The seventh annual DC State Fair will be held this Sunday, August 28, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at NoMa Junction at Storey Park (1005 First Street NE). This free celebration of the District’s farmers, bakers, brewers and makers will see the return of more than a dozen classic contests, as well as new features: Bingo, live competitions and more performances from local artists than ever before.
“Growing in the city, growing the city and growing ourselves; as we become smarter citizens we cultivate a healthy urban economy,” said Robin-Eve Jasper, President of the NoMa BID and the NoMa Parks Foundation. The NoMa BID is a Gold Sponsor of the 2016 DC State Fair. Jasper added, “It only makes sense that NoMa, the city’s smartest and fastest-growing neighborhood, would have the pleasure of hosting the 2016 DC State Fair, celebrating DC’s artisans, artists and food.”
Contests
Our contests for kids and adults highlight local talent and foster friendly competition among District residents. Several favorites have returned (including honey, homebrew, pickled foods, pie and the history-making Best Bud), and new contests have been added (including chili and mumbo sauce). For the first time, live competitions will encourage Fairgoers to get the recognition they deserve as the best hula hooper, sloppy Joe eater or dancer in town.
“What makes the DC State Fair special are the added bits of flair that are unique to our community,” said Sara Conklin, Contest Coordinator and member of the DC State Fair Board of Directors. “Not many fairs have a Mumbo Sauce Contest, a Best Tattoo Contest or performing step groups and ska bands. But we do! We recognize that aspects of traditional state fairs are popular and important, but we have combined these elements with DC-esque fun. There isn’t another Fair in the United States quite like ours, and that’s why people keep coming back year after year.”
Pet Parade
For the second year, friendly pets on leashes, in cages, in tanks or in aquariums are invited to march in our Pet Parade! Pets and their owners are encouraged to don costumes, enter our pet-themed contests and stick around after the parade to enjoy the rest of the Fair.
Don’t have a pet? Have room in your home and heart for one more? Wagtime and the Washington Humane Society-Washington Animal Rescue League will be on-site with lovable critters available for adoption.
Education, Entertainment and More
Our event will be packed with activities and entertainment for everyone. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., our Kid’s Corner will feature free activities for kids. From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., ourEducation Stage will feature talks on fall gardening, growing cannabis at home and more. And during the entire Fair, our Main Stage will feature live competitions and performances from local artists.
Talks and interactive demonstrations will be offered by Love & Carrots, ECO City Farms, Let’sGrowDC, DC By Foot, Tango Mercurio, DC Rawhides and the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay. Performers will include DJ Fusion, Dance Place Step Team, Batala Washington, Crush Funk Brass Band and The Captivators.
Vendors and Exhibitors
More than 35 food, drink, art and craft vendors will showcase and sell their wares at the Fair. Local businesses will offer apparel and accessories for people and pets, prints, posters, glassware, plants, gardening supplies and more. Close to 20 government agencies and nonprofit organizations will also exhibit at the Fair.
About
The DC State Fair is a free showcase of the city’s agricultural and artistic talents. The main event features a full day of competitions, education and entertainment, with local vendors on hand selling food, drinks, art and crafts. The first DC State Fair was held on August 28, 2010. The DC State Fair is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization run entirely by volunteers.
Questions? Contact us!
