By Ahmad Yassir, Vermont Country Magazine.
There’s something about the smell of fried dough and chili cheese fries drifting through the summer air, the echo of laughter from a midway game, and the low rumble of a tractor rolling past a line of barns, it can only mean one thing: The Vermont State Fair is back.
From August 12 to August 16, the Rutland fairgrounds will transform into a vibrant celebration of Vermont’s agricultural roots, family fun, and community pride. Whether you’re a first-timer or it’s been a cherished tradition for years, the State Fair offers that rare mix of heartwarming nostalgia and nonstop excitement.
It All Begins at the Gate
As you arrive, expect a warm welcome. The team at the gate is a shining example of Vermont hospitality, ready to help you find parking, answer questions, and point you toward the fun. Just beyond the entrance, you’ll spot the ever-popular dock dogs leaping with joyful energy beside one of the charming barns filled with antique tractors.
A Landscape of Fun and Tradition
The fairgrounds stretch across a mix of open grass fields and bustling attractions. Historic barns line the paths, each offering something unique: one might host a cow show, another packed with farm equipment from another era, and another displaying the impressive winners of this year’s homegrown harvest, towering sunflowers, plump pumpkins, hand-knit quilts, and hand-carved wonders all ribboned with pride.
Don’t skip the maple barn, where local syrup producers serve up creamies so good they might just change your life.
Games, Rides & That Big Plush Toy
The midway is a swirl of color and energy. You’ll hear the clink of rings landing on bottles, the music of the carousel spinning round, and the classic chorus of carnival barkers inviting you to test your luck. Maybe you remember the thrill of trying to win the biggest stuffed animal as a kid, or maybe that’s still your mission. Someone’s always trying for the fish tank challenge, and cheering them on is part of the fun.
Music, Races & Rumbles
Every night brings something new to the main stage or arena. From live music headliners to demolition derbies, horse shows to pig races, the energy never lets up. It’s loud, joyful, and undeniably Vermont.
More Than Just a Fair
While the Vermont State Fair is the heart of summer in Rutland, the fairgrounds stay active all year long. Hosted by the Rutland County Agricultural Society, the grounds also see monster truck shows, flea markets, and music festivals.
But there’s nothing quite like the fair. It’s a love letter to Vermont, its farms, its families, and its fun. Mark your calendar, bring your appetite, and come make some memories.
