What to know about the 201st Topsfield Fair
America’s oldest agricultural fair will bring together pop rock stars, pageants, and giant pumpkins from Oct. 4 to 14.
The first place prize went to a 2,114-pounder. That was the weight of Ron Wallace’s Giant Pumpkin competition winning gourd at the 200th Topsfield Fair last year.
The giant pumpkin contest kicks off the annual 11-day event once again at America’s oldest agricultural fair on October 4. It’s a sight not to be missed: Beginning at 6 p.m., around four-dozen gigantic pumpkins will be hauled onto a massive scale for weighing. Approximately three hours later, the prize pumpkin will be announced and put on display in the Fruit and Vegetable Hall, dwarfing every plant around it.
Just like the pumpkins, the fair has grown to 450,000 visitors last year.
“What keeps it exciting is that it’s a mix of the traditional features that people come back every year for, with added new elements in entertainment,” said David Thomson, the fair’s official spokesperson.
The Midway hammer game.
This year, the musical acts include pop veterans Tommy James and the Shondells (“I Think We’re Alone Now”; Oct. 9) and country rockers the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band (“Mr. Bojangles”; Oct. 11), all of whom perform as part of the fair’s general line-up and require no extra admission charge.
“People can plan the day they want to come depending on which band they want to see,” advised Thomson.
If you want to see Creedence Clearwater Revisited (Oct. 12), a rendition of the band behind such iconic rock songs as “Proud Mary,” “Who’ll Stop The Rain,” and “Bad Moon Rising,” but sadly lacking frontman John Fogerty, that requires a separate ticket.
The Midway at night.
Besides music, there’s everything from amusement rides at the midway, monster trucks in the arena, to racing pigs, and even a Mrs. Essex county pageant. Competitions bring together both amateur and professional contestants in many categories that include farm photography, craft woodworking, canning, and the popular apple pie contest.
“The original purpose of the fair was for farmers to get together and compare practices. That was the same 200 years ago as it is today,” said Thomson.
“The conversation has changed with the times and continues to evolve,” he added. “One thing we do really well with is education. We have around 15,000 school kids visit and we work on a curriculum — they are not allowed on the midway to play. They learn anything from the role of bees to milking a cow. It’s amazing how many kids don’t know milk comes from a cow.”
Beyond his professional role, Thomson has a deep personal connection to the fair.
“I remember my father would pick me up from elementary school and bring me to the fair and we’d have a chicken dinner at the Congregational Church stand. Then, I brought my children along. I’d also come when I was a teenager, but that was quite different,” he said with a laugh. “I’ve seen it from all angles.”
Topsfield Fair; daily from Friday, Oct. 4 – Monday, Oct. 14 at 10 a.m.; 207 Boston St., Topsfield; $12 GA; free for kids ages 8 and under; all ages
