North of Boston Fairgrounds at Topsfield Fair
America’s Oldest Agricultural Fair in Northern Massachusetts
Oct 6, 2008
Known as America’s Oldest Agricultural Fair this annual harvest event has been running since 1818 with exceptions in its history for the Civil War and World War II. The fair is organized by the Essex Agriculture Society, which has owned and run the annual event since its inception. Located in Topsfield, Massachusetts, the fair is a short drive North of Boston.
The present-day Topsfield Fair is an event that draws thousands of visitors each year. From amusement rides to horse shows the fair entertains young and old.
Perennial Favorites
Robinson’s Racing Pigs – a cute pig show featuring a race track and small swim pool that the pigs must get through. Always draws a crowd so spectators should arrive early to get a good place to watch.
Hallamore Clydesdales – these spectacular beasts can weigh up to 2,000 pounds each! The Hallamore team is an eight-horse Clydesdale team that pulls an authentic wood wagon.
Giant Pumpkin Contest – this annual event is sure to surprise as pumpkins weighing over 1,000 pounds are entered and judged. The winning pumpkin is on display in the Fruit and Vegetable building.
Bee Building – children of all ages love to explore the bee hive displays displayed under plexiglass. Jars of honey from golden yellow to dark amber are featured on the back wall and make-your-own-beeswax-candles are available in the craft area.
Sheep and Goats – in the Sheep and Goat barn visitors can pet a lamb, feed a kid goat or watch a goat milking or sheep shearing demonstration. See the daily events brochure at the information booth for specific details.
Rabbit Barn – featuring as many as 200 rabbits this barn can get very crowded. Volunteers are happy to answer questions at the petting table where one or two rabbits are available to be touched.
Topsfield Midway
The rides at the Topsfield Midway offer fun for very young children to adults. Tickets can be purchased at several ticket kiosks and Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) are available throughout the fair.
Concessions
There is no shortage of food concessions available at the Topsfield Fair but other vendors are selling wood stoves (from traditional to pellet), and many country-decorating themes. Booths are peppered in with the various barns and buildings, a map is available in the informational brochure.
2008 Fair Dates
The 2008 Topsfield Fair opened on October 3rd at 4pm and runs through October 13th at 10pm. There are five gate entrances and an admission fee is charged for entrants aged eight and older. Combination passes and bulk passes are available to purchase with certain restrictions.
Location
The Topsfield Fair is located at 207 Boston Street, Route 1, Topsfield, MA. Parking lots fill up quickly but a shuttle bus is available from the Masconomet High School for a low fee.
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