By Nathan Allen
posted
Aug 30, 2012
RUTLAND-The Vermont State Fair in Rutland has been celebrating
the states agricultural heritage for over 100 years. As time goes
on more and more events are added to the fair and it now stretches
over 10 full days from August 31 to Sept. 9.
Everything you expect from a modern fair is there: Deep fried
foods of every shape and size, demolition derbies, vertigo inducing
rides, tests of skill and strength, and grandstand entertainment
from country music to pop stars.
But the core of a State Fair is the judging that takes place
inside the large fairgroud buildings. Everything from dairy cows,
dogs, rabbits, arts and crafts, fruits and vegetables, photographs,
preserved foods and floral arrangements will be entered from
contestants around the state. Cash prizes are up for grabs as well
as the coveted blue ribbons.
When you go to the fair this year, make sure you allow for
plenty of time to wander around all the different exhibits and
entrants. In between sessions of fried dough, ferris wheel rides
and winning stuffed animals, take a few moments to marvel at the
hard work that produces Vermont's most valuable resources. Talk to
some of the experts at the forestry exhibit and learn what
Vermont's forests produce, talk to a maple producer or learn what
it takes to raise a prize winning thoroughbred horse.
The Order of Patrons and Husbandry is better known as The
Grange. Formed in 1867 The Grange is the oldest agricultural
society in the country with over 300,000 members in 36 states. It
provides support for Vermont's agricultural families and is an
advocate for legislation and helps preserve a way of life that has
supported the community for generations.
The Grange has been an integral part of The Vermont State Fair
and this year you will find their exhibits inside the Bergstrom
building where members will have submitted produce, arts and
crafts, preserved foods, flowers and photographs to be judged. It
is always amazing to see what it is possible to grow and produce
right here in Vermont. The Grange exhibits the best of the best to
fair attendees and shows off the local bounty well.
The Vermont State Fair also has an open event so anyone can
enter. The categories are exhaustive. If you can grow it, raise it
or make it in Vermont, it is at the Fair vying for that blue
ribbon.
Another group with their hard work on display are the local 4-H
clubs. The University of Vermont 4-H program has offices in every
Vermont County and the organization is proud to support "a
community of young people learning leadership, citizenry and life
skills." 4-H stands for Head, Heart, Hands and Health and the
Bergstrom building will also show off what club members have been
working on all year. The many different kinds of livestock that
Vermonters raise will be on display as well. Most of these have
been entered into judging competitions as well. There are animals
that prove their value in tests of strength in pulling contests and
harness racing.
The Vermont State Fair prides itself in being inexpensive
entertainment that the whole family can enjoy.
Some of the better deals to be had include "dollar day" Tuesday,
September 4 where admission is a dollar for all ages. All rides on
Tuesday are also only a dollar. Then there is Customer Appreciation
Day on Wednesday, September 5 where admission is free. Donations to
the Mentor Connector of Rutland County will be accepted. Another
bargain is Family Day the following Thursday, September 6 where
admission is $15 with free unlimited rides.
Grandstand entertainment like the demolition derbies and the
music concerts are always extra. But free shows and exhibits are
plentiful around the fairgrounds on a daily basis. Don't miss the
racing pigs! They race several times a day, every day. For a
complete list of events and schedules visit
www.vermontstatefair.net.
Tagged:
Vermont State Fair, Labor Day Weekend
