Top Must-Visit New England Fairs This Year
New England fairs are a cherished tradition, offering a delightful blend of entertainment, agriculture, and community spirit. From the bustling midways of The Big E, the biggest fair in Massachusetts and one of the most significant state fairs, to the charming rural atmosphere of the Fryeburg Fair, the biggest fair in Maine, these events showcase the region’s rich heritage and modern attractions. Visitors can experience thrilling rides, savor mouthwatering fair food, marvel at impressive livestock displays, and explore craft exhibits, all while soaking in the unique charm of each fair.
This year’s lineup of fall fairs in New England promises something for everyone, whether you’re a fan of harvest festivals or classic county fairs. From the historic Topsfield Fair in Massachusetts, known for its Topsfield Fair craft show, to the scenic Washington County Fair in Rhode Island, each event offers its unique flavor. Prepare to plan your fair-hopping adventure as we explore the top must-visit New England fairs, highlighting what makes each one a standout destination for families, foodies, and fun-seekers.
New England Fairs Must Attend Events!
The Big E (West Springfield, MA)
The Big E Overview
The Big E, formally known as The Eastern States Exposition, is New England’s largest fair. This annual event in West Springfield, Massachusetts, opens on the second Friday after Labor Day and runs for seventeen days, with Big E fair dates spanning mid-September to early October. As the largest agricultural event on the eastern seaboard and the fifth-largest fair in the nation, The Big E has a rich history dating back to October 1916. Originally called the Eastern States Agricultural and Industrial Exposition, it included participation from all six New England states, plus Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. So, is The Big E the biggest fair? It certainly ranks among the top biggest state fairs in the country.
The Big E Attractions
The fair boasts numerous attractions that captivate visitors. The Avenue of States features life-size models of the six original New England statehouses, offering a unique architectural experience. The Midway, operated by North American Midway Entertainment, is home to thrilling carnival rides and games. A standout attraction is the Giant Slide, 46 feet high and 135 feet long, a fairground favorite since 1969. The Big E also maintains its agricultural roots with over 7,100 4-H and FFA participants and 1,100 open-show exhibitors, showcasing livestock competitions and farming competitions.
The Big E Food and Entertainment
Fair food is a major highlight at The Big E, with offerings ranging from traditional New England cuisine to classic fair treats. The fair has introduced signature foods since 2000, including the Big E Cream Puffs in 2002. Entertainment options abound, featuring a daily Mardi Gras-style parade and animatronic shows like Melody Farm Follies. The Xfinity Arena, an open-air performing area seating over 6,000 people, hosts big-name bands and musicians each weekend, offering ticketed and free shows. Remember to secure your Big E-tickets to enjoy all the festivities!
Fryeburg Fair (Fryeburg, ME)
The Fryeburg Fair, Maine’s largest agricultural and biggest fair in Maine, has a rich history dating back to 1851. Initially organized by the West Oxford Agricultural Society, it began in Hiram and moved between several towns before settling in Fryeburg in 1885. This eight-day event, held annually in early October, has grown into a major attraction, drawing over 166,000 paid attendees in 2013.
According to a 2016 study, the fair’s economic impact is significant, generating more than $18 million in annual spending and $1.2 million in tax revenue. Visitors can experience various agricultural events, including impressive 4-H livestock shows featuring multiple animals. These exhibitions showcase the region’s agricultural traditions and allow farmers to display their prized livestock.
Beyond the animal displays, the Fryeburg Fair offers diverse activities. Attendees can enjoy harness racing, horse pulls, and displays of antique farm equipment. The fair also hosts horticultural and culinary contests, a petting zoo, and agricultural vendor displays. For entertainment, there are live musical acts, amusement rides, and an abundance of food stands offering local delicacies.
Topsfield Fair (Topsfield, MA)
Topsfield Fair Highlights
The Topsfield Fair, one of the best fairs in Massachusetts, offers a rich agricultural experience. Visitors can explore the Bee Building, home to four observation hives with 16,000 honey bees, and the Cow Barn, which hosts 60 cows and calves. The fair’s commitment to agriculture is evident in its diverse exhibits, including the Poultry Building, with an average of 28 different chicken breeds, and the Rabbit and Cavie Barn, housing 200 animals. The Topsfield Fair craft show is another highlight, showcasing the work of talented artisans and their handmade crafts.
