Check out the sights at the 199th Topsfield Fair
See the country's oldest agricultural fair in action.
It’s that time of year again: The Topsfield Fair runs through Monday, October 9, and it’s bringing back farm animals, games, rides, fried foods, and more for the 199th year.
Started in 1818 as the Essex Agricultural Society Cattle Show in an effort to help provide information to progressive farmers, the fair continues to promote agricultural activities and an atmosphere of fun and excitement. These days, the event plays host to several concerts and agriculture contests.
“People grow up going to the fair and they take their kids or grandkids,” Fair spokesperson David Thomson told The Boston Globe. “I think it’s a nice kind of family activity. There’s something for everyone.”
Nearly 450,000 people are expected to take part in the early autumn tradition this year, according to the Globe. This year’s fair opened September 29, and will run through Monday, October 9.
Check out scenes from the event below:
Children ride down a giant slide.
The Gravity ride spins in the foreground as a swing tower is lighted in the background.
A ‘carney’ or game operator eats as she waits for customers.
The winning pumpkin from Woody Lancaster, 71 of Topsfield, weighing 2003.5 pounds.
New England Pumpkin Growers Association’s Giant Pumpkin Competition winner Woody Lancaster, 71, of Topsfield, is lifted into the air by his son Alan, 29, as part of a victory celebration for having the largest pumpkin at 2003.5 pounds.
A vendor spins candy covered apples.
Susan Warner helps serve turkey dinners at the Topsfield Congressional Church food stand to fair goers.
Turkey drumsticks await fair-goers.
Students from the Essex Tech High School wash and clean their cattle to prepare them for competition and show.
Courtney Howarth, 17, washes her cow with her fellow Essex Tech High School classmates to prepare it for competition.
Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.
