When the August winds blow chilly and cold thoughts in New England turn to country fairs and fall festivals. There’s sure to be something for everybody in this event list of festivals and fairs from around the region.

The largest fall foliage festival in New England is The Big “E”, which has its fair grounds in Springfield, Massachusetts. Dates are September 14-30, 2007. It’s a New England extravaganza with free top name entertainment, major exhibits, The Big E Super Circus, the Avenue of States, and a daily parade.

Topsfield Fair in Massachusetts is the nations oldest Agricultural Fair - operating since 1818. Dates are September 28-October 8, 2007. Events include a fall flower show, wood carving, petting zoo, and Antique Farm tractor pulling, and a Giant Pumpkin Contest - the 2002 winner set a world record of 1,337.6 pounds!

New Hampshire Canterbury Shaker Village in the Lakes Region is holding their annual Harvest Days celebration weekend on September 29 and 30, 2007. The festival pays tribute to the gifts of the land and includes farm animals, garden tours, wagon rides, music, and the famous chicken barbeque and Shaker-style buffet. The Village is on Route 106 north of Concord, NH.

The Shelburne Farms Harvest Festival on the shores of Lake Champlain in Vermont is an ideal setting to celebrate fall foliage traditions of Vermont’s farms and forests with musical performances, hay rides, exhibitions, and traditonal fare. Date is Saturday September 15, 2007.

Newport RI is holding its anuual Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival on Saturday October 13 and Sunday October 14, 2007. Bowen’s Wharf is in the harbor area of downtown Newport - just look for the yachts. The festival offers live entertainment, chidlren’s activities, and of course plenty of seafood. Take in a harbor cruise or do the Cliff Walk to work up an appetite.

Connecticut’s Bethlehem Fair is this September 7, 8, and 9, 2007. A traditional county fair you’ll find a dairy show, lumberjack competitions, parade, tractor pulls and lots to entertain. The fairgrounds are on Route 61.

The Vermont State Fair takes place in Rutland, Vermont on August 31-September 9, 2007. Events include Monster Truck Thunder Drags, Circus, rides, and of course dairy shows and judging. Among the many concert artists scheduled to appear are The Beach Boys. You can’t beat the setting of Rutland in the heart of the state’s picturesque Green Mountains.

Maine’s blue ribbon classic agriculture fair is Fryeburg Fair, and is being held September 20 - October 7, 2007. Here’s what to expect: Tractor Pulls, Pig Scramble, Sheep Dog Trails, Calf Scrambles, and Fireman’s Muster and a Grand Parade.

The Deerfield Fair is one of New Hampshire’s oldest and largest county fairs. Dates this year are September 27 - September 30 and will be great for fall color. The fair has many traditional agriculture events such as horse pulling, sheep shows, but you’ll also find jugglers, comedy shows, and plenty of fun for all ages.

Wachusett Mountain in Princeton, Massachusetts is hosting its annual Applefest for two weekends in October. Dates are October 13-14, 2007, and October 20-21, 2007. This year they expect 60 craft exhibitors, along with pony rides, clowns, and moon bounces. And if you’ve just come for the fall view, then take the chair lift to the summit for peak foliage peeping.

Harvestfest is York, Maine’s answer to the fall festival challenge. This year’s Harvestfest has craft and wares, and plenty of sidewalk stalls, and its own Kidsfest. Dates in 2007 are October 12-14. And don’t miss Friday night’s Chocolate Lover’s Fling - I’ll let you guess what it’s all about.

For ideas and suggestions on other attractions at any of these events check out my New England destination guide by clicking here.

Check back soon for more fall resources,

Cliff Calderwood
Executive Director
New England Guide to Vacations