna purchased 125,209 pounds of regionally grown produce. More about the program can be found at https://www.mannafood.org/programs/farm-to-food-bank/

Traditionally, the County’s Office of Agriculture hosts its Annual Farm Tour and Harvest Sale every July. However, the impact of the COVID-19 health crisis forced cancellation of last year’s tour and this year’s tour. With restrictions easing, the Office of Agriculture is suggesting other ways residents can experience the unique Agricultural Reserve, which occupies about one-third of all land in the County.

Residents can explore farms open to the public and selling their produce via self-driving tours.

One of the experiences will be the “Revive the Sunday Drive” tour.

Since farm wineries and breweries have plenty of outdoor space for people to maintain CDC guidelines and safe distancing, another suggested tour is the “Grape & Grain” tour created to highlight farms that specialize in producing wines and spirits.

The “Farms2Feast” tour will challenge people to create a dinner from ingredients sourced completely from County farms that have on-farm markets.

Before heading to any County farm, visitors should check the farm’s operating hours.

For more information on the County’s Office of Agriculture and the programs it supports, go to https://montgomerycountymd.gov/agservices/.

Montgomery County Farmers Meet With U.S. Senator Ben Cardin

Dozens of Montgomery County farmers recently met with U.S. Senator Ben Cardin. The meeting took place at the Agricultural History Farm Park, which is home to the County Office of Agriculture located at 18410 Muncaster Road in Derwood.

Jeremy Criss, director of the County Office of Agriculture, moderated the session in which Senator Cardin addressed concerns of farmers locally and nationwide. Senator Cardin actively works on farm issues in Congress.

The farmers emphasized that the process for migrant workers from other nations, especially those who intend to work in the U.S. only seasonally has become increasingly difficult. This makes it harder for County farmers to work their land and harvest their crops.

Senator Cardin indicated he is aware of the needs of farmers to have broadband access to operate better in a digital world. Montgomery County is currently working to obtain federal and state funding to expand broadband in the County’s Agricultural Reserve.

Senator Cardin praised Maryland farmers for taking steps—some of them costly—to protect the Chesapeake Bay and said the actions of Maryland farmers are the main reason the health of the Bay has greatly improved.

To learn more about Montgomery County’s farm economy, go to montgomerycountymd.gov/agservices/.