Governor Martin O'Malley Highlights Agriculture, Volunteerism at 128th Maryland State Fair
Governor cites traditions of agriculture and service as keys to sustainable, civil future
ANNAPOLIS, MD (September 3, 2009) – Governor Martin O’Malley today addressed state volunteerism and agricultural leaders in a visit to the 128th Maryland State Fair in Timonium. The first-ever combined Governor’s Volunteer and Agriculture Day luncheon celebrated farming and volunteerism as the foundations of our State and the keys to a sustainable and civil future for all Marylanders.
“There is a deep connectivity between our goals for agriculture, civil service, and the more sustainable future all of us prefer for our State.” said Governor O’Malley. “Throughout the great Revolutionary history of our State, we have always derived our strength here in Maryland from our shared sense that tomorrow can be better than today, and that each of us share a personal responsibility to help make it so.”
Agriculture Day, traditionally held on the Thursday in the middle of the 11-day run of the Fair, highlights the strong agricultural traditions that make Maryland the strong state that it is today and that carry us forward to the future. It is celebrated with a luncheon gathering of agricultural leadership from around the state and a host of special, agriculture-related activities. Farming provides a healthy, local food supply, preserves beautiful, productive farmland, and strengthens rural economies for the benefit of all Marylanders.
Traditionally, Governor’s Volunteer Appreciation Day is held on the first Sunday of the State Fair. The Governor’s Office on Services and Volunteerism hosted Governor’s Volunteer Appreciation Day 2009 at the fair on August 30. A tent was set up holding over 15 State agencies and vendors. Volunteers from across the state were invited to spend a day at the fair, compliments of the Governor. Over 95,000 Governor’s Appreciation Coupons were distributed. Each coupon allowed a group of five people admission to the State Fair at a discounted rate, including discounts on the price of rides and food.
During today’s recognition luncheon Governor O’Malley welcomes 19-year-old, Rachel Miller of Clinton, named Miss Maryland Agriculture 2009 on August 28 at the Maryland State Fair. Ms. Miller lives on and assists with the day-to-day operations of her family’s 270-acre fruit, vegetable, wheat, straw and flower farm that has been farmed by her ancestors in Prince George’s County since the 1840s.
Following the luncheon, the Governor toured the fairgrounds, visiting the Exhibition Hall, Farm and Garden Building and the Maryland State Fair Museum and Natural Resources exhibits. Special activities included a watermelon seed spitting contest, slime lab, honey extraction demonstration, Master Gardener and Flower Day as well as traditional cattle and horse show, and a home arts show.
