Young boys and girls from across the county are judged separately in the categories of 6-to-12 months, 13-to-24 months and 25-to-36 months.
Free registration for the contest begins at 5:30 p.m. on the first day and is for Prince George's County residents only.
"The Beautiful Baby Contest had almost 400 entries last year," Harris said. "It's definitely difficult to pick the cutest."
"Another real big draw is the Karaoke Contest," Harris said.
This year, tune-carrying contestants will be split into two groups — 16 years of age and younger and 17 years of age and older.
Singers perform in the order registered; performance times vary throughout the duration of the fair. Finalists will be chosen at the end of each session.
Winners in each group will be eligible for prize money after all finalists have performed in the ultimate showcase on Sept. 7.
"Some people give you a good laugh but others are quite good," said fair volunteer Bob Russell, 54.
Those who prove they have what it takes to stand out will be awarded cash prizes.
Top prize for the 17 and older age group is $1,000. Top prize for the 16 and younger age group is a 10-week scholarship to the John Roberts Powers (talent) Agency, valued at $1,250.
"Last year not an evening went by that there weren't 200-to-300 people in the audience," Russell of Camp Springs said.
"We loved it last year," he said of him and his three children who are all volunteering their time at the first aid tent.
To draw a larger and more diverse crowd, the fair association has included some innovative entertainment options this year along with the traditional fair exhibits to appeal to a broader audience.
"One of the most exciting new exhibits this year is the game room," Harris said.
This exhibit brings the in-home gaming experience to the county fair.
This portable game environment contains 22 gaming stations at which visitors can test their skills at games on the a variety of video game systems including Wii, PlayStation 2, GameCube and Xbox.
The game room is open throughout each day of the fair and is free with admission.
"The most popular exhibit is always the NASCAR Race Track," Harris said.
Fast Action Motorsports Entertainment brings a hands-on interactive racing experience to the fair. F.A.M.E. racing is 1/10 scale mini stock car racing with all the excitement of being the driver of your own car.
"I'm anxious to see what's new at the NASCAR racing exhibit," Russell said. "I heard they had something new."
For more hands-on fair fun check out the Maryland-National Capital Park Planning and Commission's Fun Factory located at the Race Track Infield.
This section of the fair gives kids a place to make crafts and participate in fair-style games including pie eating contests, egg toss and hay bale throwing.
The Fun Factory also has clowns and balloon art.
The Fun Factory hours are 6 to 8 p.m., Sept. 5; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sept. 6; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sept. 7.
Amusement rides and attractions are available at Reithoffer Carnival.
Visit www.countyfair.org/ carnivalcoupon.html for a $5 off coupon to the Reithoffer Carnival.
After walking around and enjoying the sights and activities, visitors and sit down and enjoy a show.
"This year, we have acts that the whole family can enjoy," Harris said.
The costumed comic characters known as the ZOOperstars will be at the fair sure to give fairgoers a smile and a laugh to add to an enjoyable fair experience.
Magician Josh Knott will also be performing on the Show Place Arena stage throughout the duration of the fair.
The Artistic Dance Academy and The Boot Scooters will also take the Show Place Arena stage on Saturday and Sunday to perform a variety of dance genres.
"Whether it's a monster truck ride or a pony ride; a laugh at the Boogie Bodies exhibit or a smile at the petting zoo the Prince George's County is sure to be fun for the whole family," Harris said.
IF YOU GO
Prince George's County Fair
When: Sept. 4 through Sept. 7. Gates open 4 p.m. on Sept. 4; 5 p.m. on Sept. 5; and 9 a.m. Sept. 6 and Sept. 7
Where: The Show Place Arena and Prince George's Equestrian Center, Route 301 and Route 4, Upper Marlboro
Tickets: $6, $5 for children 6 and older; free for children 5 and younger
Information: Visit www.countyfair.org or
call 301-952-0270 or
301-751-5705
