With the dog days of summer behind us, Marylanders are winding down in late August and early September with a beloved statewide tradition: The Maryland State Fair.
And besides the rides, games, performances, animals and activities, one element that families look forward to each year is the treats. Fair food has always been a staple of the state and county fair experience, and the Maryland State Fair is no exception.
We spoke to two longtime fair vendors whose sweet and savory peach and pork sundaes are unique to the fair and celebrate Maryland with ties to local agriculture and family tradition.
The Peach Sundae
“Farmer Stan” Stan Dabkowski is the director of the Maryland Food Pavilion and helps run Spring Meadow Farm. He creates the fair’s peach sundaes and sells them at his booth, along with other foods.
Can you tell us about yourself? Are you from Maryland?
Yes. I was raised in Baltimore County, Maryland, and worked at Weber’s Cider Mill Farm when I was 11 years old, picking snow peas so that I could buy blue Jack Purcell tennis shoes. That was my first job ever on a farm, and that’s what got me into the agricultural business.
I worked at Baugher’s Farm in Westminster and got involved with the Direct Marketing Association.
Can you tell us about Spring Meadow Farm?
In 1986, my wife Kelly and I leased some property in Baltimore County and opened Spring Meadow Farm with a farmer friend who grew vegetables. Spring Meadow Farm grew into a community gathering spot full of family activities.
For those who may not know, what is a peach sundae? Is it available only at the fair or year-round?
The Maryland Fresh Peach Sundae is only available during the 13 days of the Maryland State Fair. It is vanilla ice cream covered with sweet local peaches and topped off with real whipped cream.
How long have you been taking part/working at the fair? Is it a tradition?
Forty-plus years. I am the last original vendor at the Maryland Foods Pavilion and am its director. I was involved with the Fruit & Vegetable Association and was president of the Direct Marketing Association.
The Maryland Department of Agriculture asked me if I would be willing to participate in promoting Maryland Commodity Groups at the Maryland State Fair. The groups represented this year are: Beef, Seafood, Turkey, Chicken, Lamb, Fruits & Vegetables and Pork, along with other tasty treats.
What’s the history of the peach sundae? How did you come up with the idea for peach sundaes?
I was looking for a way to promote Maryland peaches and the Maryland Dairy industry. So, I thought that this sweet treat would not only be tasty but would be an avenue to educate fairgoers about the great food that comes from our great state.
What is your favorite part about the Maryland State Fair?
My favorite part is seeing the happy fairgoers who love to come to the Maryland Foods Pavilion year after year. Many have said that the fresh local peach sundaes and the fresh local corn-on-the cob are the driving force of getting them to the fair. It has become a tradition for their families.
Pork Sundae
Kurt Kraus is a consultant for the Maryland State Highway and runs a booth at the fair, where he features a pork sundae, among other bites.
Can you tell us more about yourself? Are you from Maryland?
I’m originally from Catonsville and we’ve been living in Finksburg since 1991.
For those who may not know, what is a pork sundae?
A pork sundae is: sweet corn bread topped with a generous portion of our pulled pork which is topped with our house made coleslaw and drizzled with BBQ sauce.
What made you decide to run a booth for the Fair?
I started running the lamb booth in 2001 because I was well known for serving lamb when I had my catering business and carry-out (eventually the restaurant). Being at the fair gave me great exposure for my business.
I moved on to the pork booth in 2005. Even though we closed the restaurant in April of 2013 and have no downstream benefits, we still enjoy working at the fair. My wife, daughter, son in law and both grandkids all work at the booth. Kinda like a family tradition!
How long have you been working at the Maryland State Fair?
We started at the Maryland State Fair in 2001. The first four years there, we ran the lamb booth at the Food Pavilion. We were fortunate enough to get the pork booth in 2005 when the gentleman who ran it (Bud Langenfelder) retired. We’ve been running it since then.
What’s the history behind the pork sundae? What inspired you to create it?
The idea of the pork sundae was actually a collaboration of ideas between my wife (Donna) and our daughter (Kristi). We just began putting thoughts together and came up with the combination.
How long have you been making the pork sundae for the Maryland State Fair? Is it available only for the fair or year-round?
We started selling it two to three years after we took over the pork booth. It’s only available at the fair. We had a BBQ restaurant in Finksburg but unfortunately needed to close it in 2013.
What is your favorite part of the State Fair?
One thing is that some of our customers only come to the fair to get the pork sundae. It’s like a yearly tradition for them. More importantly though, because we are at the end of the pavilion that faces the rides, I get to see all of the children’s faces as they come by. It’s a look of wonderment and surprise. As they enter from the light rail side (my right) and head towards the rides, the smile on all of their faces is priceless. Sometimes, I stop what I’m doing and just stand at the booth and watch them.
Catch these two vendors and other fair staples at this year’s fair dates, Aug. 22-25, Aug. 29-Sept. 2 and Sept. 5-8.
