All is fair in Howard County, where crowds enjoy 'slice of Americana' Fair: Cows, pigs, horses, food, rides, games, races, silliness and crowds define the 52nd annual event in West Friendship.

Good thing F. Grant Hill had on comfortable walking shoes.

A crush of parents and babies in strollers forced Hill, who has a golf cart at his disposal, to walk almost as much as he drove around the 52nd Howard County Fair yesterday.

"It looks like we have more strollers than people walking," joked Hill, president of the Howard County Fair Association Inc., which runs the event. "Don't want to get into an accident or anything. But this is what it's about -- kids having fun."

An estimated 20,000 people attended the first day of the eight-day event, which features everything from barns of cattle, pigs and horses to halls of handmade clothes and baked goods to the flashing lights of the midway to the silliness of an animal dress-up contest and a worm race.

More than 100,000 visitors are expected to attend the fair, which runs from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily at the fairgrounds off Route 144 in West Friendship. Admission is $3 for adults, free for children younger than 12.

It was the children who dominated opening day, at everything from 4-H competitions to carnival rides.

About 800 4-H members will show and judge livestock, and compete in sewing and baked-goods contests at the fair.

One of the first events yesterday was the horse and pony show, an annual favorite.

For many riders, the show is serious business. The goal is not only to capture grand champion status, but also to demonstrate maturity and prowess with an animal.

"It's fun, but it's also difficult," said Leanne Jacobson, a 15-year-old Clarksville girl who, with her horse, Mystic, captured first place in the champion senior equitation division.

"You have to be aware of everything around you," she said. "And you have to be aware of what your horse is doing, because if you're caught napping, you're on the ground."

Experience isn't everything. John Secan, an 11-year-old from Brinklow in Montgomery County, was crowned grand champion in the novice division in his first competition.

"I was really surprised," John said. "I didn't even practice that much."

John received a silver plate and a huge ribbon. As for Cherokee, his 11-year-old Morgan quarter-horse, "she'll get some treats tonight," John said.

For others, the best part of the fair is the carnival rides.

Sarah Plitt and Stephanie Myers withstood the Round Up, a disclike structure that spins rapidly, pinning riders to the wall.

For the Ellicott City girls, the fair was their opportunity to spend the day in the warm sun.

"Otherwise, we'd be sitting at home watching TV or talking on the phone," said Stephanie, 14.

Gregory Fox, 5, and Simon Bedorin, 3, both of Baltimore, said they loved the Dragon Wagon, a miniature roller coaster that had long lines all afternoon.

"I like the cars," Gregory said. "They go really fast."

"Up and down, up and down," Simon said.

Spending time as a family was the objective of Chris and Elaine Laia. The Olney couple brought their 3-year-old son, Evan, to the fair so he could get a glimpse of the animals.

"This is a slice of Americana," Elaine Laia said. "It's what you do in the summer, and it's a good family activity."

Pub Date: 8/10/97