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Alicia Richards / Travels With The Crew
Best Fall Fairs in New England: A Celebration of Tradition, Food, and Entertainment
13 days ago
New England is known for its stunning autumn foliage, crisp weather, and charming small towns. The fall season is also a time for fairs and festivals showcasing the region's best traditions, food, and entertainment. From classic agricultural fairs to quirky celebrations of local culture, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Fall fairs have a long history in New England, dating back to the 18th century. These fairs were originally organized by local farmers to showcase their crops and livestock and to compete with each other for prizes. Over time, these fairs evolved into larger community events that attracted visitors from all over the region.
One of New England's earliest and most famous fall fairs is the Topsfield Fair, which was first held in 1818 in Topsfield, Massachusetts. This fair is still held annually and is one of the largest agricultural fairs in the country. Another popular fair is the Big E, which takes place in West Springfield, Massachusetts. This fair celebrates all six New England states and features food, music, and exhibits from each state.
In addition to agricultural exhibits, fall fairs in New England also feature various other activities, such as carnival rides, games, and live entertainment. Many fairs also have craft exhibits, where visitors can purchase handmade items such as pottery, jewelry, and quilts.
Fall fairs have become an important part of New England's cultural heritage and continue to draw large crowds yearly. Whether you're interested in agriculture, crafts, or just having fun with your family, a fall fair in New England will meet your needs.
The Big E is the most famous fall fair in New England. Held annually in West Springfield, Massachusetts, it draws over a million visitors each year. The fair takes place over 17 days in late September and early October and you will find amazing entertainment, food, and exhibits.
Entertainment at the Big E
One of the main draws of The Big E is its entertainment offerings. The fair features several stages with live music, comedy acts, and other performances. There are also daily parades, an amazing circus, and rides and games for all ages.
Food at the Big E
The Big E is known for its wide variety of fair food. Visitors can try everything from classic fair foods like fried dough and cotton candy to unique options like deep-fried Oreos and huge baked potatoes filled with anything you can imagine. My kids particularly like the Mexican street corn dipped in Hot Cheetos.
Exhibits at the Big E
In addition to its entertainment and food offerings, The Big E also features a variety of exhibits. These include agricultural displays, craft demonstrations, and educational renewable energy and conservation exhibits. Several buildings are dedicated to showcasing products from different states, including Maine, Vermont, and Connecticut.
There are horse shows, sheep shearing, pig racing, and butter carving. If you can think of it, it is probably there.
Overall, The Big E is a must-visit fall fair for anyone in New England. Plan on a day to enjoy this awesome fair.
Deerfield Fair
Photo bythe deerfield fair
The Deerfield Fair is one of New England's most popular fall fairs. The fair takes place in Deerfield, New Hampshire, and attracts thousands of visitors annually. The fair has been around since 1876 and has a rich history and tradition.
The Deerfield Fair has a variety of competitions that cater to different interests. There are competitions for livestock, such as cows, horses, and pigs. There are also competitions for vegetables, fruits, and flowers. Visitors can see the best produce from local farmers and learn about different varieties.
The fair also has a range of rides and games for visitors of all ages. There are classic carnival games like ring toss and balloon darts and exciting rides like the Ferris wheel and roller coaster. Visitors can also enjoy live music and entertainment.
One of the highlights of the Deerfield Fair is the local produce. Visitors can sample and purchase a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as homemade jams, jellies, and baked goods. Food vendors also sell classic fair food like fried dough and corn dogs.
The Deerfield Fair is a must-visit for anyone looking for a fun and traditional fall fair experience in New England.
Fryeburg Fair
Photo bycourtesy of fryburgfair.com
Fryeburg Fair is one of the largest agricultural fairs in New England. It takes place annually in Fryeburg, Maine, during the first week of October. The fairgrounds span over 185 acres and offer a wide variety of activities and events for visitors of all ages.
One of the main attractions of the Fryeburg Fair is the livestock shows. Visitors can see some of the finest animals around the region, including cattle, sheep, pigs, and horses. The livestock shows are a great opportunity for visitors to learn about different breeds and see the animals up close. There are competitions for the best animals, which can be exciting to watch.
The Fryeburg Fair also offers a wide variety of crafts and artisanal products. Visitors can browse through the many booths and see the work of local artisans. The fair features a range of crafts, including woodworking, pottery, and textiles. Visitors can also purchase handmade jewelry, clothing, and other unique items.
In addition to the livestock shows and crafts, the Fryeburg Fair also features a variety of musical performances. Visitors can enjoy live music from local and regional bands and national acts. The fair typically features a range of genres, including country, rock, and folk.
Overall, the Fryeburg Fair is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the best fall fairs in New England. With its wide range of activities and events, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Topsfield Fair
Photo bytopsfieldfair.com
The Topsfield Fair is one of New England's most popular fall fairs. It is held annually in Topsfield, Massachusetts, and attracts visitors from all over the region. The fair features animal attractions, including agricultural exhibits, live music, carnival rides, and more.
