Why the Great Frederick Fair Keeps Partnering With Fair Publishing

The Great Frederick Fair has been a beloved institution in Frederick County, Maryland, since 1822, making it one of the longest-running agricultural fairs in the state. 

Sixteen years ago, the fair began partnering with the only-slightly-younger Fair Publishing House, which opened its doors in 1880, for its awards.

According to the fair’s General Manager, Karen Nicklas, the partnership has been a successful one.

“It’s a relationship we truly value,” she says. “What keeps us coming back is their exceptional customer service and the genuine care they put into their work. The entire team—from Charlie, Brenda, and Cara to everyone behind the scenes—feels like part of our fair family.”

Every September, Nicklas orders thousands of ribbons for the Great Frederick Fair, which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors.

This celebration, which honors the county’s agricultural roots, commitment to youth education, and community pride, plays out in livestock shows, home arts exhibits, concerts, and even motorsports. At the heart of it all, however, is the hard work of the fair’s youth exhibitors. 

The ribbons they earn speak volumes about their dedication, determination, and achievements.

Each year, Nicklas orders a wide array of these ribbons—ranging from standard place ribbons to custom champion, best-in-show, and special award ribbons—for exhibitors at the fair. 

“Our fair has a different theme each year,” she continues. “Fair Publishing goes above and beyond to help us match our ribbons to that theme. We’ve experimented with gingham, polka dots, bold colors, custom wheat logos, rabbits—you name it—and they always deliver!”

Running a historic fair is a complicated business, so it helps to partner with an awards company that can handle a challenging order with ease. 

“Our ordering process is complex,” Nicklas explains, “with many customizations, categories, and classes—but the Fair Publishing team makes it seamless. From start to finish, they are attentive, responsive, and incredibly organized. Their attention to detail ensures our ribbons are produced and delivered correctly and on time, year after year.”

The ease of working with Fair Publishing continues when the completed order arrives, too.

“Their packaging is meticulous, with every ribbon clearly labeled and carefully packed,” she says, “making our on-site distribution process smooth and efficient.”

Given the complexity involved in producing such a wide array of ribbons for so many participants, problems occasionally arise—but nothing insurmountable.

“Mistakes are extremely rare, but if anything needs adjustment, it’s resolved quickly and graciously,” Nicklas emphasizes. “Fair Publishing understands how meaningful each ribbon is to our exhibitors, and treats every order with the respect it deserves.”

Nicklas’s satisfaction with Fair Publishing has led her to share the story of the fair’s successful partnership with other parties. 

“We wholeheartedly recommend Fair Publishing House to other fairs and events,” she says. “Their quality, creativity, and customer service are second to none. They don’t just provide a product—they partner with you to make sure every ribbon reflects the spirit and excellence of your event.”

If you need awards, supplies, or promotional materials for your upcoming fair or event, visit Fair Publishing’s website and click “Start Planning.” 

We would love to become part of your fair family and work with you year after year, like we have for the past 16 years with the Great Frederick Fair. The word “great” might not be in your fair’s name, but with your hard work and our ribbons, the greatness will be evident to all who attend and participate!