Thousands flock to Cummington Fair’s opening day

CUMMINGTON, Mass. (WWLP) – The Cummington Fair is back, attracting thousands of people to celebrate the area’s agriculture. 22News was there for opening day and spoke with fairgoers about what this day meant for them.

“It’s a really fun place, people gather and it’s nice,” said Nancy Dzielenski of Longmeadow.

Fairgoers packed the Cummington Fair which has been part of the Hilltown culture for 156 years. The fair seemed to be a favorite among many who return year after year or who attend for the first time.

“We like to look at all the competitions they have and crafts,” added Dzielenski.

This year’s fair is bigger and better than ever with the amusement rides, the animals, and truck pull show getting the most attention. Visitors also enjoyed a horse show, craft barn, and ventriloquist.

“It’s wonderful being here at the fair, it’s our second time here in Cummington. We had a great time, it’s so cool here,” expressed Comedian Ventriloquist, Al Getler.

For Kelly Recore from Pittsfield, the agricultural experience mostly drew her in, “it’s nice to see like local farms and local places come and bring their livestock and just letting the kids be fun and touch them.”

The president of the fair, Albert Judd says we all need to remember where everything comes from and how it was made. “There is a lot of agriculture around still and you know multiple generation families are thriving and keeping it going and promote and get the word out there,” said Judd.

And fair-goers who’ve been coming since they were younger are now excited for their kids to enjoy the memories they had. “My dad’s been coming since he was young and when we were little he started bringing my brother and now I’m starting to bring her,” said Shelby Litchfield of Hinsdale.

The fair runs until Sunday with more events to come like a demolition derby, lumberjack competition, and an ox pull. It’s expected to draw more than 23,000 people over the four days.

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