Drew Costley Photography 

Arlington County was once a rural suburb of Washington, D.C., but in the last half-century it developed into an urban suburb, then, in the last decade, it transformed into a mini-metropolis. But there is still some small-town charm left in Arlington, as was on display during the county’s 40th annual Arlington County Fair.

 

Between 1976, the first year the fair was held, and 2016, Arlington County’s population grew 77.6%. In 2010, the county was the 12th most densely populated jurisdiction in the United States, with 7,994 people per square mile.

 

Despite the rapid urbanization taking place in Arlington, the annual county fair is a not-to-be-missed highlight for many longtime residents. It features all of the hallmarks of a county or state fair: crop contests, deep-fried Oreos, carnival rides and games – and even pig races. But it also takes a lot of effort to put on such an event.