Saturday August 1st through Saturday August 8th
One of Worcester County’s longest-standing summer traditions is back as The Great Pocomoke Fair opens this weekend, bringing eight days of livestock competitions, motorsports, pageants, live entertainment, contests, carnival rides and agricultural exhibits to the fairgrounds on Broad Street.
Running August 1 through August 8, the fair offers something different each day while celebrating the area’s agricultural heritage and community spirit. Organizers note that the schedule remains subject to change and encourage visitors to check the fair’s website and Facebook page for updates.
The fairgrounds open at 9:30 a.m. on weekends and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, with the carnival operating 5 to 10:30 p.m. on weekdays and noon to 10:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
Agriculture Remains at the Heart of the Fair
While many visitors come for the rides and grandstand events, agriculture continues to be the foundation of The Great Pocomoke Fair.
Throughout the week, visitors can explore livestock exhibits featuring goats, sheep, swine, poultry and rabbits, while open livestock competitions showcase the hard work of local farmers and exhibitors. Indoor exhibits, home crafts, baked goods and other entries highlight the talents of community members of all ages.
The fair’s silent auction also runs throughout the week, giving attendees opportunities to support the fair while bidding on donated items.
Motorsports Take Center Stage
Fans of high-powered entertainment will have plenty to choose from this year.
The grandstand schedule includes:
- Saturday, August 1st: Interstate Tractor Pull following a meet-and-greet with drivers.
- Sunday, August 2nd: Demolition Derby followed by Flamethrower Cars.
- Monday, August 3rd: Dirt Drags.
- Friday, August 7th: BullRide Mania Rodeo.
- Saturday, August 8th: Mud Bog and Tuff Trucks.
These events have become some of the fair’s biggest attractions, drawing spectators from across the Eastern Shore each year.
Family Activities Throughout the Week
Families will find activities scheduled nearly every day of the fair.
Sunday features the annual church service, livestock shows, mounted shooting demonstrations by the Mason Dixon Deputies and the Pocomoke River Duck & Goose Calling Championships.
Tuesday is designated Kids Night in conjunction with National Night Out, with children’s activities including:
- Kids Demo Derby
- Power Wheels Racing
- Chicken Scratch competition
- Hobby Horse races
- Dance performances
- Karate demonstrations
Wednesday shifts the spotlight to local talent with the fair pageants followed by Pocomoke’s Got Talent and karaoke later in the evening.
Friendly Competition for All Ages
Thursday brings a variety of classic fair contests, including:
- Pie-eating contest
- Watermelon seed spitting contest
- Mustache and beard contest
- Hay bale tossing competition
Cake and pie judging also takes place Thursday evening, followed by the popular cake auction on Friday.
Food enthusiasts can also enjoy the BBQ competition and crabcake contest, with awards presented Saturday afternoon.
More Than Just the Midway
The final weekend (August 8th & 9th) features several additional attractions, including the Eastern Shore Cruisers Car Show, a dog show, antique tractor pull, farmers market and hot air balloon rides offered on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, weather permitting.
Combined with food vendors, agricultural displays, carnival rides and nightly entertainment, the fair offers visitors a chance to experience both longtime traditions and new attractions throughout the week.
Whether you’re interested in livestock, live music, competitions, motorsports or simply enjoying classic fair food with family and friends, this year’s Great Pocomoke Fair promises a full schedule of activities from opening day through the closing Mud Bog on Saturday night.
For the latest schedule updates and additional information, visit thegreatpocomokefair.org or follow The Great Pocomoke Fair on Facebook.
