Connecticut Fairs
By Tamara Sevigny
Each year there are an estimated 19,000 agricultural and livestock fairs around the world, of which are held right in the U.S. Many are small town, county or district fairs.
Agricultural fairs evolved from Europe and North American from annual sheep shearing held by estate owners in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The first significant livestock exposition was the Berkshire Cattle Show of 1810 in New England. The first state fair was held in Syracuse, NY in 1841 and within the next two decades hundreds of state and local fairs sprang up.
Since 1900 the popularity of the agricultural fair has only increased, starting to include industrial and commercial exhibits, carnival sideshows, rides and grandstand entertainment.
Connecticut is home to more then 50 agricultural fairs each year between July and October, most of which are in August and September. If you are in search of some great family entertainment and the opportunity to experience and purchase some of the bounty produced by local farmers you'll want to attend at least one.
Modern agricultural fairs offer competitive exhibits of livestock and agricultural products, complete with prizes. A variety of exhibits and activities include sheep shearing, horse pulling, livestock judging, woodsmen's challenges and equipment displays. Many will also have baking contests, photo contests, quilt contests, concessions, carnival rides, antiques and even scholarships.
One of the oldest, largest and most popular fairs in Connecticut is the Durham fair, which began in 1916. People travel from all over the state to attend this enormous fair each year. It's the largest fair in North America without a paid manager or staff. The Durham Agricultural Fair Association and hundreds of volunteers organize the fair each year. This year the Durham fair will take place on September 22, 23 and 24, for more information visit www.durhamfair.com.
Another old fair is the Brooklyn Fair. Thought to be the oldest fair in the state, it started in 1809 and evolved from the Pomfret United Agricultural Society, the first agricultural society in Connecticut. They now operate as the Windham County Agricultural Society. The Brooklyn Fair will be held August 24-27; for more information visit www.brooklynfair.org.
Whichever fair you choose to visit this year, big or small, old or new, you should probably leave your pets at home, but it is great family entertainment for all ages. For more information about Connecticut fairs visit www.ctfairs.org.
MAJOR FAIRS
Berlin Fair Sept. 29, 30 & Oct. 1
Bethlehem Fair September 8, 9, 10
Brooklyn Fair August 24, 25, 26, 27
Chester Fair August 25, 26 & 27,
Connecticut Agricultural Fair July 28, 29, 30
Durham Fair September 22, 23, 24
Four Town Fair Sept. 14, 15, 16, 17
Goshen Fair September 2, 3, 4
Guilford Fair September 15, 16, 17
Haddam Neck Fair September 1, 2, 3, 4
Harwinton Fair October 7 & 8
Hebron Harvest Fair September 7,8,9, & 10
Lebanon Country Fair August 11, 12 & 13
North Haven Fair September 7, 8, 9, 10
North Stonington Agricultural Fair July 13 - 16
Portland Fair October 6, 7, 8
Terryville Country Fair September 15, 16, 17
Woodstock Fair September 1, 2, 3, 4
DISTRICT FAIRS
Bridgewater Country Fair August 18, 19, 20
Hamburg Fair August 18, 19, 20
Ledyard Fair September 8, 9, 10
Montville Fair August 18, 19, 20
Orange Country Fair September 16 & 17
Riverton Fair October 13, 14, 15
Wapping Fair September 7, 8, 9, 10
Wolcott Lions Agricultural Fair August 18, 19, 20
4H FAIRS
Hartford County 4H Fair August 18, 19, 20
Litchfield County 4H Fair August 12 & 13,
Middlesex County 4H Fair August 4, 5 & 6
New London County 4H Fair July 28, 29, 30
Tolland County 4H Fair August 11, 12 & 13
Windam County 4H Fair July 28, 29, 30 & 31
LOCAL FAIRS
Beacon Grange Fair September 24
Cannon Grange Agricultural Fair & Exposition August 27
Cherry Brook Grange Fair September 9
Cheshire Grange Community Fair September 16 & 17
Echo Grange Fair September 16
Ekonk Community Grange Fair August 12
Granby Grange Agricultural Fair September 9
Killingly Grange Fair September 9
Litchfield Grange Fair August 12
Meriden Grange Fair September 9
Norfield Grange No Fair held in 2006
Norwich Grange Fair August 19
Riverton Grange Fair September 9
Southington Grange Fair August 26
Wallingford Grange Fair September 16
Winchester Grange Fair August 12
Wolf Den Grange Fair August 19
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