A rich tradition of country fairs in Connecticut’s Northwest Hills is “on tap” again for fall of 2007. Traditional fall fairs in New England include a generous helping of livestock activities, regional cooking, entertainers, rides, and general family fun.

On weekends from late August to mid-October, these favorite end-of-summer and fall celebrations will feature traditional competitions and prize farm animals, as well as favorite new entertainers and rides and lots of good food. Many of these fairs are much-loved traditions, such as the Riverton Fair, a fixture since 1909. The granddaddy of them all is the Harwinton Fair, now in its 151st year.

As always, area farmers will be showing off their prize crops and livestock, and homemakers will be exhibiting their best baking and cooking. City and suburban youngsters will have a rare chance to see fine farm animals first hand. All the fairs include judging of prize sheep, cows, pigs, and goats. Many fairs this year will also feature photo and quilt contests and a two-crusted pie competition, with each winner going into a state-wide contests.

Every fair features plenty of free entertainment, from magicians to rock bands, puppet shows to country western singers. However, each fair has its unique attractions. Fair-goers can take part in country line dance lessons and see the Mid-Hudson Juggling Club at the Goshen Fair over Labor Day weekend, and enjoy the U.S. Martial Arts Demonstration team and Abbey Road, the complete Beatles show at the Bethlehem Fair to be held September 7 to 9.

Fireworks on Friday and Saturday night are a festive touch at the Terryville Country Fair, to be held at the fairgrounds on Scott Road, off Route 6, August 24 to 26, along with the big horse show featuring English, Western and Carriage divisions.

The Goshen Agricultural Society Fair, set for Labor Day weekend, September 1 to 3, has been a tradition for over 90 years. A draft Horse Show and a pork cook-off will be among the crwod pleasers. A perennial favorite here is the Antique Barn where demonstrations of old time skills such as quilting; spinning, weaving and basketry take place.

Chips will be flying at the lumberjack competition that always brings cheers at the Bethlehem Fair, set for September 7 to 9 at the Bethlehem Fairgrounds on Route 61. The Western Open Horse Show and Gymkhana are other eagerly awaited events. A country store, a working blacksmith shop and demonstrations of a variety of old time crafts are part of the Early Americana that is a popular feature at the venerable Harwinton Fair slated for October 6 and 7.

Local fairs are also fun outings for families. Among those scheduled is the Litchfield Grange Fair on August 25, the Beacon Grange Fair Association in Northfield September 23. The Riverton Fair, a district fair with many attractions, ends the season October 12 to 14.

Here’s a recap of the country fairs mentioned in this article…

Litchfield Hills Country Fair Schedule:

August 24-26, Terryville Country Fair
August 25, Litchfield Grange Fair
September 1-3, Goshen Fair
September 7-9, Bethlehem Fair
September 23, Beacon Grange Fair, Northfield
October 6-7, Harwinton Fair
October 12-14, Riverton Fair

My appreciation to Janet Serra, Director of Northwest Connecticut Convention and Visitors Bureau, for providing this information to me. You can the organization at http://www.litchfieldhills.com

For more attractions to visit in the area check out my special Connecticut Vacations and Destination page by clicking here.

Enjoy your weekend,

Cliff Calderwood
Executive Director
New England Guide to Vacations