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08/21/2023 02:21 PMIt’s that time of year, and the Guilford Fair will once again be celebrating all things Guilford this year, continuing a tradition that dates back to 1859. According to organizers, this year’s event is designed to be even more inclusive and have something special for every age and taste.
The Guilford Fair is taking place from Friday, Sept. 15 to Sunday, Sept. 17. Mairi Bryan, chair of public relations and media for the event, said that this year’s fair aims to instill the sense of treasure that Guilford embodies.
“The Guilford Fairgrounds and the [Agricultural Society], who take such good care of it, are both Guilford treasures and give us this fabulous fair every year with really something for everyone...Great bands and food and, of course, all the cool animals,” said Bryan.
In a statement provided by the organizers, John Hammarlund, president of the Agricultural Society said, “In that spirit, the theme of the Guilford Fair and the Fair Parade will be ‘Guilford Treasures – Old and New’ with the fair itself and the beautiful fairgrounds skirting Guilford’s Historic District being treasures both old and new.”
Hammarlund added that, “a special treasure” at the fair this year is the return of Sharpy, the mammoth donkey.
“As a Heritage livestock breed, Sharpy is indeed an old treasure to be celebrated, possessing the genetic diversity that can help farmers and others to adapt to new and evolving conditions,” Hammarlund said.
According to Bryan, live bands will headline the musical entertainment on Friday and Saturday night and Sunday afternoon. As in the past, one gate admission covers all shows, the Guilford Fair Circus, competitions, displays, and exhibits inside. Only rides and refreshments are extra.
Music Schedule
The PLR Stage welcomes the Zac Brown Tribute Band (ZBTB) on Friday, Sept. 15 at 8:30 p.m. ZBTB is the premier tribute to the chart-topping Zac Brown Band, which is one of the hottest names in the music business. ZBTB is the first and most authentic tribute to their recorded music and live shows.
The Lords of 52nd Street: Legends of Billy Joel Band hits the stage on Saturday, Sept. 16 at 8:30 p.m. This is not a tribute act. These players are from Joel’s original band and recorded many of his most popular hits. They sold more than 150 million records and helped establish Joel’s formidable sound. They continue to perform their legendary hits to this day.
Red Light Band will perform on Sunday Sept. 17 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. They are a five-piece tribute to dance party rock, playing modern and classic rock, country rock, and pop rock covers. The band plays party music spanning more than five decades in a dynamic, high-energy presentation.
Some of the other featured events at the fair will include a special appearance from Rosaire’s Royal Racing Pigs and a very special appearance by the world famous Flying Wallendas acrobats.
The Wallendas will be the big feature of this year’s fair, according to Bryan. Tino Wallenda and the Flying Wallendas are a family act that have been performing for the last century and been a mainstay of the Guilford Fair Family Circus for many years.
The family story began in Magdeburg, Germany in 1905, where Karl Wallenda, Tino’s grandfather, was born and then began performing at the age of six in the family show. That family tradition has continued for more than 100 years, and the family keeps their high-flying traditions alive, incorporating several generations of family members into their act, according to organizers.
Bryan said that Tino’s daughter Aurelia will be returning on the high wire with her son Marcus, 7, this year. Tino’s son Alex and his wife Claire will debut their son Matteo, 4, on his father’s shoulders with a special appearance from their two-year-old daughter Eleonora, who will also be participating in the show.
According to Hammarlund, this year’s fair continues the tradition, while also providing new and unique family opportunities.
“While the fair is an old tradition in Guilford, the Agricultural Society is continuously working on bringing new experiences to the Fairgrounds,” Hammarlund said. “The recent addition of a weekly Farmers Market emphasizes the biodiversity of the local agricultural community and renews the awareness of this unique local resource that the Fairgrounds provide.”
Exhibitor Rules and Entry Forms
Entry forms are currently available and, for most departments, entries are open through Saturday, Sept. 9. Prospective entrants will find everything they need on the website under ‘exhibitors.’ A printed Exhibitor’s Guide will also be available at the Guilford Town Hall, Guilford Community Center, and other area locations, according to Bryan.
While the general deadline to submit entry forms is Saturday, Sept. 9, some deadlines with special requirements, such as for some animals, are earlier. Entry delivery dates range from Sept. 9 to Thursday, Sept. 14 with all exhibits to be in place on Sept. 14, according to specific department acceptance times.
For the photography department, entry forms and actual photos being entered must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Sept. 9 at the fair office. No postmarks will be accepted.
Guilford Fair Fast Facts
Hours
Friday, Sept. 15, 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 16, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 17, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The Guilford Fair Parade starts at 10 a.m. on Sept. 16, beginning at the Guilford Town Green
Admission
General Admission – $10
Seniors 62 and older and veterans showing ID – $8
Children aged 11 and under – free
Three-day discount pass – $25
General admission covers all entertainment, exhibits, and demonstrations. Rides and refreshments are an extra charge. The Guilford Fair Parade is free.
ATMs available at the main entrance and inside.
All acts are weather permitting and no refunds will be issued.
Parking
Free parking and shuttle buses at Exit 57, just off I-95. Parking on site is $10.
For more information, visit www.guilfordfair.org/