Fair Season

You might have noticed an extra nip in the air these past few mornings. While it means that summer is starting to come to a close, it also indicates that one of the best things about late summer and fall in New Hampshire is about to start – fair season!From midways bursting with rides to sticky candy apples and tractor pulls, fairs in New Hampshire are a time-honored tradition.Here’s a list of fairs in New Hampshire. Did we miss your favorite or leave anything else out? Let us know and we’ll add it! You can email Erica Thoits at ethoits@nhmagazine.com, tweet us at @nhmagazine or leave a comment on our Facebook page or in the comments section below.The Lancaster FairThe 2011 Lancaster Fair is jam-packed with exciting events, shows and exhibits for all ages. There will be live entertainment, horse shows and 4H exhibits, the Little Miss Lancaster Fair, a performance by the Walker Bros. Circus, a monster truck show, truck pulls, a demolition derby and much more. The Labor Day week extravaganza spotlights agriculture activities, alarge midway, 4-H exhibits, diverse musical entertainment and motorized competitions. The grounds also boast wide clean midways and free parking. From one end of the 65-acre compound straddling Route 3 to the other, the fair sprawls out for six days of camping, relaxation, and country fair atmosphere capping another North Country summer.Where: Lancaster Fairgrounds, 516 Main St., LancasterWhen: August 31-September 5Tickets: Wednesday – Friday and Monday $10 for adults. Saturday and Sunday $12 for adults. Children 5-11 are $5. Children under 5 are free. Special event tickets such as the demolition derby are an extra cost.More Information:www.lancasterfair.com96th Annual Hopkinton State FairA Labor Day Weekend Tradition. A five-day event that is filled with agriculture from around New England. Plan to visit the Farmer’s Market, Morrill Family Farm Museum, The Crowley Foods Arena, Punky’s Maple Sugarhouse, The HomeArts Center, The Nelson Horse Show Complex and Durgin Pulling Arena. The fair also features the Demolition Derby, tractor pulls, motorcross, and much more.Where: Hopkinton Fairgrounds, 392 Kearsarge Ave., ContoocookWhen: September 1-5Tickets: Thursday and Friday tickets are $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and $5 for children ages 6-12. Saturday and Sunday tickets are $10 for adults and seniors and $6 for children ages 6-12. Monday tickets are $5 for everyone ages 6 and older. Special event tickets such as the demolition derby are an extra cost.More Information: www.hsfair.org54th Annual Hillsborough County Agricultural FairCome down and spend the day with the chickens and cows and Cowboy Mounted Shooters. Relax in the children’s tent with Mo the Clown and his balloon antics and Grammy nominated Judy Pancoast will also entertain you. The midway will be open all weekend. Enjoy the rides and the sights and sounds of a small town county fair.Bands will be performing all weekend and The Jimmy Lehoux Band is the headliner on Saturday night. The Jimmy Lehoux Band has earned a reputation for a ferocious live show. Jimmy has opened for country music and rock legends alike. He’s a local boy making it big.There will be square dancers, local boy bands, a doo-wop band, a strumming band and an up and coming family band. All entertainment is included in the cost of admission.Where: Rte. 13, New BostonWhen: September 9-11Tickets: $10 for adults and $5 for seniors, children ages 6-12 and active and retired military. Children under 6 are free.More Information:www.hcafair.com136th Annual Rochester FairOne of the most popular fairs in New Hampshire, the Rochester Fair is in its 136th year. This is one of New Hampshire’s largest and oldest fairs. This 10-day event features harness racing, exhibits, shows, rides and concessions.Some highlights include the Hollywood Racing Pigs, The Barnyard Cackle review, The Magic Trunk, The Paul Bunyan Lumber Jack show, and Circus Hollywood – these are all free entertainment and a big part of the Rochester Fair. Don’t miss the ever popular Monster Truck Show and Demolition Derby, Truck Pulling, Trailer Races and RC Car Racing.Where: Rochester Fairgrounds, 72 Lafayette St., RochesterWhen: September 16-25Tickets: $10 includes admission and all rides.More Information:www.rochesterfair.com135th Annual Deerfield FairThe 135th Annual Deerfield Fair is one of New Hampshire’s oldest family fairs. This event is a living tribute to the state’s rural and farming heritage and a tradition for generations of families. Over the four days you’ll find entertainment, pig scrambles, horse shows, demolition derby, the crowning of Miss Deerfield Fair and Little Miss Deerfield Fair and much more. Great rides and delicious fair food, too!Where: Deerfield Fairgrounds, 34 Stage Rd., DeerfieldWhen: September 29-October 2Tickets: Tickets are $10 for adults. Children 12 and under are free. On Thursday and Friday tickets are $7 for seniors.More Information:www.deerfieldfair.comThis photo slideshow by Susan Laughlin is from last year’s Deerfield Fair.
The 100th Annual Sandwich FairAn old time argicultural fair that provides fun and entertainment for all ages and families. Featuring tractor pulls, a horse show, oxen pulls, stage shows and amusement rides. Held annually on Columbus Day Weekend.Where: 7 Wentworth Hill Rd., Center SandwichWhen: October 8-10Tickets: $10 for adults, $3 for children 8-10 and free for children under 7.More Information: www.thesandwichfair.com