The beginning of fall marks the start of fair season in Connecticut and visitors come from all over the country to enjoy traditional agricultural exhibits, animals, food, rides, games and entertainment. A perfect family fun event, Connecticut fairs are a tradition that goes back over a century, and we have collected a list of 10 of the major fall fairs, as determined by the Association of Connecticut Fairs , for you to pick from. If it’s a weekend in September or early October, you can bet there’s a fair to attend and, in Connecticut, the options are endless.
Find us on Facebook
and tell us which Connecticut fair is your favorite!
North Haven Fair – September 9 -12, 2010
Be sure to catch the famous Rosie’s Racing Pigs – pick your favorite oinker and cheer as it races to beat the others in several shows throughout the fair. Enjoy live musical performances by Driftwoods, Ricochet, and Rivermud.
Hebron Fair – September 9 - 12, 2010
Started as a small indoor fair in 1971, the Hebron Fair has grown to inhabit 100 acres on the Hebron Lions Fairgrounds, and is often a stop on the tours of many Nashville stars – Kenny Chesney has performed here, as well as Shenandoah. The country agricultural fair features a dog competition, monster trucks, animal displays, various food, animal pulls, truck pulls, country music, carnival midway, and something to do for the entire family.
Bethlehem Fair - September 10 - 12, 2010
For a schedule chock full of competitions, shows and exhibits, head to the Bethlehem Fair. Catch the Agri-Olympics, a multi-event competition for all ages including cow milking, hay bale throwing, farm chores and egg toss, and grab a buffalo or goat burger along with all of the traditional fair food offerings.
Four Town Fair , Somers - September 16 - 19, 2010
One of Connecticut’s oldest fairs, the Four Town Fair was established in 1838, and features agricultural exhibits, competitions and displays, as well as a few unusual shows. We like the Frog Jumping Contest (for frogs, not people), the Women’s Skillet Throw, and the Doodlebug Pull.
Guilford Agricultural Fair - September 17 -19, 2010
The Guilford Fair is part traditional fair, part circus, part Broadway theater. In addition to the midway rides, games and food, visitors can enjoy performances by the fair’s family circus, whose high wire acrobats (The Flying Wallendas) and live tiger and lion acts will wow spectators of all ages. Also be sure to catch performances by the fair’s magician, as well as the Backstage Players Company theatre group.
Orange Country Fair - September 18 & 19, 2010
From the classic car show, to a rock climbing wall, to tractor pulls, arts and crafts and animal displays, there is truly something for everyone at the Orange Country Fair. Start the day off with Chip’s Famous Pancake breakfast, and don’t miss the Two Person Hand Saw Contest and Toddler Driving Contest!
Facebook Fan Favorite
Durham Fair – September 23 – 26, 2010
For 91 years, the Durham Fair has been a must-do for families throughout Connecticut and beyond. The largest agricultural fair in the state was voted our Facebook Fan Favorite, and its little surprise – visitors to the Durham Fair can find just about any fair food they can imagine. We love the fried dough and kettle corn, but other offerings include Cajun shrimp and jambalaya, Chipstix (deep-fried potato on a stick), turkey legs, pierogi, pad thai, fried oreos, souvlaki, apple fritters, steamed burgers, Jamaican patties, lobster fritters… bring your appetites.
Berlin Fair - October 1 - 3, 2010
The Berlin Fair began in 1882 as a Harvest Festival, became a state agricultural fair in the early 1900s, and remains a much-anticipated event in central Connecticut. A packed schedule includes pie-eating contests, frog jumping, large animal and crafts exhibits and live entertainment throughout the weekend.
Harwinton Fair - October 2 & 3, 2010
In its 154th year, the Harwinton Fair offers classic agricultural entertainment all day, with a lineup including marching bands, fiddlers, country groups and more, as well as demonstrations on pioneer cooking, blacksmithing, and other skills. Don’t miss the Rabbit Costume Contest (it’s a costume contest for rabbits).
Portland Fair - October 8 - 10, 2010
Signifying the close of fair season, the Portland Fair gives enthusiasts one last chance to experience all the classic fair entertainment, food, exhibits, animals and activities for the year. On Sunday morning, run in the Portland Fair 5k Road Race, or watch the action from the sidelines while enjoying a hot funnel cake.
