10 Ways to Enjoy the 2023 Topsfield Fair (2024)

10 Ways to Enjoy the 2023 Topsfield Fair (1)Photographs courtesy of Topsfield Fair

Amy Leahy

A New England tradition for over 200 years, the Topsfield Fair opens Friday, September 29 and runs through Monday, October 9. The usual activities are a given – you’re sure to grab some cotton candy and take a spin on your favorite rides, and you know you’ll have fun! But with so many other options of things to see and do, here are a few highlights to help you figure out how to spend your time:

1. The All-New England Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off

Watch the traditional fair-opening competition to find out if any of this year’s contenders will top last year’s record-breaking 2,480-pound giant pumpkin. Stop by the Fruit & Vegetable Building to get your very own giant pumpkin seeds and maybe next year you’ll enter the contest instead of watching!

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2. Arena animal action

Sheep dog trials on October 5 are the newest addition to the list of competitive events in The Arena. Also hosting horse pulls and oxen pulls, The Arena is a hub of excitement throughout the fair. These events are not-to-be-missed demonstrations of skill, power and teamwork.

3. The future of farming

4-H exhibitions capture a whole year’s worth of hard work for these young participants. Whether you take in the 4-H Cattle Show or hop on over to the Rabbit and Cavy show, be sure to swing by the 4-H area to celebrate the youth in agriculture who may just be the next generation of farming in Massachusetts and across the region.

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4. Beautiful blooms

Flowers of every variety fill the Flower Barn with breathing-taking blossoms and striking color combinations. Award-winning single blooms, spectacular floral arrangements, and expertly curated bonsai displays make the Flower Show an annual must-see part of the fair. Take your time wandering through the landscaped displays to start planning your own dream garden.

5. Buzz-worthy

The Beekeeping & Honey Show has been part of the Topsfield Fair for 95 years. Always creating quite a buzz, the show features up to four live observation hives on display during the fair. Knowledgeable beekeepers will explain the inner workings of a bee colony to fairgoers, and children can make their own honeycomb beeswax candle.

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6. Performances galore

Whether freestyle moto-stunts get your motor running or rodeo riding is more your speed, there is a show to impress every fair-goer. The Flying Wallendas delight audiences with their aerial tightrope tricks, and the Budweiser Clydesdales inspire awe with their majesty and grace during their hitch demonstrations. Musical performances are many and varied, lending just the right ambiance to every aspect of your fair experience.

7. Easy as pie and a piece of cake

The Apple Pie Contest really evokes the feeling of the season and in past years has drawn in as many as 30 different pies. A true delight for the senses, the Coolidge Hall Kitchen is busy with cooking demonstrations and baking contests, wafting the aroma of freshly baked breads, pies, and cakes across the fairground that are all available for purchase daily.

8. A feast for the eyes

The Fine Art exhibit showcases over 300 local amateur and professional artists, including a children’s division for artists as young as age 4. There will be demonstrations of watercolor painting technique, drawing, and more spanning the fair’s dates.

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9. Cuteness overload

It’s is a risk you need to be willing to take if you go visit the baby animals during your time at the Fair. With baby chicks hatching daily and a dedicated baby bunny room, not to mention the cuddly dairy goats and hilariously feisty pigs, the animals are as much a reason as any to come on down to the fair Don’t skip the sheep show, pig races, or goat display for an up-close experience with these sweet creatures.

10. Eat up

Fair food has upped its game! Sure, the classics of cotton candy, fried dough, and popcorn will be on offer, but offerings of chocolate covered bacon, deep fried oreos, gobbler Thanksgiving-style sandwiches, fully loaded baked potatoes with every fixing you can imagine, and huge round-sliced German fries will keep your energy up throughout your visit.

Fun for everyone

Inclusivity and accessibility are of paramount importance for the organizers of the Topsfield Fair. To ensure all feel welcome, they are offering Sensory Day on Monday, October 2. This sensory-sensitive experience of the Topsfield Fair is intended to ease the stress on individuals with autism or sensory processing disorders.

Online resources include a social story for previewing the experience and a sensory-friendly map of the fairgrounds. On this day vendors will have no flashing lights, music or announcements. Sound for entertainment and stages will be lowered and announcements on the grounds will be limited and turned down as well.

Additionally, the Topsfield Fair is offering tips for a dementia-friendly fair experience, a kid’s safe zone for children who may need a calming space away from the crowds, a dedicated nursing mother’s lounge, and adult changing room. More information regarding accessibility can be found here.

