STARTS THIS WEEK: New Event to Feature World-Class Eventing and So Much More!
first published in the October 2021 Equiery


by the Fair Hill Organizing Committee ​​

The inaugural Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill is set to make its spectacular debut, October 14-17, at the newly constructed Fair Hill Special Event Zone in Elkton, MD (Cecil County).

The Maryland 5 Star is one of only two 5 Star events in the United States and just the seventh worldwide, joining Eventing’s other elite 5 star events at Badminton and Burghley in England; Luhmuhlen in Germany; Pau in France; Adelaide in Australia; and the Kentucky Three-Day Event in the U.S. The event’s prestigious 5 Star (CCI5*) designation is the pinnacle of the Olympic sport of Eventing.

The four days of Eventing competition will feature Dressage (Thu-Fri), Cross-Country (Sat) and Show Jumping (Sun). In addition to the CCI5*-L, the event will feature a 3 Star level competition (CCI3*-L), which is serving as the USEF CCI3*-L Eventing National Championship, and The Dutta Corp. USEA Young Event Horse East Coast Championships Presented by Dubarry of Ireland.

Riders who competed in this year’s Tokyo Olympic Games are expected to be on hand, including the full U.S. team of Phillip Dutton, Boyd Martin and Doug Payne, plus other Olympians such as Will Coleman and Lauren Kieffer Nicholson of the U.S., Clayton Fredericks of Australia, Jessica Phoenix of Canada, and 2004 individual Gold Medalist Leslie Law of Great Britain!

The event will also feature great shopping, demonstrations, concerts, kids activities, and the Maryland 5 Star Fresh Food Fest, produced in partnership with the Maryland Department of Agriculture (Sunday, October 17, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.). The Food Fest will feature seasonal fruits and vegetables, dairy products, meats and seafood, and much more! There will also be an event for adults only – the Maryland 5 Star Beer, Wine & Spirits Showcase Powered by Grow & Fortify (Saturday, October 16, 12:00 – 5:00 p.m.) with a variety of craft beer, wine, and spirits from local producers.

Tickets include entry to all competitions held simultaneously throughout the event. A variety of single and multi-day ticket packages, along with group sales options are available for purchase. Levels range from General Admission starting at $15, Grandstand Box Seats, Reserved Club Level and Tier 1 VIP Hospitality offering the most exclusive and elevated experience to spectators overlooking the Main Arena.

There are also a limited number of Tailgate spots available that will provide tailgaters an incredible experience. The chance for families, friends, and co-workers to be together outdoors for a day at beautiful Fair Hill this Fall, while enjoying their favorite tailgating menu, so close to these elite athletes and horses, is sure to be an experience they’ll never forget!

For news and updates about the event, follow the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill on social media @maryland5star and sign up for the email newsletter at Maryland5star.us/newsletter-sign-up.

The Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill is produced by The Fair Hill Organizing Committee, an affiliate of the Sport and Entertainment Corporation of Maryland, and in partnership with Fair Hill International. The Sport and Entertainment Corporation of Maryland is a nonprofit under section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. tax code. It was established in 2019 to move Maryland forward through sports.

The Maryland Food Bank serves as an event beneficiary of this year’s Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill.
Event organizers continue to monitor health and safety protocols. Updates and policies as deemed necessary will be available through the event website.

Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill Fast Facts

  • WHAT: Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill
  • WHEN: October 14 – 17, Thursday & Friday start at 8am, Saturday & Sunday start at 9am (3 Star Competition) & noon (5 Star Competition)
  • WHERE: Fair Hill Special Event Zone in Elkton, MD (Cecil County)
  • TICKETS: Starting at $15, available at www.Maryland5Star.us/tickets/
  • BENEFITTING: The Maryland Food Bank
  • DESCRIPTION: The highest level of the Olympic equestrian sport of Eventing featuring elegant Dressage (Thu-Fri), dynamic Cross-Country (Sat) & exciting Show Jumping (Sun).
  • Also featuring extensive shopping in the retail vendor areas, equine exhibitions, and other entertainment as well as a number of other special events including the Maryland 5 Star Fresh Food Fest (Food Fest is held on Sunday, October 17 only).
  • FURTHER INFO: www.Maryland5Star.us or call 410-MD5-STAR (410-635-7827)