Superintendents
Carrie Sellman, Co-Superintendent
410-655-0042
William A. Langlotz, Co-Superintendent
410-207-2165
Entry Information
Individuals may pre-enter by mail on a printed Entry Form (Maryland State Fair, P.O. Box 188, Timonium, MD 21094) OR via Online Entry System (Online Entry System will close July 31st, 2026 @ 11:59PM).
All Open Class Home Arts, Farm & Garden & Livestock Competitions will utilize the same Online Entry System (Online Entry System will close July 31st, 2026 @ 11:59PM).
NOTE: Create only one username, password, and user fee for all Open Class Entries.
General Rules
Passes: Exhibitor Passes will not be issued. Exhibitors are admitted without charge during entry times for each section. Others must pay the regular admission.
Enter Before July 31st: Entry Forms are below and mailed to: Superintendent, Farm & Garden Department, P.O. Box 188, Timonium, MD 21094-0188. Or enter your Farm & Garden entries REGISTER ONLINE HERE (Online Entry System will close July 31st, 2026 @ 11:59PM)! Walk-ins will still be accepted during exhibit receiving dates/times below.
**This year the Open Class Home Arts, Farm & Garden & Livestock will utilize the same system.
NOTE: Create only one username, password and user fee for all Open Class.**
Computer Entry Tag: For each exhibit you have pre-entered, a Computer Entry Tag will be ready for you when you arrive with your exhibits.
Exhibits Received (Please Read Carefully – Dates and Times Have Changed!):
Sections A-D, F and G are received Sunday, August 23, 2026, from 3PM to 8PM, and Monday, August 24, 2026, from 9AM to 7PM.
Sections E and I – Wine and Home Brew are received Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 11AM to 3PM.
Section H – Christmas Trees are received Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 11AM to 3PM.
Section J – Flowers are received according to the following schedule:
First Flower Show- Potted Plants, Orchids, and Silk/Dried Arrangements: Wednesday, August 26, 2026, from 12:00PM to 8:00PM
Classes J1 – J111 (Note: Entries will only be accepted at these times)
Second Flower Show-Gladiolus & Dahlias: Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 7:30AM to 12:00PM
Classes J400 – J494 (Note: Entries will only be accepted at these times)
Third Flower Show-Fresh Flowers: Wednesday, September 2, 2026, from 12:00PM to 8:00PM
(Classes J200-J291) (Note: Entries will only be accepted at these times)
Fourth Flower Show-Roses & Fall Flower Show: Wednesday, September 9, 2025 from 3:00pm to 8:00PM
Roses(Classes J301-J375) and Fall Flower Show (Classes K1-K15) (Note: Entries will only be accepted at these times)
Exhibits for Section K – Fall Farm & Garden Show (Flower and Vegetable) are received Wednesday, September 9, 2025, from 3:00PM to 8:00PM
NOTE: Exhibits for all Sections, except Section H, Christmas Trees, will be received in the new Harvest Hall Building. Section H, Christmas Trees, will be received in the Cow Palace.
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Judging: Exhibits in Sections A-D, F and G will be judged on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. Sections H and J will be judged according to their individual arrival times. Sections E and I will be judged TBD. Section K will be judged on Thursday, September 10, 2026.
Judges Decision: The judges’ decisions are final. Judges have the right to reject any exhibit if deemed not worthy of an award, and judges also have the right to award a lower prize at their discretion.
Ties: In event of a tie, each exhibitor involved will be awarded an appropriate ribbon. Exhibitors concerned will share the amount of money involved equally.
Special Awards: The Fair President’s Award may be awarded by the Maryland State Fair President for an entry deserving special notice. A Special Award ribbon may be awarded when the judges believe that an entry deserves special notice.
Ribbons: RIBBONS AWARDED TO EXHIBITS ARE ONLY AVAILABLE TO RECIPIENTS DURING HOURS OF FARM & GARDEN ITEM RELEASE. RIBBONS WILL NOT BE MAILED.
Exhibits will be Released according to the following schedule:
Sections A-I: Monday, September 14, 2026, from 9AM to 7PM.
Section J: First Flower Show: Monday, August 31, 2026 from 4:00PM to 8:00 PM
Section J: Second, Third, and Fourth Flower Shows: Monday, September 14, 2026, from 9AM to 7PM (for ribbons and exhibitor containers)
*Exhibitors must present the “Claim Check” from their computer entry tag to claim exhibits. All unclaimed exhibits become the property of the Maryland State Fair.
Early Removal: Exhibits removed before the official release time will result in forfeiture of ribbons and premiums.
*The Fair is not responsible for lost or damaged items. Note: Fair personnel can remove wilted or unsightly exhibits at any time.
**Premium Checks void 180 days following issuance.
For 2026
Celebrate America’s 250 Years! Sections C (Vegetables), D (Honey and Wax), J (Flowers and Plants),
and K (Fall Show) contain Patriotic/Americana Theme classes.
2026 Premium Books
2026 Farm & Garden General Rules
2026 Section A – Grain, Hay, Farm Crops & Tobacco
2026 Section B – Fruits
2026 Section C – Vegetables
2026 Section D – Honey & Wax
2026 Section E – Wine
2026 Section F – Meats, Dairy Products & Eggs
2026 Section G – Wool & Fleece
2026 Section H – Christmas Trees
2026 Section I – Home Brew
2026 Section I – Home Brew Bottle Identification Form
2026 Section J – Flowers & Plants
2026 Section K – Fall Show
2026 Hellen Burns Smyth Award
2026 Competition Schedule
2026 Full Fair Program
Hotel Partners
The following hotel partners have graciously offered discounted rates for our Exhibitors. If you need lodging, we encourage you to take advantage of their gracious offers. The rooms must be booked directly using the booking links to receive the discounted rates.