Be sure to visit the official fair website for daily hours, ticket information, and to plan your visit.

10 Ways to Enjoy the 2023 Topsfield Fair (2024)

FAQs

10 Ways to Enjoy the 2023 Topsfield Fair? ›

Topsfield Fair's revenue is $2.8 million.

Topsfield Fair has 50 employees, and the revenue per employee ratio is $56,000. Topsfield Fair peak revenue was $2.8M in 2023.

How much money does the Topsfield Fair make? ›

Topsfield Fair's revenue is $2.8 million.

Topsfield Fair has 50 employees, and the revenue per employee ratio is $56,000. Topsfield Fair peak revenue was $2.8M in 2023.

What age is free at Topsfield Fair? ›

Children under 8 are free with an adult admission ticket.

How many people visit Topsfield Fair? ›

Each year's attendance reaches over 500,000 people, representing an average of approximately 44,000 visitors per day over the 11 days.

Does Topsfield Fair take cash? ›

Upon Arrival If you are paying for your field trip upon arrival, please bring the exact amount in cash (we cannot provide change), or a check made payable to the Topsfield Fair. We do not accept credit card payments if you are paying when you arrive.

What is the oldest fair in America? ›

America's first fair, the York Fair, was held in the historic old town of York in 1765, 11 years before the nation was founded. At that time the York Fair was a two-day agricultural market on the town commons, now known as Penn Park.

Do they sell beer at Topsfield Fair? ›

Wine, Bud, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, True North, Bud Light Seltzer How does the Beer Garden work? – You'll receive a wristband, to verify your age, which gives you the opportunity to buy from our bar.

Does Topsfield Fair have rides? ›

Fiesta Shows provides the amusement rides and games at the Fair. The vast array of rides will provide entertainment for the whole family. There are many Kiddie Rides for the youngest Fair goers. Many of these rides accommodate parents as well as their children.

How long does the Topsfield Fair last? ›

Topsfield Fair
Topsfield County Fair
Dates10 days scheduled to conclude every year on the Monday of Columbus Day 29 September - 09 October 2023
Location(s)Topsfield, Massachusetts
Years active1818–Present (excluding 1918, 1943-45, 2020)
Attendance450,000–500,000
3 more rows

Are kids free at the LA fair? ›

Kids and senior tickets purcahsed online cost $10 to $12. General admission parking is $20 in advance and $25 at the gate; preferred parking info isn't available quite yet. Carnival tickets cost $50 (and are usually enough to cover about a dozen rides) and include two games.

Who owns the Topsfield Fair? ›

The Topsfield Fair is owned and operated by the Essex Agricultural Society, a non-profit organization consisting of approximately 1,321 members.

How big is Topsfield MA? ›

Topsfield has a population of approximately 6,500 residents. The town is a fairly compact with 13 square miles with rolling hills and winding streams, 60 miles of roadways and 25 miles of sidewalks and bike paths.

How many people visit the Hoppings? ›

Established on the Town Moor in 1882, with over half a million visitors a year The Hoppings has something for all the family. Boasting over a kilometre of Rides, attractions, gourmet cuisines and stalls, this really is the North East's summer destination.

Does the Topsfield Fair have bathrooms? ›

There is an additional 9,000 square feet of exhibit space with asphalt floor. The building features full restroom facilities, sound system and sprinkler system.

Is the big E worth it? ›

Well, it is ranked one of the top 5 state fairs in the country. It is also known as the Eastern States Exposition because it's actually the state fair for Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Yes, it is quite the fair!

How much does it cost to get into the Big E in Massachusetts? ›

Buy Tickets

(Regularly $20 at the gate).

What is the budget for Topsfield MA? ›

The Fiscal 2025 (FY25) budget is currently estimated to be $35,253,740, which is $939,340 or 2.74% higher than the $34,314,900 FY24 budget. The coming 2025 fiscal year runs from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. Another $100,000 could be added to fund automated trash and recycling pickups.

How much does a Topsfield Town Administrator make? ›

Subject to appropriation, commencing as of December 9, 2019, the Town Administrator shall be paid an annual salary of One Hundred Thirty-Two Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($132,000.00).

What is the prize for the biggest pumpkin at the Topsfield Fair? ›

After growing giant pumpkins for the past 10 years, this was the first time that Graham has ever won first place. He took home an $8,500 cash prize and the respect from his friend Alex Noel, who set the previous record of 2,294.5 pounds at last year's fair.

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