2. 2
Introduction
What is the Maryland State Fair?:
“Maryland State Fair: “Not just the fair, an 11-day late-summer event that draws some
400,000 people, but the whole Timonium Fairgrounds. The 106-acre spread books nearly
300 indoor and outdoor events a year: thoroughbred horse sales, lacrosse tournaments,
wrestling matches, farmers' market, crafts festivals and shows of cars, model trains, cats,
cattle, antiques, guns, wedding attire, even reptiles.” Dec 8, 2014 -- Baltimore Sun
3. Our History
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1831:Construction of the Track
Amon Bosley constructed a one mile track
when he purchases the property in this year.
1835: Track Destroyed
The track was destroyed when the Baltimore
and Susquehanna Railroad was extended.
December 1878: "The Timonium Fair”
A group of community leaders incorporated as
The Agricultural Society of Baltimore County.
This organization ran the early fairs, which were
originally known as “The Timonium Fair.”
4. Our History
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1906: Merger
The Timonium Fair and The Maryland
State Fair at Pimlico merged and
incorporated as the Maryland State Fair
and Agricultural Society of Baltimore
County, Md.
1918: New Management
The Maryland Jockey Club assumed
management responsibilities for the Fair.
1943 — 1945: WWII Puts the Fair on Hold
The Maryland State Fairgrounds was
leased to the Army for use as an engineer’s
storage depot and truck repair center.
Consequently, the Maryland State Fair was
not held during these three years.
5. Our History
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1958: Grandstand Built
. 1974: Track Lengthened
The track’s length was increased from ½ a
mile to 5/8 of a mile.
1992: Light Rail Built with Stop at
Fairgrounds
Much like the first Fair visitors who used
the North Central Railway as a convenient
and economical means of transportation to
the Fair, modern fairgoers started to benefit
from the new Light Rail System in 1992
with a stop at the Fairgrounds.
1976 - 5 million in funds received by
the state of Maryland to up date and
build infrastructure
6. Our History
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2006: 125th Anniversary Celebration
If history is evidence, the Maryland State
Fair will continue to grow, to change when
necessary, to uphold tradition when
possible, and to provide Marylanders with a
place to play, learn, and make memories
and friends.
The nearly half-million visitors each year
attest to what has become a favorite
summer tradition - The 11 Best Days of
Summer - The Maryland State Fair. “The Maryland State Fair has
its first new general manager
in 53 years.” Dec 2, 2014 --
Baltimore Business Journal
7. Location and Facilities
Maryland State Fairgrounds are located Timonium, MD. Twenty minutes north of
Baltimore, MD off of Interstate 83. The fair grounds are ¼ mile east of the Interstate.
106 Acres:
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8. Location and Facilities
Race Track + Track Infield
- (5/8th mile oval track)
Grand Stand
- (Outdoor 150-200 persons)
- (Indoor seating 350-400 persons)
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9. Facilities
4-H/Home Arts Building (28,350 sqft)
Cow Palace (158,400 sqft)
Exhibition Hall (38,400 sqft)
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10. Facilities
Horse Show Ring
Sales Pavilion (11,000 sqft)
Vista Room/ Banquet Room (4,000 sqft)
Goat Barn and Swine Ring
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11. Mission and Future Goals
Goals:
Financially, independent of annual 11 Day Event
Diversify Events and bring in Off Track Betting (OTB) Parlor
Increase interest in Agricultural Education
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1879: to encourage the educational growth of youth (among them 4-H and Future Farmers
of America) by providing a venue where they can showcase their skills; and, to educate the
general public regarding agriculture, its related fields and its importance to our future.
2015: The mission of the Maryland State Fair/Fairgrounds is to provide a multipurpose
venue in which to conduct a successful Maryland State Fair, thoroughbred horseracing
season and other community events to benefit the citizens of Maryland and surrounding
states. Our venue provides an opportunity for the community to participate in a variety of
public and private events that showcase agriculture, horseracing, education, commerce,
entertainment, technology and industry. The Maryland State Fair is recognized and
respected in the local, national and international fair and exposition industry
14. Surveys
Leadership and Council
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Current culture demonstrated by leadership demonstrates Clan Culture
Work environment is family oriented
Preferred culture observes the need for balance by structure and
entrepreneurship
15. Surveys
Management
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Current culture demonstrated by management demonstrates Clan Culture
Work environment is family oriented
Preferred culture observes the need for balance by structure and
entrepreneurship
16. Current and Preferred Culture
Current culture reflects bias
toward a sense of “we-ness” and
extended family environment.
Preferred culture is requiring more
balance from Adhocracy,
Hierarchy, and Market cultures.
More structure, clarification of
responsibility, and standards of
operation will bring balance.
A fine-tuning is required rather
than a complete change.
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17. Cultural Analysis Indicates
Clan Culture:
Family work environment, employees are extended family
Tradition 5-7 generations of family involvement
Almost have to be born into the culture. Job is inherited. (There is no fair school)
Highly committed to employees. Pension plan / Employment is long term
Leadership, thought of as parental figures or the glue holding the organization together.
Ad-hoc Culture:
Retro-Active up keep of facilities
Market Culture:
Year Round Rentals
Sponsors
Hierarchal Culture:
Leadership is the glue that holds the employees together
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18. What we heard
“We need more funding”
“Family Entertainment and Education”
“Schools shouldn't start before Labor Day”
“Small family Agriculture culture is dying”
“The Facilities are Aging”
“Diversification!” (Ag Education and Exhibits)
“Tradition”
“Passionate, We take care of our people”
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19. What MSF is doing right!
The fair has already gone through a major change event with new
Leadership
A family working environment for a family oriented education and
entertainment.
Taking care of your employees
On going business and support of year round rentals, Horse
shows, and the Fair (a celebration of Agriculture)
Continued Ag Education (Live Stock and Agriculture)
University of Maryland and 4H involvement
Up keep of the facilities
Bringing in of Off Track Betting Parlor
Horse Racing
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20. Recommendations
Clan Culture
Consider apprenticeships
Move towards Hierarchal culture
Clear definition of roles
Standard Operating Procedures for daily tasks
Set rules and guide lines to exhibitors (No Freebies)
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21. Recommendations continued
Move towards Ad-hoc culture
Play to your strengths! Train, location, flexibility
Differentiation of product
Market research to discover needed facility offerings
Bridge skill set to future technology
Public School involvement, during the 11 day event
Move towards Market Culture
Lobbying for state funding
Create competition among city and counties
local business involvement (vendors, restaurants, food trucks, and
produce markets)
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22. Challenges of Assessment:
Lack of access to additional department heads
Lack of access to Board of Directors
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