Topsfield Fair

Celebrating its 203rd year, the Topsfield Fair is known as America’s Oldest County Fair. Started in 1818 by the Essex County Agricultural Society, the Topsfield Fair was originally a one-day cattle show. This annual fair attracts roughly 500,000 visitors and has since grown to be an 10 day event featuring exhibits, contests, demonstrations, agricultural exhibitions, tasty New England Fall foods and fun carnival rides. From the main midway to the arenas, there are on-going events for all ages to enjoy.

Friday, October 1st is the first day of the fair and is known as Topsfield Night. Typically this night is reserved for Topsfield residents (who still get in free) but is now open to the general public. The fair opening ceremony is marked with the annual parade. In the past reknowned figures such as Governor Charlie Baker and supermodel Gisel Bündchen have been honorary opening ceremony marshals. Who knows who this year’s notable marshall could be! The parade also features local law enforcement, fire departments, floats from many local businesses, girl & boy scout troops, and school bands. It’s a sight not to be missed.

The Midway is run by Fiesta Shows and features some of the most exciting carnival rides. There are rides geared towards all ages with a ticketing system to purchase for rides. There are also tons of carnival games to win those converted prizes. If you are hungry there is a wide variety of foods and snack offered by local vendors focusing on traditional fall New England food. Fried dough and Candy apples yum!!!!

Exhibition halls and arenas offer shows, contests, and demonstrations such as barns for different farm animals and the world famous Great Pumpkin Weigh Off. Each year farmers from all over bring their largest pumpkin in hopes it will be crowned the heaviest. This contest began in 1984 with a winning weight of 433 pounds. The current record holder was in 2018 at a whopping 2,114 pounds!!!! Will the record be broken this year?

Overall there is so much fun to be had at the fair celebrating Fall, the best season in New England. Finesse Hospitalty Services is proud to offer our residents, clients and friends the opportunity to purchase pre-fair tickets at just $12.00 each. That’s a saving of $3 per ticket! To Purchase tickets please contact our Hospitality Service Manager Betty Salemme at Betty@finessehospitalityservices.com.

For more information please visit: www.topsfieldfairhistory.org