Goshen Fair– August 31-September 2

Horse Show courtesy Goshen Fair

‘Tis the season.  In Connecticut’s rural Litchfield Hills, harvest time means the region’s favorite end-of-summer celebrations, old-fashioned country fairs.  In the quiet hamlet of Goshen, one the largest agricultural fairs in the State will be taking place from August 31 through September 2 for the 101 time! 

Many events featured at this country fair have been attracting families for generations. Baking contests, horse shows, and displays of prized sheep, swine, goats, cattle, cows, oxen, and draft horses offer a rare chance for city and suburban youngsters to see fine farm animals close-up.  Live entertainment, mouth-watering food, a colorful midway and a multitude of displays and imaginative entertainment rounds out the fun.

This year’s celebration includes an Adult Spelling Bee, Fireworks, Hay Bale Toss Contest, a colorful Parade, Pie Eating Contest, Skillet Throwing Contest, Vater’s Monster Truck Show and performances by Hypno Lorezo, Changes in Latitudes: a Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band, Nashville Drive, and Apricot Brandy to name a few.

Chainsaw Demonstration courtesy Goshen Fair

There are some new additions for kids as well this year. Near the Antique Barn, be on the look out for the Frozen T-shirt Contest that will take place on Saturday at 3 pm. On Monday, at 11 a.m. Jester Jim will be on the scene with a show sure to delight youngsters.  A special treat for kids on Monday from 12 noon to 4 p.m. is the offer of a $30 wristband for unlimited rides (admission not included).

Special highlights of the fair also include a draft horse show at 8:30 a.m. on Sat. Aug. 31, a Lumberjack Contest and woodcutting demonstration from 12 noon – 3 p.m. followed by the Hay Bale Throw Contest at 4:30 and fireworks at 9 p.m. On Sunday, Sept. 1, some of the highlights include a Junior Open Dairy Show at 9 a.m., a 11 a.m. parade down the midway, a 1 p.m. horse draw exhibit, pie eating contest at 3 p.m., a skillet toss at 4:30 p.m. and Vater’s Monster Truck Show at 7:30 p.m.  On Monday, Sept. 2 there will be a  Dairy Show and Dog Agility Demonstrations at 9 a.m., a woodcutting contest at noon and the adult spelling bee at 2 p.m and much more.  For a complete list of entertainment check out the website.

Pie eating contest. Courtesy Goshen Fair

 Admission to the Goshen Fair is $8 for adults, children under 12 are free. Senior admission will be $5 on Sat. only.  Visit http://www.goshenfair.org/coupon.htmhttp://www.goshenfair.org/coupon.htm for a discount coupon saving $1 off admission on Monday, Sept. 2 only.  The Goshen Fairgrounds are located on the right approximately ½ miles south of the center of Goshen on Rte. 63.  The GPS address is 116 Old Middle Street, Goshen, CT.  For an up to the minute schedule visit http://www.goshenfair.org.  For area information www.litchfieldhills.com