|
35th Connecticut Agricultural Fair
It's a short ride for a weekend of fun at the 35th Connecticut Agricultural Fair, July 26-28 on the Fairgrounds in Goshen. Headlining this year's event will be Nashville recording artist David Ball performing his hits which include "Riding with Private Malone" and "Thinkin' Problem," among others. Ball's unique Texas country sound has found legions of new followers, and the Connecticut Agricultural Fair will be his only Connecticut appearance this year. Don't miss his special performances on Saturday, July 27 at 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on the Main Stage.
The Connecticut Agricultural Fair is equally pleased to welcome country sensation Mark McGuinn for two shows on Sunday, July 28 at 2 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. McGuinn has experienced great success lately with hits that include "Mrs. Steven Rudy" and "She Doesn't Dance."
In addition to the headliners, the Fair has gathered a wide array of acts to provide live entertainment throughout the three-day run of the Fair. On Friday, July 28, Irish music takes center stage as Tara's Thistle performs live throughout the afternoon. The Bristol Old Tyme Fiddlers are always a crowd favorite and will perform their classic fiddle music at 1 p.m. The Family Magic Circus will present two shows at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. A Classic Car Show presented by the Litchfield Hills Antique Automobile Club will be presented in the Show Ring at 6 p.m., while music from "Back in Time" fills the air at the Main Stage.
Saturday's performances by David Ball are complemented by barbershop harmony from the Sophisticats and bluegrass music from Shady Creek. The third annual Horse Show is presented beginning at 10 a.m. and continues throughout the day along with performances from the Family Magic Circus.
Sunday begins early with the new Dog Obedience Demonstration in the Show Ring at 9 a.m., the third annual Garden Tractor Pull at 9:30 a.m., and the Draft Horse Demonstration at 10:30 a.m. There will also be Pony Pulls held on Friday, Ox Pulls on Saturday, and Horse Pulls on Sunday.
In addition to Mark McGuinn, Sunday's entertainment includes performances from groups like Mad Agnes and country music rising star Jenny Paquette. Jenny has received considerable acclaim lately, having been named New England vocalist of the year and making an appearance on the Colgate Country Roundup on ABC-TV earlier this spring. Jenny will present two shows at 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. And the Family Magic Circus again entertains throughout the day along with a new feature, the Airtime High Flyers Trampoline Show.
While entertainment is important. Agriculture is even more important to this fair, which offers some of Connecticut's best exhibits of animals, vegetables, fruits, home arts, crafts and more.
Tufano Amusements provides a large midway with rides to thrill all ages. Friday will feature a special allowing fair-goers to ride all of the rides from noon-4 p.m. for just $12 (excluding Fair admission). Children will also enjoy the ever-popular Children's Pedal Tractor Pulls held on Saturday and Sunday and the Children's Bicycle Drawings held throughout the weekend. Other Fair favorites include the annual auctions, the giant book sale, arts and crafts vendors, and all of the great food that seems to taste so much better at the Fair.
Do you have an "Crazy" Clock or ideas for building one? The Connecticut Agricultural Fair's first annual "Crazy" Clock Contest might be the contest for you! The contest is divided into youth (through age 15) and adult categories along with homemade and purchased clocks. Clocks should be in working order. Anyone wishing to enter should bring their entries to the Fairgrounds beginning on Thursday, July 25 and up to 9 a.m. on Friday, July 26. The standard $5 Fair entry fee will apply, but will enable entrants to enter as many departments/ contests as they wish without additional charge.
The 35th annual Connecticut Agricultural Fair opens on Friday, July 26 at 10 a.m. and closes at 9 p.m. Hours on Saturday, July 27 are 8 a.m.-9 p.m.; hours on Sunday, July 28 are 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Admission for adults is $6; children (12 and under) are admitted free, and parking is always free. Stage entertainment is also included in the low admission price.
The fairgrounds are located on Route 63 near the center of Goshen, just south of Route 4—just a few minutes from both Litchfield and Torrington. For more info call Todd Gelineau, Vice President, at 860-626-0326; or call the Fairgrounds directly (beginning July 24) at 860-491-3628.
| 
