Fairs

HAGERSTOWN -- To be clear, it's not a Renaissance fair. It's an educational experience. The Society for Creative Anachronism's Barony of Highland Foorde held its annual public gathering in Hagerstown Saturday on the grounds of the Jonathan Hager House. Although the event features tunics, surcoats and minstrels by the dozens, it differs from Renaissance fairs in that many of its participants have spent years researching their craft or skill. "It's not about entertaining, it's about educating," said Sherri Fabic, who helped put on this year's event.

When Edward Walter Ryan III was a boy, he wanted to make wood fly. He was jealous of his brother's skill at building balsa airplanes. He followed the directions, but his models didn't soar. "I would be real exact and it wouldn't do a thing," he said. Ryan now works with a different plane - and router, lathe and chisels. Those early attempts at making models inspired the 52-year-old Waynesboro, Pa., resident made carving a lifelong craft. His hobby has history. Ryan has tools that belonged to his great-great-grandfather, George Lever.

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WAYNESBORO, Pa. - Shoppers at the huge craft fair at Waynesboro Area Senior High School had an incredible variety of items to choose from Saturday. Craft vendors' tables lined the downstairs halls and filled the gymnasium while visitors crowded the aisles to examine their wares. The annual fair, which benefits the school's band, began about 15 years ago. Visitors browsed among ruffled lampshades, painted mailboxes and water jugs, walking sticks topped with golf balls, birdhouses with license plates for roofs, stuffed dinosaurs, vintage button jewelry and fabric garlands.

Making friends After a cool bath, Tracy Forsythe's cow Anoika was ready to socialize. While Tracy walked Anoika back from the washing area, where several cows were getting their final scrub downs before competition at the Washington County Ag Expo & Fair, Anoika jerked her head repeatedly at a row of cows to the left. "She's calm; I've never had any problems from her," Tracy said as she stroked Anoika's head to divert her attention. Tracy, 16, said she has been coming to the Ag Expo since she was 4. She said she likes the competition, but most enjoys the event as an opportunity to get together with people.

Fairgoers mingle around Lions Park in Mercersburg, Pa., on Tuesday during the Mercersburg Lions Club Community Fair. The fair continues through Saturday and features rides, games, food and live music.

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. -- The Franklin County Fair continues through Saturday, Aug. 22. Saturday is a Special Family Fun Day at the fair with free gate admission for everyone untill 1:30 p.m. If you go .. . WHAT: Franklin County Fair WHEN: Through Saturday WHERE: Chambersburg (Pa.) Rod & Gun Club, 3725 Warm Spring Road, eight miles southwest of Chambersburg COST: Admission varies; $3 to $8 depending on age and day. Carnival rides, extra charge.

The Tri-State Technology Fair will be Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Career Programs Building at Hagerstown Community College. Sponsored by Herald-Mail Media and HCC, the event will feature exhibitors with information on the latest technology. There will be educational presentations, food, music and interactive exhibits. Door prizes will be awarded at 1 and 4 p.m. Back-to-school event Ringgold Church of Christ, at 14420 Barkdoll Road in Hagerstown, will hold a back-to-school bash Sunday, Sept.

SEPT. 18, 1932-SEPT. 8, 2010 Joann Elizabeth Fair, 77, of 1030 Ross St., Hagerstown, Md., died Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2010, at Washington County Hospital. Born Sept. 18, 1932, in Washington County, Md., she was the daughter of the late Bruce G. and Edna Marie Zombro Hull. She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Frank E. Fair. She was a member of The Good Shepherd Ministries. She is survived by one daughter, Colleen Harris Kreitz and husband, Robert, of Fairfield, Pa.; three sons, Michael Fair Sr. of Hagerstown, Timothy Fair Sr. of Williamsport, Md., and Steven Fair of Clear Spring, Md.; one sister, Cherie D. Moore of Smithsburg, Md.; one brother, Charles G. Hull of Hagerstown; 12 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.