The Montgomery County Agricultural Fair: My First 4-H Experience
This August, I had the unique opportunity to participate in Maryland’s Montgomery County Agricultural Fair, one of the largest and most beloved 4-H agricultural fairs in Maryland. Though I’ve visited county fairs before, this was my first time stepping into the fair as an exhibitor—and the experience was exhilarating and rewarding.
A Fair with a Rich History
The Montgomery County Agricultural Fair first opened its gates in 1949, born out of the vision of local farmers and 4-H leaders who wanted to create a place to celebrate agriculture, education, and community. What began as a modest gathering has grown into Maryland’s largest county fair, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Despite its size, the fair has retained its heart: showcasing the work of farmers, gardeners, bakers, crafters, and young 4-H participants.
Walking through the grounds, I felt a sense of history woven into the laughter, the rides, and the exhibits. Generations of families have gathered here—not just to compete, but to connect with neighbors and honor traditions that might otherwise fade from view.
Entering My Work
This year, I submitted several pieces across different categories: a few examples of Maedeup (traditional Korean decorative knots), a hand-crocheted bag, and a quilted handbag. Each piece represented hours of quiet focus, trial and error, and the slow pleasure of handwork.
The Maedeup entries were especially meaningful to me, as they are a way of carrying Korean heritage into a public space that celebrates rural traditions, craftsmanship, and community. I was curious to see how they would be received by a wider audience—people who might not be familiar with the art form at all.
Visiting the Fair with a Friend
Walking into the exhibition halls, I felt a mix of anticipation and humility. All around me were displays of jams and jellies, baked goods, woodworking, and prize-winning livestock. In the home arts and craft sections, I spotted my entries displayed under the bright fluorescent lights—and then I saw them: ribbons. I had won several prizes!
A Lighthearted Tradition: Pig Races
Of course, no fair experience would be complete without some pure fun—and for me, that came in the form of the famous pig races. A crowd gathered around the tiny racetrack, children pressed against the railings, parents holding phones ready to record. The announcer’s voice rang out with playful energy as the pigs—each with their own pun-filled name—snorted and shuffled at the starting line.
Then, with a burst of excitement, they were off! Tiny hooves scrambled over the dirt as the pigs rounded the track, cheered on by the delighted crowd. For a few moments, everyone—farmers, families, first-time visitors—laughed and shouted together, united in the joy of something so simple and so wholesome. It was a reminder that while the fair honors tradition and hard work, it also knows how to celebrate playfulness.
What I Learned
Participating in the fair reminded me of the value of local traditions and the joy of taking part in a community celebration. The fair wasn’t just about competition; it was about connection. Strangers stopped to ask me about Maedeup, curious about the knots, their meaning, and how they are made. In that moment, my work became a bridge—linking cultures, generations, and ways of life.
I left the fair with more than ribbons. I left with renewed energy to keep making, to keep preserving traditional art forms, and to keep sharing them with others. Sometimes, we don’t realize how much our crafts can speak until we place them in the world and let others respond.
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