After the 2020 North Haven Fair was canceled due to COVID, the North Haven Fair Association (NHFA) is ready to open the gates on Thursday, Sept. 9. At this time, there are no admission requirements or recommendations due to COVID, but the NHFA will be in compliance with the local, state, and federal regulations in place at the time the fair opens and any changes will be posted to the North Haven Fair Facebook page and its website at www.northhaven-fair.com.

“The North Haven Fair has been a family tradition since 1942,” said Jeanne Lewis, NHFA first vice president. “The fair brings families, neighbors, and friends together to enjoy fun entertainment, great food, exhibits, and let’s not forget the animals.”

In addition to traditional entertainment, food, and amusement rides that can be expected every year, the NHFA will debut its new arena for tractor pulls on Saturday, Sept. 11 and lawnmower racing on Sunday, Sept. 12. The arena will allow the fair to host demolition derbies and other events in the future.

The North Haven Fair will be held Thursday, Sept. 9 from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 10 from 3 to 11 p.m. with the opening ceremony at 5:30 p.m.; ; Saturday, Sept. 11 from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sunday, Sept. 12 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is $10 for ages 12 and older. Thursday is Celebrate North Haven Day with $5 admission for residents and Sunday is Senior Day with $5 admission for seniors.

There will be entertainment throughout the weekend, including Rewind to the ‘80s by Spotlight Stage Company and Friends as well as Spellbound Band on Thursday, Bad Mannerz on Friday, Rich DiPalma and the Night Shakers on Saturday, and Northeast Wrestling on Sunday. In addition to the featured acts, there will be chainsaw carving demonstrations, Marvelous Mutts Canine Spectacular, magician and juggling acts, a petting zoo and pony rides, and more ongoing throughout the weekend.

Lewis has seen a steady stream of entries coming in for the exhibitor buildings; the entry deadline is Tuesday, Sept. 7. Animal exhibits include beef and dairy cattle, sheep, oxen drawing, horse drawing, and poultry and rabbits.

Entries are also being accepted for agriculture and home arts exhibits. Those interested can submit entries in categories such as flowers, culinary arts, baking, canning, sewing, crochet, needlework, quilting, knitting, arts and crafts, hobbies and collections, and photography with options for both adults and juniors. For full guidelines and entry information, visit www.northhaven-fair/Exhibitor.

“During the pandemic many people started new hobbies including knitting, crocheting, sewing, baking, and more,” said Lewis, who encouraged people to “bring your new hobby and enter it in the fair.”

Lewis admits that securing vendors has been “a little more of a challenge” as many have been hesitant about COVID restrictions and how they will affect the fair. Despite the hesitation, many of the fair food staples will be available. In addition, Lewis noted that the Craft Barn will have many handmade items, making it a good place for “early holiday shopping in one place.”

While planning the fair in the midst of a pandemic has held its challenges, the NHFA is excited to bring the event back to fairgoers.

“I am not sure what to say other than it is great [to have the fair again],” said Lewis. “It will be great to see families and friends out enjoying the fair, the fun, the food, and just being able to be out.”

Editor's note: This story has been updated to note the Thursday opening day cermonies have been moved to Friday.