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07/30/2024 11:55 AMSave the date: The Guilford Fair roars into town on Sept. 20, 21, and 22. The annual fair, a mainstay in Guilford since 1859, is considered the second oldest agricultural fair in the state, and this year's fair will celebrate the town as "part of the spirit of New England."
According to John Hammarlund, president of the Guilford Agricultural Society, the theme for this year's fair and the Guilford Fair Parade will focus on the town's agricultural heritage and the tradition of the fair.
"In that spirit, the theme of the Guilford Fair, and the fair parade, will be 'Once Upon a Time in Guilford," Hammarlund said.
And, per fair tradition, this year's event continues to feature all of the attractions that fair-goers have come to expect, including craft, agricultural, and animal exhibits, livestock and tractor pulls, and carnival rides. One of the fair's most popular attractions also returns as The Flying Wallendas headline the Guilford Fair Circus. Arestove's Acrobatic Extravaganza, daredevil and comedian Bello Nock, and Hilby the Skinny German Juggle Boy will also perform.
In addition to the circus, the fair hosts three bands. Hollywood Nights, the Bob Seger Experience, takes the stage on Friday, Sept. 20, at 8:30 p.m.; Meet Loaf, a tribute to Meat Loaf, performs on Saturday, Sept. 21, at 8:30 p.m., and Jordan Oakes performs on Sunday, Sept. 22, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Other fair entertainment includes pig races from Rosaire's Royal Racers and the Records and Burpee Children's Zoo and Zoo Show. A full schedule of events is available at guilfordfair.org.
The fair wouldn't be complete without its numerous exhibits and competitions. Prospective entrants can find information at guilfordfair.org. A printed exhibitor's guide will be available at Town Hall and the Guilford Community Center. Entries are open through Saturday, Sept. 14.
According to Hammarlund, the Guilford Agricultural Society works continuously to maintain and improve the fairgrounds. This year, two new barns grace the grounds, thanks to a Connecticut Department of Agriculture grant.
"We at the Ag Society want to make the fairgrounds and the Guilford Fair a place for happy memories to be made," Hammarlund said.
The Guilford Fair is on Friday, Sept. 20, from 4 to 11 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 21, from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 22, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Guilford Fair Parade is on Saturday, Sept. 21, at 10 a.m. on the Guilford Town Green. General admission is $15; seniors 62 and older and veterans with ID are $10. Children 11 and under are free. A three-day pass is available for $40. On-site parking is $10.
For more information, visit www.guilfordfair.org or www.facebook.com/guilfordfairct or call the fair office two weeks prior at 203-453-3543.