UPDATE: State Fair Organizers 'Ready' for Irene

UPDATE (3:05 p.m.)—The Maryland State Fair midway, which features carnival games, rides and food, will be closing today at 3 p.m. based on the threat of Hurricane Irene. 

However, the property's buildings—the Cow Palace, Admininstration, Art Show, and Exhibition Hall—all of which have been designated emergency shelters, will remain open until 5 p.m. The remainder of the property will close at 6 p.m., according to spokeswoman Edie Bernier. 

The fair is scheduled to open reopen Sunday. 

ORIGINAL—Safety is priority No. 1 for organizers, according to spokeswoman Edie Bernier. 

As , state fair administrators continue to monitor the weather will be updating the media on any postponements, rescheduling or cancellations of state fair events. 

Additionally, the Cow Palace, Exhibition Hall, Main Office and 4-H/Home Arts building have been designated as emergency shelters. 

As for Saturday, thoroughbred horse racing will run as scheduled at 1 p.m., while the 4-H/FFA Livestock Sale has been postponed. 

Fairgrounds president Howard "Max" Mosner told Towson Times reporter Jon Meoli, "We're getting geared up, preparing for the worst and hoping that it'll take a turn to the east and leave us alone. ... "But we're ready."

Be sure to check back with the site often for updates about the state fair and alerts regarding Hurricane Irene. 

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