My Favorite Local Harvest Festival ~ Topsfield Fair

I have been going to the Topsfield Fair since I was a young child. Growing up in the city, it was neat to me the experience of country living. When I had children of my own I took them to the fair as often as possible. The fair is held annually usually occurring the first few weeks in October. This year it opens October 1^st and will run through October 11^Th. There is so much to see and do it may take a couple of days to see everything the fair has to offer. It is usually pretty chilly in Massachusetts by October so I would recommend checking the weather forecast and planning your visit accordingly.

One of the things I really enjoy when visiting Topsfield Fair is the Bee Keeping Exhibit. It is a fascinating journey, that starts with the bee's, and ends of course with the honey. This exhibit can get pretty crowded on the weekends, and winding your way through this educational exhibit can be daunting. Still, it is a worthwhile investment of your time and will delight the kiddies

The live animal exhibits are also wonderful (although at times stinky). Chickens, cows, sheep, bunnies, goats, pigs and some other more exotic animals are available to see, and in some cases pet. At each exhibit there are signs and displayed warnings about safety. Be sure to read and heed them. Certain animals may bite you if you don't. It is not really worth risking a potentially disabling injury, such as the loss of a finger, hand or limb.

Also the Topsfield fair is where the largest pumpkin contest is held and has received world-wide recognition. One contestant winner (Charlie Houghton) in 2002, made history when his 1337.6 pound pumpkin was declared the largest ever grown in the world and gained him entry into the Guinness Book of World Records.

Shows at the Grandstand, is another great feature of the fair. Visit the website below for more information on shows and performers for 2010.

Admission to the fair is ten dollars per person on weekdays, twelve dollars on Weekends, Columbus Day (October 11^Th) and October 8^Th. Children age eight and under are free if accompanied by an adult. Ticket Information is available on the website www.topsfieldfair.org. You can purchase tickets in advance for General Admission and special events at discounted prices. You can also purchase ride tickets and special event tickets. Rides, games and plenty of tasty food are on hand, so be sure to bring some extra cash for the full fair experience.

SOURCE : Topsfieldfair.org