Much to Do at the Maryland 5 Star

Images courtesy of the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill.

In addition to giving us a front row to first-class five-star competition, the 2021 Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill promises plenty of entertainment on the side as well. There’s something for everyone with great shopping, demonstrations, live music, kids’ activities and more.

  • Education: Horse lovers of all ages can learn more about horses and interact with the horses and trainers from Maryland’s Horse Discovery Centers at Horseland at the Maryland 5 Star, a free exhibit sponsored by the Maryland Horse Industry Board.
  • Shopping: Over 75 vendors will feature gifts, apparel, décor and more. BROOKBEND Interiors Arts & Crafts Center will be showcasing all things Maryland, novelty socks, home décor, whiskey/wine bar accessories and so much more! They’ll be offering a unique experience for adults and children during Jolie Home Paint Studio Workshops throughout the entire event.
  • Dog-friendly: For those bringing their canine friends, the KONG Equine Doggy Day Care offers off-leash fun and complimentary doggy daycare services every day of the event. There are limited reservations available through the Maryland 5 Star ticket portal, and walk-ins will be taken on a first-come, first-serve basis. KONG Equine will also have Puppuccinos available from 8 to 9 a.m. each morning at their tent.
  • Drinks & dining: Check out the featured brands and chocolates at the MARS VIPet Experience, while also exploring nine food truck options and eating at an onsite seafood restaurant run by The Wellwood of North East, Md. Activities over the weekend also include a 21 and over event, the Maryland 5 Star Beer, Wine & Spirits Showcase Powered by Grow & Fortify (Saturday, Oct. 16, 12-5 p.m.) with a variety of craft beer, wine and spirits from local producers, as well as the family-friendly Maryland 5 Star Fresh Food Fest (Sunday, Oct. 17, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.) with seasonal fruits and vegetables, dairy products, meats and seafood, and much more.
  • Military: Taking place on Saturday from 12-1 p.m., the Military Riding Showcase will include a meet and greet and book signing with the soldiers and horses of The Old Guard Caisson Platoon, demonstrations from a mounted color guard and Maryland’s mounted police units, and a mounted drill to music by the Freedom Hills Veterans Drill Team.
  • Mustangs: On Friday, competitor in Maryland’s CCI3*-L division and well-known advocate for the American Mustang, Elisa Wallace, will perform a demonstration with two of her mustangs in the main arena during the break between the 3 Star and the 5 Star. The Chincoteague Pony Drill Team will perform Saturday at 2 p.m.
  • Drive: Land Rover, the Official Vehicle and Presenting Sponsor of Cross Country Day, will have a sales center on-site at the event! Go Above and Beyond by experiencing their luxurious range of vehicles in person in the Land Rover Sales Center Oct. 14-17.

In addition to the CCI5*-L, the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill is hosting a CCI3*-L which is serving as the USEF CCI3*-L Eventing National Championship, and The Dutta Corp. USEA Young Event Horse East Coast Championships Presented by Dubarry of Ireland.

The event takes place Oct. 14-17 at the newly constructed Fair Hill Special Event Zone in Elkton, Maryland (Cecil County). For ticket information, please click here.