UPPER MARLBORO: The Fair Comes to Town! by Richard D. Elliott, Freelance Reporter

(UPPER MARLBORO – September 12, 2022) – This past weekend, there was a fair for Prince Georgians at the Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro. The cool weather and open spacing were perfect fair weather that drew Prince Georgians young and old, some for the first time and some for the 30th in a row. Each parking lot was packed upon arrival. So much so, that many attendees parked in an overflow lot for County vehicles and walked for several minutes to get inside.

We were greeted by lines at the coupon machines at the entrance for those who wanted to ride the Tilt-A-Whirl, the Ferris Wheel, the carousels, and the other rides. For lovers of carnival food, there were multiple fair food stands selling favorites like funnel cakes, hot dogs, slushies, and memorabilia cups of lemonade and sweet tea.

The longest lines inside were definitely for the face painting booth, with over a dozen families with small children. Many teens from Prince George’s were present, with this being one of the most publicly available outings amid the recently-implemented youth curfew.

Lined up along the entrance and before the rides and food stands were information stands for Park and Planning, T-Mobile, Carefirst, Maryland National Guard, PG Police Athletic League, and several vendors. At the outskirts of the event, live music blasted from a stage for fair attendees seated nearby to eat, rest, and cool down.

Cynthia Hamilton of Clinton, MD is a frequent fair attendee. She has lived in Prince George’s for 32 years and attended the fair every year, excluding the years it was canceled for COVID. She has no plans to miss the fair this year or any other year and is a strong fan of the funnel cake. This year, she came with her friend Michelle Dunn.