Around Town

Fairfax County’s 4-H Fair to return to Frying Pan Farm for 74th year

By Angela Woolsey
Fairfax County 4-H Fair and Carnival attendees pet a lamb (via Fairfax County Park Authority/Twitter)

The Fairfax County 4-H Fair and Carnival is ready to jump back into the frying pan — Frying Pan Farm, that is.

With carnival rides, farm animals and various family-friendly activities in tow, the 74th annual 4-H Fair will set up shop at Frying Pan Farm Park (2709 West Ox Road) in the McNair area south of Herndon from Aug. 1-4.

The festivities will begin next Thursday, Aug. 1 with carnival rides and games from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. Other highlights include a Big Truck Night on Friday, Aug. 2 and the 4-H opening ceremony on Saturday, Aug. 3.

Thursday, Aug. 1

  • Carnival: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-8 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 2

  • Carnival: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; 5-8 p.m.
  • Big Truck Night: 5-7 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 3

  • 4-H opening ceremony: 10 a.m.
  • Carnival: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
  • 4-H exhibits, activities and farm demos: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 4

  • Carnival: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
  • 4-H exhibits, activities and farm demos: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • 4-H closing ceremony: 4 p.m.

Fair food and live entertainment will also be available throughout the event.

While the festival as a whole is free, parking costs $10 after 4 p.m. on Friday, and tickets are required for the carnival rides, starting at $1.25 for one ticket. Wristbands that cover unlimited rides for one day can be purchased online for $20 in advance or for $25 on-site between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Aug. 1 and 2.

The 4-H Fair is organized by the Fairfax County Park Authority in partnershhip with the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services, the Fairfax County Park Foundation, the Friends of Frying Pan Farm Park, and the county’s 4-H program.

Part of the Virginia Cooperative Extension, the program offers youth development activities for kids aged 5 to 18, including different clubs, workshops, an overnight summer camp and contests. The 4-H Fair’s exhibits allows members to showcase projects involving anything from livestock and horses to gardening, arts and crafts, and photography.

About the Author

  • Angela Woolsey is the site editor for FFXnow. A graduate of George Mason University, she worked as a general assignment reporter for the Fairfax County Times before joining Local News Now as the Tysons Reporter editor in 2020.