Dundalk's Heritage Fair Kicks Off at Noon

The setup work is complete, booths and carnival rides are installed and stages are ready for three days of entertainment.

The 38th annual Heritage Fair kicks off at noon, and organizers are hoping for cooperation from the one element they have no control over—the weather.

The fair was heavily damaged by the derecho that struck the area last year at this time, and the Dundalk Heritage Fair Association ended up losing about $87,000 over the course of the weekend, according to fair chairman Joe Falbo.

Asked about concerns for the weather this weekend, Falbo said Thursday he can't get too concerned over something he can't control.

"I have no idea—I'm guessing it will be hot, hazy and humid," he said. "I don't worry about things I can't control."

The three-day festival brings the entire community together, with businesses, community associations, recreation councils, scout groups and other community groups participating in the gathering.

Stands selling pit beef sandwiches, lemonade, french fries and popcorn share space with booths manned by community associations, media outlets, three stages that provide nonstop entertainment and a beer garden where adults can quench their thirst.

Entertainment ranges from nationally-known groups—like this year's headliners, Three Dog Night and Jefferson Starship— to locally known groups like the Martians and the Gigs and the Shirley Darling Dancers of the Gray-Charles Recreation Council.

In addition to food, music and information about community resources and organizations, fair-goers can also enjoy carnival rides, live pig races and magic acts.

For those with a need to feed their inner performer, the beer garden includes a karaoke stage.

See the entire fair entertainment schedule here.

The fair, in residence at Heritage Park in downtown Dundalk, runs from noon to 10 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Admission is $7 for children and adults ages 13 and older; children 12 and young will be admitted free of charge.

Daily admission includes all concerts.

Event Details:

What: 38th annual Heritage Fair, Dundalk's annual Independence Day celebration

When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday, June 28-30; noon to 10 p.m. each day

Where: Heritage Park, Trading Place and Dunmanway (between Dundalk Elementary School and Dundalk Village Shopping Center)

Cost: Daily admission is $7 for children and adults ages 13 and older; children 12 and younger admitted free of charge. Admission includes all concerts.

Info: Heritage Fair website