Starting on August 31 and continuing through Monday September 3rd, 2007, one of the oldest county fairs in the country will be attracting visitors to the Pioneer Valley region of Massachusetts.

The 3 County Fair held each Labor Day weekend in Northampton, Massachusetts will be celebrating its 190th consecutive fair, making it the oldest fair in America. And while, like many fairs in New England this time of year, it has its roots as an Agricultural Fair, the 3 county offers much more than just sheep and poultry exhibits.

On tap this year will be horse-pulling contests, ATV drag races, truck tug-of-war, and demolition derbies – certainly not your sleepy and quiet small town fair event.

And if entertainment is your desire, then the popular Youth Talent Show is back, aided by Oldies Night on Friday night, a Polka-fest on Saturday and “Preachin the blues” on Sunday. All these productions will be held in the fairgrounds Music Tent.

The Fair continues a focus on educational and youth exhibits that showcase the best of the valley, agricultural, craft work and production techniques. In 2006 the Fair paid out over $30,000 in premiums and scholarships. So you’ll find many local talented growers, photographers, and cooks, and artists, all entering the plethora of exhibit and talent contests.

This is a family event, with many special activities and exhibits for the kids. These include Dan Grady’s “Marvelous Marionette Melody”, Trout Unlimited – a kids fishing pond (do you think they’ll notice I’m not a kid?) – kiddie tractor pull, visits from Ronald McDonald, and Baby Barnyard.

The fairgrounds open at 11:00am each day and close 11:00pm.

Fair dates and prices: August 31st – September 3rd, 2007 Gates open at 11am — $10 Adult admission, Children up to 11 years FREE, $8 Seniors 62+. Every day is wrist band day – provides access to rides only. Friday – All day: $15.00; Saturday and Sunday – 12 to 5pm: $15.00, 5pm to 11pm: $15.00; Monday – All day: $15.00.

Directions: From the north – take I-91 south, exit 20, at traffic light, left on Damon Road, at next light, right on Route 9, and fairgrounds will be 1/4 mile on left. From the south – take I-91 north, exit 19, bear left on Route 9, and fairground will be on left after 1/4 mile.

For more details on events, times, and admission charges see the official web site by clicking here.

The Pioneer Valley offers many destinations for visitors, and includes the city of Springfield, which is home to many fine museums, the Basketball Hall of Fame, Six Flags New England, and the scenic towns of Holyoke, Deerfield, and Northampton. In addition Sturbridge Village is one of New England’s most popular living museums and located just a few miles east on Route 90.

For more ideas and suggestions for things to see and do in the area visit my special Massachusetts destination page by clicking here.

Enjoy your Labor Day weekend, especially if you’re heading to the fair! Cliff Calderwood
Executive Director
Vacations in New England Guide

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