After nearly half a century of showcasing bands, food, crafts and entertainment each summer, the Dundalk Heritage Fair has been canceled for financial reasons, according to its executive director.
“After 49 years of celebrating the 4th of July in Dundalk, the Heritage Association of Dundalk, Inc., is ceasing operations and ending the Dundalk Heritage Fair,” Executive Director Mark Krysiak said in a Facebook post. “The 2025 Fair has been cancelled.”
Dundalk held its inaugural Heritage Fair in 1976. During its prime, the event drew as many as 20,000 people each year. The fair also hosted prolific entertainers, including Marie Osmond, Joan Jett, Eddie Mone and many more throughout the years.
Local support for the fair has dwindled over the last decade, reducing both the number of volunteers and patrons from the local community, according to Krysiak.
“With fewer patrons and four consecutive years of poor weather conditions, revenues have declined considerably while costs have continued to rise,” Krysiak posted. “Additional donations and sponsorships were the only hope of preserving the Fair. Unfortunately, the current economic uncertainties have thwarted our efforts to identify new sponsors. This has rendered the Fair no longer financially viable.”
Cockeysville resident Mark Maloney grew up in Dundalk and attended the Heritage Fair each year with friends and family. For him, it’s the end of a memorable tradition.
“The Heritage Fair was a genuine source of pride,” Maloney said. “Like the Key Bridge, it was part of our DNA. It’s hard to believe that they’re both gone.”
The Board of Directors of the Heritage Association of Dundalk is working with other local community groups to try to ensure the continuation of the Dundalk Heritage Independence 6K and the Dundalk 4th of July Fireworks.
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