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Each year, 45 agricultural fairs are held all across the Commonwealth, from Cape Cod to the Berkshires. While fair activities differ from event to event, most include live music, farm exhibits, arts and crafts shows, garden demonstrations, 4-H and children’s activities! These family friendly events offer something for everyone. Some of the fairs that happen earlier in the summer are highlighted below.
The Massachusetts Sheep and Woolcraft Fair takes place in Cummington on May 26 and 27. It began 38 years ago to offer a statewide sheep show, and has now evolved to include all things sheep and fiber, from fleece shows, sheep shows, woolcrafts, spinning and handspun contests, and even sheep dog trials. Event organizers will offer fiber workshops on everything from Kool Aid dyeing for kids to knitting, along with demonstrations on shearing and lamb cooking. Over 50 local vendors will showcase wools and yarn for sale.
Single Sheep Photo by Sharon Suchecki
The Barnstable County Fair, an annual summer tradition in Cape Cod for the past 167 years, runs fromJuly 21-28 in East Falmouth. Last year more than 85,000 people enjoyed the animal shows, 4H demonstrations, petting zoos, horticulture displays, rides, games, food, live music and more.
The 38th Annual Adams Agricultural Fair will be held from August 2-5. It’s the quintessential country fair with competitions showcasing the best in agricultural products ranging from herbs and baked goods to canned fruits and poultry. There will also be a quilters design challenge, battle of the bands, and King Arthur Flour baking contest.
Bolton Fair, and old fashioned agricultural fair with 136 years of history, will take place from August 10-12. Animal shows and agricultural exhibits are the heart of the show and food, entertainment, farmers markets, rides and demonstrations also makeup the festivities.
If you would like a copy of the 2012 Fairs Brochure please contact Ellen Hart at 617-626-1742 or email Ellen.Hart@state.ma.us. For a complete listing of Massachusetts Agricultural fairs and other agricultural resources, you can visit the MassGrown interactive Google map!
do you know if we are having a strawberry fair near Taunton or Acushnet MA i saw a sign for june 6th but not sure where is at?
I haven’t been to the fairs you mentioned above, but they look like a lot of fun. My favorite I’ve attended so far is the Worcester County 4-H club. In fact, it’s coming up again at the end of August. They also have a facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Worcester-County-4-H-Program/228599977153653 and a twitter: WorCty4H.