With the completion of Wednesday's veterinary inspections, the 19th annual Dansko Fair Hill International Festival in the Country, is set to begin competition Thursday morning. This year's Festival features competition in two equestrian disciplines, as well as a wide array of family entertainment and attractions, at the Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area in the beautiful countryside of Fair Hill, MD.

The Festival features the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Eventing CCI*** Championship, one of the most prestigious three-day events in the United States. It is also the first event ever to present five of the six national driving championships offered annually by the USEF.

"Before now, there has never been a single event that has hosted five driving championships," said Charlie Colgan, Dansko Fair Hill International Executive Director. "We are very excited to offer these championship events this year, and hope that our spectators will enjoy watching the nation's best riders and drivers and these world-class horses."

The Dansko Fair Hill CCI*** is one of only two three-star events in the country. Top riders prime and condition their horses to meet the challenging obstacles Fair Hill presents every year. Olympic medal-winners such as Phillip Dutton, Karen O'Connor and Kim Severson are on hand vying for a chance to win the prestigious United States Equestrian Team Foundation Challenge Trophy.

Stiff competition is also expected in the combined driving championships as drivers compete in the areas of singles (horses and ponies), pairs (horses and ponies) and four-in-hand (ponies only). Those on hand this year include 2006 Advanced Driving winner Suzy Stafford, Individual Gold medalist at the 2005 World Driving Championships.

To complement the top-notch equestrian competition, Fair Hill's ever popular dog agility trials are back with over 400 canine competitors. Many additional exciting activities are planned, including appearances by the Delmarva Miniature Horse Club, featuring driving and hunter/jumper demonstrations.

Members of the United States Pony Club will be on hand for the President's Cup Invitational Games. During the Games, riders in teams of five will compete in a variety of challenging and entertaining relay races; awards will be presented to winning teams on Sunday.

The Kids Corner also returns this year, offering a variety of activities for the younger set. Puppeteer Jack Foreaker will perform on both Saturday and Sunday, and live music will be provided by Rebecca Pitre's Whoa Buddy Productions. Visitors may want to watch JoAnn Dawson's musical production, "HorsePlay," on Saturday. The play uses actors and horses to chronicle the relationship of man and horse throughout history.

Also back are the country Shops, boasting a wide variety of shopping and dining, featuring vendors of tack, jewelry, artwork, pet needs, exceptional apparel and fine gifts for the approaching holiday seasons. The Fair Hill Club offers fine dining, while visitors seeking a more casual snack or meal will find pubs around the Fair Hill grounds serving classic Maryland crab cakes and other treats. In fact, the Maryland Department of Agriculture named the Fair Hill International as a "Maryland Top Event!"

The 2007 Dansko Fair Hill International Festival in the Country benefits Union Hospital in Elkton, MD. The hospital, whose mission is to enhance the health and well-being of the residents of Cecil County and its neighboring communities, has been caring for area families and neighbors for nearly 100 years.

For more information on this year's Fair Hill, please call (410) 398-2111 or visit www.fairhillinternational.com.