Massachusetts

Scenes from the Topsfield Fair

With roots going back to 1818, the Topsfield Fair in Topsfield, Massachusetts, offers an annual dose of farm-country fun and entertainment.

By Heather Marcus|Aug 18 2017| Print icon

The popular Topsfield Fair Ferris wheel.

Credit: Mark Fleming

Poised to mark its 200th birthday in 2018, the Topsfield Fair traces its origins to the founding of the Essex Agricultural Society to promote and preserve the interests of Essex County farmers in Massachusetts. Today, the fair is an annual New England fall celebration that’s not to be missed.

The promise of prizes to be won at a game in the midway.
The promise of prizes to be won at a game in the midway.
Credit: Mark Fleming

A fair can change a lot in two centuries. The Topsfield Fair has evolved to include a bustling midway that serves up classic fair food like fried dough and apple crisp, plus amusement rides and games for all ages; it also features attractions such as the Flying Wallendas and rodeo sports including bull riding and barrel racing. Still, its agricultural roots remain strong.

There are milking demonstrations in the cattle barn, and a livestock show highlights 4-H and youth entries. The Grange Museum houses historical material related to area farms as well as promotes the work of local 4-H youth groups. And the famous giant pumpkin contest has only grown in size since a Guinness World Record was awarded in 2002 to Charlie Houghton of New Boston, New Hampshire, for his pumpkin weighing 1,337.6 pounds — and recent years have seen pumpkins weighing in at over 2,000 pounds!

The experience of this classic fall fair in New England is not to be missed, so mark your calendars for September 29 – October 9, 2017.

Below are a collection of images celebrating the Topsfield Fair by Yankee senior photographer Mark Fleming, who turned his camera on the event for the September/October 2017 Yankee feature “Behind the Scenes at Topsfield Fair.”

SCENES FROM THE TOPSFIELD FAIR

Early morning over the midway. Very cool time to be at the fair, everything is still "asleep" and there is an almost eerie feeling walking around the midway when it is dead quiet.
Early morning at the midway. “This is a very cool time to be at the fair, with everything still ‘asleep,’” Fleming says. “There’s an almost eerie feeling, walking around the midway when it is dead quiet.”
Credit: Mark Fleming
Empty fair parking lot. I love the light on this shot and the symmetry with the pole.
Empty fair parking lot. “I love the light on this shot, and the symmetry with the pole,” Fleming says.
Credit: Mark Fleming
Tractor being loaded with hay for the livestock in the early morning hours at the fair.
Tractor being loaded with hay for livestock in the early morning hours.
Credit: Mark Fleming
Scenes from the Topsfield Fair
Sheep await the attentions of young fair goers.
Credit: Mark Fleming
Cathy Hill from CJ's Ranch warming up her horse Bridger before the start of the shows.
Cathy Hill from CJ’s Ranch in West Barnstable, Massachusetts, warms up her horse Bridger in the indoor arena.
Credit: Mark Fleming
Late afternoon light filters into the arena during the tractor pulls.
Afternoon light filters into the arena during the tractor pulls.
Credit: Mark Fleming
Participants line up for the Tractor Pull.
Participants line up for the antique farm tractor pull.
Credit: Mark Fleming
A pair of prize cows get a bath before a long day at the fair.
Prize cattle get a bath before a long day at the fair.
Credit: Mark Fleming
Cows rest in the cow barn in early morning light.
A group of Hereford cattle rests in the cattle barn.
Credit: Mark Fleming
Cleaning the arena before the days events begin.
Cleaning the arena before the days events begin.
Credit: Mark Fleming
The Barnstable Barn Burners prepping for their afternoon show.
The Barnstable Barn Burners, an equestrian drill team, preps for their afternoon show.
Credit: Mark Fleming
Uniform and horse of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in the barn before they take the "stage" in the main arena.
The classic red uniform of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police hangs  in the barn before horse and rider take the “stage” in the main arena.
Credit: Mark Fleming
Scenes from the Topsfield Fair
Thrill-seeking fairgoers enjoy flying high in the air.
Credit: Mark Fleming
Scenes from the Topsfield Fair
Up close with the animals at the Topsfield Fair.
Credit: Mark Fleming
Scenes from the Topsfield Fair
Delicious and warm apple desserts from Learned’s.
Credit: Mark Fleming
Scenes from the Topsfield Fair
Children enjoy the steep and rolling slide.
Credit: Mark Fleming

Have you ever visited the Topsfield Fair?

SEE MORE:
12 New England Fairs to Visit This Fall
Fair Food at the Big E | Photos
Best Fall Food Festivals in New England

Heather Marcus

Heather Marcus is the senior photo editor for Yankee. She works closely with the art director and contributing photographers to tell our stories about people and place in a compelling way. Living and growing up in New England, she continues to be inspired by the communities, the landscape, and the wonderful visual opportunities the region affords.

More by Heather Marcus

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