Topsfield Fair, the oldest in America, celebrates its 206th year with food, animals and giant pumpkins

TOPSFIELD – For 206 years, the Topsfield Fair has been an iconic October event in Massachusetts.

“It’s the grandpa, it’s Americana. It’s mom and pop pie. It’s everything America is, the true essence of what America is,” said Topsfield Fair contributor EJ Deen.

This year the fair is ready to welcome people en masse to the fair grounds with their range of attractions, food and games. The fair also features dozens of farm animals, from cows to fluffy bunnies and pigs.

“As you can see, right now they’re napping, but then when they’re out there poking around, and they’re just having fun, they’re just having fun,” said employee Lisa Colby at the pigsty.

The Giant Pumpkin Award from Topsfield Fair

No one can forget the biggest prize at the Topsfield Fair, the All New England Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off. Steven Connolly of Sharon took home the honors this year with his 2,211-pound pumpkin.

And if you’re wondering how to grow a giant pumpkin to compete in next year’s competition, there are plenty of experts to talk to you.

“It’s a lot of work. A lot of soil preparation in the spring. You have to have good weather. A lot of preparation throughout the vine-burying season,” says giant pumpkin grower Henry Swensen.

The arts and crafts section of the fair is also worth a visit, and you may encounter the fair’s royal representative, Mrs. Essex County.

“The kids who are so involved and embedded in agriculture, which is such an important part of who we are, and it never gets old when a little kid looks at you in a parade and waves and says, ‘It’s a princess ‘” says Mrs. Essex County Lori Burke said.

But it’s not a fair experience without delicious food like fried dough, corn dogs, and a Thanksgiving sandwich.

“You can’t go to a local restaurant and sit in a tavern and eat something that’s going to taste just like it does at the fair. So the indulgence is there, the temptation is there,” said Chantel Hashem, who works at the Turkey Gobbler .

Topsfield Fair Tickets

The Topsfield Fair runs until October 14th. Fair officials are warning people to be wary of online ticket scams and when purchasing them official tickets for the fair on their website or in person. For more information about the fair and to order tickets, click here.