NORTHAMPTON — Fair Street will be bustling with travelers near and far this weekend for the 209th anniversary of the Three County Fair, one of America’s longest-running agricultural traditions and many locals’ favorite event to end the summer.
Known as the “Late Great Summer Fair,” all the classics like carnival rides, food vendors and games will be roaring at the fairgrounds just off Bridge Street, starting when gates open this Friday until the end of Labor Day on Monday.
In her third year as executive director for the fair, Taylor Haas said last year saw record-breaking attendance and she expects even higher numbers this weekend with some 40,000 visitors.
“We’re expecting another exciting and record-breaking year,” Haas said. “We have new entertainment and the favorites, and as always, it’s just a great tradition at the end of the summer.”
Many fan-favorites like the miniature pig race, school bus demolition derby, pie-eating contest and “Wall of Death” motorcycle show will be on display, while Haas said they are also bringing in a new mix of events. Of course, the classic horse show will take place and after a successful inaugural year last summer, the mullet showdown will continue.
A special feature this year will be a music stage honoring the United States’ 250th anniversary with everything from 1980s rock-n-roll to new country, along with a new magic show starring performer Lance Gifford. Fair-food lovers will also have their fun with some 20 participating food trucks, Haas said.
Honoring the fair’s agricultural roots, there will be a variety of exhibits displaying fruits and vegetables, maple and poultry products, farm crops and more, along with competitions like the dairy and sheep shows.
“Agriculture is really the core of why we celebrate the fair each year,” Haas said. “This fair started in 1818 and it was a way to showcase new sciences and really just a celebration of all things farming in the Pioneer Valley, and today we still celebrate.”
Haas said the fair took a turn in 2005 when it removed horse racing from its programming, but has found ways to adapt. The fair and its fairgrounds are run by the nonprofit Hampshire, Franklin and Hampden Agricultural Society, which has organized the fair every year since receiving a charter in 1818, aside from 2020 due to the pandemic.
While the workers, vendors and entertainers help bring the fair to life each year, Haas said it couldn’t be done without the help of 60 to 75 volunteers and collaboration with the city. The fair also welcomes donations, which Haas said is an important part of its sustainability.
“It really takes a lot of people who are committed to making sure this tradition happens each year,” Haas said.
Admission is free for children 11 years and younger and regular admission is $15, with free parking at the fairgrounds. Gates open on Friday at 4 p.m., with events that day lasting until 9 p.m. The next two days, on Saturday and Sunday, will feature events from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., with Monday’s final day running from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information and the fair schedule, visit 3countyfair.com.
