Deep-fried Pop-Tarts? Underwater robotics? Jousting? The U.S. Navy? All this and Justin Bieber, too?
Just when you think the Maryland State Fair cannot add another item to its long list of livestock, food, blue ribbons, rides, entertainment and demonstrations, it does.
More than 400,000 people from Maryland and neighboring states are expected to visit the Timonium fairgrounds between now and Labor Day, when the fair closes.
They will find old favorites — the Ferris wheel and the merry-go-round are always the two most popular rides on the midway — and some new favorites. Arm-wrestling competition and chain saw sculpting were such big hits that they will be featured again this year.
But the highlight this year might be the first-ever appearance of the state's official sport — jousting.
"The professional riders are something to see. Nothing from their knees up moves," said Tiffany Ramsey, head of the Amateur Jousting Club and coordinator of the event for the fair.
Riders, who will compete next Saturday in the center of the racetrack, follow a 90-yard track and attempt to grab three dangling rings with the tips of their lances. Each contestant gets three passes. The rider with the most rings wins.
"The rings are only an inch and three-quarters across," said Ramsey, who lives across the Maryland border in Pennsylvania and has been competing since she was 14.
"It isn't about who is fastest. It is about who is steadiest. But some of the pros finish in 5.5 seconds, and you wonder if they are going to be able to get their horses to stop."
The lances can be made of anything from a broom handle to a dowel rod, each with a sharpened tip. "Some people are pretty creative," said Ramsey. "I mean, it isn't like you can go to a sporting goods store and buy a lance.
"And if your horse goes a little crazy and you have to throw it down, you mind a lot less if he steps on a broom handle instead of a custom-made lance."
While the professional jousters can put on quite a show, it might be little Amber Farnsworth who steals it. She is only 4 years old and will be led on the course by her mother, Daniell Kreutzer, who has been jousting for years.
"Amber was born into it," said Ramsey. "She doesn't have to worry about controlling the horse, just aiming at the ring."
The competition will begin with a parade and the jousters will be in costume. But most compete in riding breeches and polo shirts.
"I have a cape and a long dress," said Ramsey. But she doesn't wear it to compete because it might spook Matilda, her horse, to have all that fabric flying around.
The Navy is also a newcomer to the Maryland State Fair. As part of the first-ever Baltimore Navy Week, Navy musicians will perform every night beginning Sunday. Baltimore Navy recruits will be sworn in during a special ceremony, and Blue Angel simulators and other popular military gaming gear will also be on hand.
But state fairs are about the food, too, from the tomatoes and peppers competing for blue ribbons to the pizza and funnel cakes on the midway.
This year, there is more on the menu. For the first time, visitors can purchase Maryland produce, baked goods, bison, beef, chicken, jams and jellies and eggs at a farmers' market at the fair.
And the treats will include, for the first time, deep-fried Pop-Tarts, deep-fried chocolate-covered peanut-butter balls and deep-fried s'mores.
Or you can gnaw on an oversize roasted turkey leg while you stroll.
Deep-fried, chocolate-covered Alka-Seltzer? Maybe next year.
susan.reimer@baltsun.com
If you go Maryland State Fair
Today through Sept. 6 at the Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Rd., Timonium. Midway open noon to 10 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday-Sunday and Labor Day.Livestock and horse shows begin at 9 a.m.
Admission: Adults $8; seniors $6; ages 6 to 11 $3; 5 and younger, free. Rides are individually priced. There is a minimal charge for parking at the fairgrounds. Parking is free at the Park & Ride Lot at Deereco Road.