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Here Comes Fair Season!

Monday, January 10, 2011

It's hard to feel particularly cheerful about summer coming to a close, but along with the onslaught of back-to-school commercials, cooler nights and turning leaves comes something to look forward to - fair season! New Hampshire is home to many legendary fairs - such as the 134-year-old Deerfield Fair - and you could very well fill every weekend from September 1 to mid October with greasy fries, carnival rides and tractor pulls. Instead of mourning summer, celebrate fall and the Granite State's history of agriculture at any one of the following fantastic events.

Lancaster Fair
September 1-6, Lancaster. The Labor Day week extravaganza spotlights agriculture activities, a large midway, 4-H exhibits, diverse musical entertainment and motorized competitions (pulling events and the ever-popular Demolition Derby). The grounds also boast wide, clean midways and free parking. Call (603) 788-4531 or visit www.lancasterfair.com for admission information, directions and a complete schedule of events.

Hopkinton State Fair
September 2-6, Hopkinton. The annual Hopkinton State Fair features livestock exhibits, home and garden displays, the Morrill Family Farm Museum, a maple sugar house, the demolition derby, a midway and much more. Visit www.hsfair.org for admission information, a schedule of events and directions to the fairgrounds.

Hillsborough County Fair
September 10-12, New Boston. The 53th Annual Hillsborough County Agricultural Fair will feature 4-H exhibits, bake-offs, the Great Pumpkin Weighing event, music, the midway, games and rides, oxen and horse pulling, fireworks, cowboy mounted shooters and much more. Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, Rte. 13. Vsit www.hcafair.com for a complete schedule of events, directions and more information.

135th Rochester Fair
September 17-26, Rochester. This annual fair has everything from entertainment like Circus Hollywood, the Royal Friesian Stallions, Big Foot Monster Trucks and more to the traditional midway, livestock exhibitions, contests and other country fair events. Visit www.rochesterfair.com for directions to the fairgrounds, a schedule of events and admission information.

134th Deerfield Fair
September 30-October 3, Deerfield. The opening ceremony takes place at 9 a.m. on September 30. From that morning until the evening of October 3, you can attend hundreds of events, from concerts and demonstrations to pig scrambles and horse pulls. Visit www.deerfieldfair.com for a complete list of events, admission information and directions.

Sandwich Fair
October 9 - 11, Sandwich. Now in its 100th season, the Sandwich Fair is a Columbus Day Weekend mainstay. You'll find a little bit of everything over these three days, including competitions such as the skillet throw to animal demonstrations and carnival rides. Visit www.thesandwichfair.com for a complete schedule of events.

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