CUMMINGTON — The smell of cotton candy and kettle corn, the sight of animals big and small and the excitement of stunt bikes, oxen pulls and demolition derby smash-ups are just a few of the things that fairgoers will see at the Cummington Fair from August 23 to 26.
This year the fair is celebrating its 150th year of bringing agriculture, crafts, history, food and entertainment to the hilltowns,
Opening on Thursday at 4 p.m., fairgoers will be treated to antique engines and tractor shows, antique car displays, a variety of animal exhibits, oxen and horse pulls, children’s entertainment, music and comedy shows, midway rides and a two story exhibit hall full of art, handicrafts, produce, homemade baked goods and canned fruits, jellies and jams.
Some of the musical entertainment this year includes the Shelburn Falls Military Band on Thursday night, fiddler Zoe Darrow on Friday night, and country music’s rising stars and sister duo Presley and Taylor on Saturday afternoon and evening. José Duddy will also be performing country western classics throughout the days of the fair.
The Craig White Bike Stunt Show will be performing on all three days, and the ever-popular demolition derby will be held on Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 5:30 p.m.
The fair’s traditional sit-down, family-style dinners will feature spaghetti on Friday night from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., roast beef on Saturday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and turkey on Sunday at 5 p.m.
Kids and their families won’t want to miss out on the big bicycle give-away on Friday at 6:30 p.m. when they will have the chance to win one of 20 new bicycles.
Those who want to kick up their heels can join Doug Wilkens and the Fall String Band for a square dance from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday.
Midway rides are half price on Friday.
Gates open at 4 p.m. on Friday, and 7 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Tickets are available at the gate. Adults: $10, seniors: 65 and over $8, youth age 10 to 15: $4 and children under 10 are free.
Tickets and a full fair schedule also available on line at: Cummingtonfair.com.