In Western Massachusetts
Adams Agricultural Fair
371 Old Columbia St. Adams
Aug. 2-4
adams-agricultural-fair.org
The Double M Rodeo promises to be a highlight of the 45th Adams Agricultural Fair, which also includes a demolition derby, livestock contests, horse and oxen pulls, a K-9 dog demonstration, a birds of prey show, live music and entertainment, concessions, amusement rides, an exhibit hall and concessions.
Cummington Fair
97 Fairgrounds Road, Cummington
Aug. 22-25
cummingtonfair.com
Held over four days, the Cummington Fair seems to have something for everyone. Watch the Western Mass. Lumberjack championship, a demolition derby, 4×4 truck pulls or one of the many horse or oxen pulls. The fair also includes several livestock competitions, a grange hall, a midway, concessions, live music and entertainment.
Eastern States Exposition (The Big E)
1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield
Sept. 13-29
thebige.com
“New England’s Great State Fair,” founded in 1917, is one of the largest agricultural fairs in the country, drawing over 1.5 million visitors annually. While you are here, make sure to try one of the fair’s famous fried foods and its signature dessert, the Big E cream puff. Enjoy rides on the midway or take in one of the many musical acts, including this year’s headliners: Loverboy, Foreigner and Skillet. You’ll also want to tour the six New England statehouses, take in a horse show or pig race, and view the 600-pound butter sculpture.
Heath Fair
9 Hosmer Road, Heath
Aug. 16-18
heathfair.org
You won’t find an ATM or Wi-Fi at this small-town fair, but what you will find is a large community celebration. This three-day fair includes a ham and bean supper, a blueberry pancake breakfast, a barbecue run by the town’s firefighters and zucchini races. The weekend also includes livestock competitions, horse and oxen pulls, an antique tractor pull, grange exhibits, concessions and live entertainment.
Sheffield Fair
Sheffield Town Park,
21 Depot Square, Sheffield
Sept. 7
sheffieldfair.com
This one-day fair might be small, but it’s worth the trip. The Sheffield Fair features hayrides, a woodsman demonstration, interactive animal displays, a drum circle, horse barrel races, live music and entertainment, and free games and activities for kids.
In Vermont
Bondville Fair
Vermont Route 30, Bondville
Aug. 23-25
facebook.com/Bondvillefair
Known as the “biggest little fair” in Vermont, the Bondville Fair, marking its 222nd year, has the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating fair in Vermont. Enjoy three days featuring oxen and horse pulls, tractor and truck pulls, amusement rides, bands, concessions, and traditional farm animal and hall exhibit contests.
Deerfield Valley Farmers’ Day Fair
1 Baker Field, Wilmington
Aug. 8-11
dvfair.com
Celebrating its 102nd year, the Deerfield Valley Farmers’ Day Fair prides itself on being “a long-standing local tradition which inspires neighborly competition, education in agriculture, wholesome entertainment, exhibits of area residents, and most importantly good clean fun!” This four-day fair features a BMX stunt show, horse pulls, truck pulls, a demolition derby, a midway full of amusement rides, bands, concessions, and traditional farm animal and hall exhibit contests.
Guilford Fair
163 Fairground Road, Guilford
Sept. 1-2
guilfordfairvermont.com
Now in its 75th year, the Guilford Fair “honors and promotes Vermont’s agricultural traditions in a way that is both educational and entertaining.” This rural country fair, held each year on Labor Day weekend, includes a horse pull, cattle show, horse show, small-animal barn, carnival rides, tons of local exhibits and lots of food choices.
Tunbridge World’s Fair
1 Fairgrounds Lane, Tunbridge
Sept. 12-15
tunbridgeworldsfair.com
Close out the summer at the 148th Tunbridge World’s Fair, where you’ll find harness racing, pig races, horse and oxen pulls, livestock showmanship, a gymkhana, sheepdog trials, live entertainment, carnival rides and more.
Vermont State Fair
175 South Main St., Rutland
Aug. 13-17
vermontstatefair.org
Racing pigs, a demolition derby, live music, livestock judging, horse and oxen pulls, midway rides, grange exhibits and contests are just a few of the things you’ll find at one of the oldest state agricultural fairs in the country.The Vermont State Fair celebrates its 174th year this summer with fun and excitement for the entire family.
