Cow Tales support expanded Barnyard Bedtime Stories program as Official Education Partners of the Maryland State Fair
In celebration of its 130th year, Baltimore-based Goetze’s Candy Company, makers of Cow Tales® and Caramel Creams®, has partnered with the Maryland State Fair & Agricultural Society as the Official Education Partner of the 2025 Maryland State Fair. Together, Cow Tales® and the Maryland State Fair, are expanding the beloved Barnyard Bedtime Stories program to bring even more educational fun to the fair.
“We are grateful to Goetze’s Candy Company for this sweet deal that in a creative way helps us further educate fairgoers about the importance of agriculture,” said Maryland State Fair General Manager Andy Cashman.
Barnyard Bedtime Stories invites young fairgoers to read tales to the animals before they go to bed, creating a one-of-a kind experience at the U-Learn Barn in the Cow Palace, from 7:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. on Fridays, August 29 and September 5 and Saturdays, August 23, August 30, and September 6, 2025. The Maryland State Fair Junior Fair Board members will be on hand to introduce the children to the animals before storytime begins.
“Reading out loud helps young readers connect the printed word with meaning. Doing so with animals is a fun, judgment-free way to build confidence. Studies have shown that when children read to animals, it can boost their self-esteem, reduce anxiety and improve literacy skills. Barnyard Bedtime Stories at the Maryland State Fair is an exciting collaboration for Baltimore County Public Library because it combines literacy with agricultural education,” said Baltimore County Public Library CEO Sonia Alcántara-Antoine. “We are proud to partner with the Fair for this unique outreach program.”
The first 100 participants each night will receive an agriculturally-themed book, a Cow Tales® bookmark, and a mini Cow Tales® bag of treats courtesy of Goetze’s Candy Company.
This initiative is part of Goetze’s broader commitment to literacy. In addition to its role at the fair, Cow Tales® will also support nine visits to Baltimore County Public libraries leading up to the 2025 Fair.
“We’re thrilled to partner with the Maryland State Fair & Agricultural Society to grow a program that blends our love for Cow Tales® with our commitment to literacy and agricultural education,” said Mitchell Goetze, CEO of Goetze’s Candy Company. “Through Barnyard Bedtime Stories and our upcoming visits to Baltimore County Public Libraries, we’re helping make reading exciting, interactive, and accessible for Maryland children.”
The 144th Maryland State Fair presented by Toyota is a fun and educational destination complete with daily exhibits, presentations and entertainment sure to captivate visitors of all ages. No other event provides so much food, fun, family entertainment, and education for so little. The Maryland State Fair, located in Timonium in Baltimore County, runs for three big weekends: Thursday, August 21 through Sunday, August 24; Thursday, August 28 through Monday, September 1; and Thursday, September 4 through Sunday, September 7, 2025. For details, visit www.marylandstatefair.com