One of the biggest draws of the Topsfield Fair is the Giant Pumpkin Contest. This competition attracts growers from all over the country to see who can grow the largest pumpkin. The winning pumpkin can weigh over a ton and is always an impressive sight. Visitors to the fair can see the pumpkins and learn about the growing process from the growers themselves.
Another highlight of the Topsfield Fair is the Farmyard Displays. These displays showcase the best of New England agriculture, with exhibits featuring cows, pigs, sheep, and other farm animals. Visitors can learn about the different breeds of animals and see them up close.
Foodies will love the culinary competitions at the Topsfield Fair. The fair hosts a variety of cooking contests, including the Apple Pie Contest, the Chili Cook-Off, and the Blue Ribbon Baking Contest. Visitors can sample the winning dishes and learn about the recipes from the contestants themselves.
Overall, the Topsfield Fair is a must-visit for anyone looking for an authentic New England fall experience. With its mix of agricultural exhibits, live entertainment, and delicious food, it has something for everyone.
Highland Games in Lincoln, NH
Photo bynhscot.org
The Highland Games in Lincoln, NH, celebrate Scottish culture and traditions. Held annually in September, this event attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world. The Highland Games are a unique experience that offers a glimpse into Scotland's rich history and heritage.
The Highland Games feature a variety of events, including traditional Scottish sports such as caber tossing, stone putting, and hammer throwing. Visitors can also enjoy live music, dance performances, and various food and drink options. The Games also feature a parade of clans, where participants proudly display their family tartans.
What sets the Highland Games apart from other fall fairs in New England is its focus on Scottish culture. Visitors can learn about the history of Scotland, its people, and their traditions. The event also provides a platform for Scottish artisans to showcase their crafts, including jewelry, pottery, and textiles.
Overall, the Highland Games in Lincoln, NH are a must-visit event for anyone interested in Scottish culture and traditions. With its unique blend of sports, music, food, and crafts, this event offers something for everyone.
Durham Fair
Photo bydurhamfair.com
The Durham Fair is one of the largest agricultural fairs in Connecticut, attracting over 200,000 visitors each year. It is held annually in Durham, Connecticut, during the last weekend in September. The fair began in 1916 and has grown to span over 300 acres and feature a variety of attractions, including farm animals, carnival rides, and live entertainment.
One of the main draws of the Durham Fair is its agricultural exhibits. Visitors can see a wide range of farm animals, including cows, sheep, pigs, and horses. The fair also features a variety of competitions, such as the 4-H Livestock Show, where young farmers showcase their animals and compete for prizes.
In addition to the agricultural exhibits, the Durham Fair offers a variety of entertainment options. Visitors can enjoy live music from local and national acts and carnival rides and games. The fair also features a variety of food vendors, offering everything from classic fair food like fried dough and cotton candy to more unique options like lobster rolls and gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches.
Overall, the Durham Fair is a must-visit for anyone interested in agriculture or looking for a fun day out with family and friends. With its wide range of attractions and entertainment options, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Why Visit Fall Fairs in New England
Fall is a magical time of year in New England, and one of the best ways to experience it is by attending a fall fair. There are countless reasons to visit these fairs, but here are just a few:
1. Unique Local Flavors: Fall fairs in New England are known for their delicious food and drinks, often featuring local specialties like apple cider donuts, pumpkin pie, and maple syrup. These fairs are great opportunities to try these regional delicacies and support local businesses.
2. Family-Friendly Fun: Fall fairs offer fun activities for all ages, from carnival rides and games to petting zoos and live music. There's something for everyone, making it the perfect outing for families and friends.
3. Cultural Celebrations: Many fall fairs in New England celebrate the region's rich history and culture with events like traditional craft demonstrations, historical reenactments, and performances by local musicians and dancers. These fairs provide a unique opportunity to learn about the area's heritage and traditions.
4. Beautiful Scenery: New England is famous for its stunning fall foliage, and fall fairs provide the perfect backdrop to enjoy the changing colors. Whether walking through a pumpkin patch or enjoying a hayride, you'll be surrounded by the season's natural beauty.
5. Every State Has Multiple Fairs: There isn't a state in New England that doesn't have multple fall fairs. Most towns do at least a small fall fair, and you can find 2-3 larger ones even in tiny Rhode Island and Connecticut. Look around, and you will find a charming small-town fall fair.
Overall, fall fairs in New England are a must-see for anyone looking to experience the region's unique culture, cuisine, and natural beauty. With so many events, there's no shortage of opportunities to enjoy all that fall has to offer.
New England is home to some of the best fall fairs in the country, and visitors can expect to find a wide range of activities, food, and entertainment options at these events. From pumpkin patches to corn mazes, live music to artisanal crafts, there is something for everyone to do at these fairs.
The best fall fair in New England is the one near you! From small-town fairs to the Big E, you will love spending fall in New England at one of its fairs.
New England fall fairs are a great way to celebrate the changing seasons and experience the region's unique culture. Visitors can expect a warm welcome and plenty of exciting things to see and do.
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