Topsfield Fair Unique Events
One of the fair’s most exciting events is the Giant Pumpkin Weigh-In, with the largest pumpkin ever recorded at the fair weighing an impressive 1,689 pounds. The fair also features unique competitions such as the Stock Farm Tractor Pulls for antique tractors and the thrilling Championship Double Figure 8 Racing. For animal lovers, the sheepdog trials showcase the incredible teamwork between handlers and their dogs as they herd sheep around the arena.
Topsfield Fair Family Fun
Families can enjoy a wide range of activities at the Topsfield Fair. The Midway offers rides for all ages, from Kiddie Land for young children to thrilling rides for teenagers. The fair also provides educational opportunities, with approximately 1,200 eggs hatching during the event and numerous volunteers demonstrating various skills and crafts. With its diverse array of fair food options, including over 25 fudge flavors, and entertainment for all ages, the Topsfield Fair truly offers something for everyone.
Deerfield Fair (Deerfield, NH)
Deerfield Fair Traditions
The Deerfield Fair, the biggest fair in New Hampshire, has a rich history dating back to 1876. Originally a one-day event held in the town center, it has grown into a four-day extravaganza, attracting over 200,000 visitors annually. The fair’s evolution reflects its commitment to agricultural traditions, showcasing everything from livestock to homemade goods. In 1924, the Deerfield Fair Association was established, leading to the fair’s expansion and relocation to its current 100-acre site.
Deerfield Fair Competitions
Competitions are at the heart of the Deerfield Fair. The Horse and Cattle Championship Pulling Contest is a crowd favorite, with teams pulling weights up to 12,000 pounds. The fair also hosts an impressive array of livestock competitions, including over 450 dairy animals, 120 beef cattle, 500 sheep, and 800 birds in the poultry exhibit. For those with a green thumb, there are gardening contests for fruits, vegetables, and flowers. The fair even holds an exciting excavator rodeo competition for professional operators, offering cash prizes to the top performers.
Deerfield Fair Entertainment
Entertainment abounds at the Deerfield Fair, with five stages offering music and performances throughout the four-day event. Visitors can enjoy acts like Charlie Marie, Club Soda, and The Rockin’ Daddios across various stages. The fair also features midway rides, woodsmen’s contests, and the Miss Deerfield Fair Pageant. Food enthusiasts will delight in the diverse culinary offerings, ranging from exotic oriental dishes to classic fair food treats like fried dough and buffalo burgers. With its blend of tradition, competition, and entertainment, the Deerfield Fair continues to create lasting memories for generations of fairgoers.
Champlain Valley Fair (Essex Junction, VT)
Champlain Valley Fair Features
The Champlain Valley Fair, part of the Champlain Valley Exposition, has a rich history dating back to 1922. Originally known as the Essex Fair, it quickly outgrew its initial location and moved to its current site in Essex Junction. The fair boasts an impressive 81,000 sq. ft. of combined clear-span exhibit space, offering flexibility for various events. With a professional staff and event management team, the fair caters to diverse needs, from consumer shows to conventions.
Champlain Valley Fair Exhibits
Exhibits have been a cornerstone of the fair since its inception. The original grounds included facilities for livestock, horse shows, and commercial displays. Today, the Robert E. Miller Center hosts hundreds of exhibitors in modern indoor facilities. A unique feature added in 1967 was a milking parlor, allowing farmers to be paid for their milk while their cows were at the fair. This addition highlights the fair’s commitment to supporting local agriculture.
Champlain Valley Fair Grandstand Events
The grandstand, rebuilt in 1966 after a fire destroyed the original structure, serves as a hub for entertainment. It hosts concerts, rallies, and races, accommodating large crowds. The fair’s entertainment options have expanded, featuring multiple stages with diverse musical acts. While enjoying these events, visitors should note the fair’s policies on cameras, rain, and prohibited items to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees.
Conclusion
New England fairs offer a unique blend of tradition, entertainment, and community spirit. From the grand scale of The Big E, one of the biggest state fairs, to the rural charm of the Fryeburg Fair, the biggest fair in Maine, each event showcases the region’s rich agricultural traditions and modern attractions. Visitors can enjoy thrilling rides, savor local fair food, marvel at impressive livestock competitions, explore craft exhibits, and soak in the distinct atmosphere of each fair.
These fairs profoundly impact local economies and communities, drawing thousands of visitors and generating significant revenue. They also play a crucial role in preserving and celebrating New England’s cultural identity. Whether you’re a fan of giant pumpkin weigh-ins, sheep dog trials, tractor pulls, demolition derbies, or enjoy the festive atmosphere, these top New England fairs provide unforgettable experiences for families, food lovers, and fun-seekers alike.