For almost 50 years, beginning in 1929, McDonogh held a Spring Agricultural fair. An outgrowth of the school’s burgeoning animal husbandry program, the first fair featured 15 entries in the cattle fitting and showing contest, 30 riders in the horse show, and an exhibit of poultry and swine. It quickly grew in popularity. Within five years, attendance had grown to more than 1,000, there were over 100 entries, and it was considered a qualifier for the Maryland State Fair. Additionally, the McDonogh Point-to-Point was regarded by equestrians as the second most important racing event of the week, surpassed only by the annual Pimlico fixture, the Preakness.
The fair felt the effects of World War II, but interest rebounded by the 1950s, and by the 30th year, highlights included a midway with rides and refreshments. In 1963, faced with declining enrollment in the animal husbandry program, the annual event became the “Alumni Day Fair.” In 1973, it was incorporated into a three-day cultural fair held as part of McDonogh’s Centennial Celebration. Four years later, when hosting the traditional cattle show became cost-prohibitive, McDonogh’s agricultural fair ended. Read the full story on page 38.
