Go Back in Time to the Topsfield Fair

The Topsfield Fair is a beloved New England tradition that began in 1818. It is the oldest agricultural fair in the country. This year’s fair runs from October 3 to October 13. But before you go, let’s take a look back at the fairs of years past. This is what the Topsfield Fairgrounds looked like in oon October 7, 1946. The fairgrounds were spread over 70 acres and included carnival rides, booths for winning prizes, and many other attractions. It was created “to promote and improve the agricultural interests of farmers and others in Essex County,’’according to its website.

September 5, 1968

The ferris wheel, a fair staple, has delighted children for decades. These children of the sixties sure do look like they were having a good time. They are John Wolzik, 14 , and Joseph Queena, 13, both of Lynn.

September 28, 1975

Twenty-eight year old Janet Photiou, of West Peabody, drove her team of horses in the fair’s horse-pulling contest in 1975. The object of the sport was for one team of horses to pull weight farther than any other team. It started with a “boat’’ of six 640 pound-concrete blocks and each team had to pull the load at least 6 feet or face elimination. In successive heats more weight was added. By the end of the pull, teams could be pulling as much as 9,200 pounds.

October 7, 1976

It’s always a crowded affair at the Topsfield Fair. This crowd from 1976 strolled through the attractions, taking in the sights and sounds.

October 7, 1976

Kids and animals. It doesn’t get much cuter than that. These children of the seventies couldn’t resist kissing a five-day-old baby duckling at the fair’s poultry exhibit. They are Toni Pasey and Charlie Dennis, both 3 and from Lynn.

October 3, 1977

What’s a fair without a contest? Charles Noyes judged Jimmy Phelan’s entry in the cattle competition.

October 8, 1978

See that boy third from the left with his hands in his pockets? He was crowned Junior King of Essex County at the 1978 fair. The contest, which began in 1969, was open to kids age 3 to 5 years old. The fair would crown a boy Junior King and a girl Junior Queen.