It’s Fair Time

by Royal Barnard

2010 marks the 165th running of the Vermont State Fair.…. or as locals call it “The Rutland Fair” or just “The Fair.“ Any name is fine, it’s one of the largest agricultural expositions, carnivals and country fair events in northern New England. ”The Fair” offers up everything from prize cows, bunnies and chickens; giant pumpkins, zuccini and farm produce; to maple sugar cotton candy, thrill rides, concerts, games of chance, demolition derby, foods, beer garden.…. it’s all at “The Fair.”

This event, however, is more than the sum of its parts. This is a full fledged happening that draws out every segment of society. No other place or activity in the region comes even close to drawing the diverse crowds, and most who attend have traditions about their visit.

One universal theme is food. Usually the first thing about the fair is the smell of french fries and onion rings.… you can smell it for blocks away. Burger King on steroids, you might say... it’s pretty much all fast food, but it’s mostly sold by small specialty family vendors. If you’re over 40 take your Pepcid before arriving. You go one place for onion rings and blooming onions; another for foot long dogs; another for ice cream sundays on a stick; another for sugar on snow; another for cotton candy; another for fried dough; and don’t forget MSJ Academy sausage sandwiches with onions and peppers.

After some quick snacks it’s time to decide on activities. You quickly note that the fairgrounds are divided into at least three noticeable areas. First is “The Midway” where you find all the rides, games of chance, lots of food and two buildings that house exhibitors and merchants. Next is the grandstand and infield, where all the concerts, shows and events are held. Finally is the agricultural area that includes horse and animal barns, show areas, The President’s Building and a section of flea markets and vendors.

There’s a lot to see at the fair. You can expect to spend several hours just to take a quick trip around and get a general overview. Many fairgoers do it in multiple trips. One day to take the kids for snacks, rides, visits to the animals and a couple games. Another day might be for the adults to get some Roxie’s french fries and a foot long dog and hang out in the beer tent; then take in a grandstand show and finish up with a couple rides, games and a walk away sunday. You could spend yet another visit in the merchant and exposition buildings, and the agricultural buildings. Thankfully, the fair lasts over a week and there’s plenty of time.

“The Fair” has a rich history. It started in a field in Castleton; later became the Rutland Horse Show and Carnival in Downtown; The Rutland Fair and Carnival and ultimately the Vermont State Fair in its current location. This location, by the way, is the largest piece of commercial property in the City, and except for the annual “Fair” and a few other scattered events, it’s quite underused in the winter.

“The Fair” is such a major draw that for many years the merchants in Downtown Rutland put most everything on hold during “fair week” and they planned on doing very little business because all the action was at the fairgrounds.… this is almost as powerful a distraction as “deer season” when local hunters drop everything and head for the woods.

This year “The Fair” runs from Friday, September 3 - to Sunday, September 12. Grandstand features this year include Charlie Pride, Wynonna, Molly Hatched, Danny Gokey, Rick Springfield, Demolition Derby... and more.

Free shows include Racing Pigs, Dancing Bears, Comedy, horses, carving, trapeze, magic, exotic animals and more.

You are sure to get “More Bang For Your Buck” at the 2010 Vermont State Fair. You can purchase passes for one low price to get you into the grounds all ten days, purchase daily admission tickets for a $3 savings per day, purchase ride tickets in advance and save $10, get your concert tickets in advance and get free admission to the Fair or take advantage of one of the three promotional days that include $1 admission day, free admission day or a low admission price of $12 and have unlimited rides for free

There’s paid parking all around the neighborhood, including inside the grounds. My favorite is the Rutland Indoor Mission on Park Street. All proceeds benefit the homeless residents and the location is right across from the main Park Street entrance.

The Vermont State Fair is located at 175 South Main Street, Rutland, VT 05701

For more information on the 2010 Vermont State Fair, Call: 802-775-5200, Email: vtstfair@comcast.net or visit us on the web at: www.vermontstatefair.net

Killington Hay Fest 2010

The 2010 Killington Hay Festival kicks off Labor Day weekend. It will feature “The Killington Grass Menagerie”, 35 massive sculptures made from Vermont hay, a hay maze and a series of family activities and events. 

The festival will benefit the National Audubon Society, raising funds and awareness for bird and habitat restoration in the Gulf of Mexico.

2010 Attractions include:

35 giant hay sculptures in Killington’s Grass Menagerie

A giant Hay Maze and start the Scavenger Hunt at the Grist Mill

A selection of Weekly Events that includes:

— Killington Classic Motorcycle Touring Rally, September 9-12th 

— Killington Dock Dogs, September 17-19th

— IDIC 15 5k Walk/Run & 15k Run, September 19th

— Pico Septemberfest, September 25th

— Old Fashioned Vermont Ice Cream Social & Soapbox Political Rally, September 26th

— Killington Brewfest, October 2nd

— Killington Ski Club Ski Swap, October 9-11

— Apple Fest, October 11th

— Bonfire and Ullr-Fest, Oct 11th

And as a bonus to visitors you may enjoy a Harvest Dinner at a local restaurant. Details to follow.

To introduce the event, VT Tourism Commissioner Hyde will join local businesses, Killington town officials and representatives of the Audubon Society at The Grist Mill on the Killington Road on Thursday Sept 2 at 11am to cut the ribbon on the month-long celebration and announce additional details.