Maryland State Fair Is One Of Nation's Best Bargains: Report

TIMONIUM, MD — If you're planning to head down to the Maryland State Fair in the next two weeks, here's some good news — a new report says you'll be getting one of the best bargains in the country. The fair, which opened Aug. 23 and runs through Sept. 3 in Timonium, is one of the best values among the 21 top state fairs studied for a new report by HomeToGo, a vacation-rental search engine.

According to the report, a sample family package to attend a day at the Maryland fair would be $131.57, ranking it No. 16 among the most affordable fairs. That includes parking, an adult ticket, a child's ticket, a wristband for rides, a corndog and an overnight stay at a hotel nearby. Georgia came in just cheapest of all state fairs, which costs $89.85 for a similar package.

"More Than A Fair, We're A Culture!" is the theme of this year's fair in Baltimore County. Headline concerts at the fair include: Country music performer Chase Bryant and Chris Lane, Friday, August 24; rock band Smash Mouth, Saturday, August 25; classic rockers Jefferson Starship, Saturday, September 1; and country star Chris Janson, Sunday, September 2. All the shows begin at 7:30 p.m. and gates open at 6:30 p.m. A limited number of premium tickets, priced at $20 each, are on sale now online.North Carolina, New Mexico, Arkansas and Colorado rounded out the top-five best deals that the company studied. The most expensive state fairs, according to the study are Texas, Washington and New York.

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"Attracting tens of millions of visitors per year, state fairs are some of the most popular events in the calendar year," said Joanna Booth, a marketing director at HomeToGo. "These fun, quintessentially American occasions are perfect to incorporate into summer and fall travel plans, as they appeal to family members of all ages, and offer amazing value for the money as well."

HomeToGo used its own search data to determine the 21 most popular state fair's in the nation for the report.

Maryland State Fair buildings, barns, Thoroughbred horse racing, Midway rides, games and food, and more
will open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, August 24 through Monday, September 3. The fair "recognizes the enduring appeal of Maryland’s citizens, students, and 4-H and FFA members to share their talents and compete for ribbons, prizes and bragging rights. The Fair’s buildings, barns and stages provide space for thousands of fairgoers to appreciate the exhibits, learn from the exhibitors, and consider entering a future fair, the organization says.

“Thousands of talented individuals and fun-loving fairgoers from our great state, cities, towns, farms, mountains and shores make up MY Maryland State Fair,” said Maryland State Fair CEO Andy Cashman in a news release. “Our goal is to provide a variety of safe, enjoyable and educational experiences to help make memories for a lifetime.”

The Maryland Foods Pavilion and Dairy Bar will showcase fresh from the farm and Chesapeake Bay food and drinks. Fairgoers may also watch and wager in the grandstand on live Thoroughbred horse races as they round the 5/8 mile Timonium track Aug. 24-26 and Aug. 31-Sept. 3. Post time is 1 p.m. Admission to the racetrack is included in the fair’s admission price.

Find the full fair schedule here.

PARKING: Limited parking is available on the Fairgrounds for $5. Free parking is available at the Park and Ride location on Deereco Road west of the Fairgrounds. Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Handicapped parking is available. See the fairgrounds parkers, and they will direct you to the appropriate and closest handicapped parking area. Because convenient parking is limited, fair officials encourage the use of the Light Rail. An UBER/LYFT drop off and pick up location is on the Deerco Road Park and Ride Lot. Patrons may then enter the fairgrounds through the Light Rail admission gate.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: Fairgoers can ride Light RailLink to the "Fairgrounds" station, or the LocalLink 93 busline to the Fairgrounds Park & Ride, located on Greenspring Drive. The Fairgrounds entrance gate, near the Cow Palace, is just a short walk from both services. Because convenient parking is limited, use of the public transit is encouraged.

PHOTO: Fair-goers look at a 100 foot ferris wheel at the 2009 Maryland State Fair in Timonium. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)