Durham Fair in CT
Sep 7th, 2006, 01:50 AM
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Durham Fair in CT
If anyone likes a REAL agricultural fair -- a big one -- the Durham Fair will be in Durham, CT Sept. 22-24. This is perhaps the biggest 3-day agricultural fair in North America, drawing more than 300,000 people to it in 3 days.
Used to live nearby and always enjoyed it!
Used to live nearby and always enjoyed it!
Sep 11th, 2006, 02:23 PM
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Have you been there in recent years?
I agree that it used to be wonderful. But because it's become so big, it's become quite full of greasy fried food stands, drunken teens, etc.
I think the smaller ag fairs all over New England are much more real and fun.
I agree that it used to be wonderful. But because it's become so big, it's become quite full of greasy fried food stands, drunken teens, etc.
I think the smaller ag fairs all over New England are much more real and fun.
Sep 12th, 2006, 02:50 AM
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"But because it's become so big, it's become quite full of greasy fried food stands, drunken teens, etc. "
How long ago were you there?
Drunken teenagers? Doubtful. The Fair is adamant about NO alcohol of any kind on the grounds -- ever. None for vendors, exhibitors or fairgoers. They spend a small fortune every year on extra police, too, walking around the grounds, always in communication with one another and with the "command post". (You'll see them everywhere.) If anyone is spotted like that, they will very soon be escorted off the grounds.
As for food, sure, vendors sell all the usual "fair food", but there are also all kinds of local church and civic groups selling good food, too, if you want it -- from baked potatoes and corn on the cob to grinders to home baked pies to barbecued chicken, and almost anything else you might want.
We make it a point to drive there every year, even now that we're retired up north here. It hasn't changed all that much except perhaps to get even bigger, with nicer, bigger animal buildings.
Yes, it IS huge, but it's been huge for many, many years. (Yes, many smaller fairs are also enjoyable -- I agree. We like the nice little ones up here, too.)
Compare to the "Big E"? The Big E always was far more commercial, with far fewer truly agricultural exhibits and home competitions in vegetables, fruits, arts, crafts, etc. (I have no idea now.) Size-wise, I think they're close, but the Durham Fair is, again, just 3 days.
By the way, fair parking is available FREE all around the grounds, with buses bringing people to and from remote spots. However, a lot of folks on Main Street DO make money selling parking on their lawns and wherever, for those who choose dto do that.
How long ago were you there?
Drunken teenagers? Doubtful. The Fair is adamant about NO alcohol of any kind on the grounds -- ever. None for vendors, exhibitors or fairgoers. They spend a small fortune every year on extra police, too, walking around the grounds, always in communication with one another and with the "command post". (You'll see them everywhere.) If anyone is spotted like that, they will very soon be escorted off the grounds.
As for food, sure, vendors sell all the usual "fair food", but there are also all kinds of local church and civic groups selling good food, too, if you want it -- from baked potatoes and corn on the cob to grinders to home baked pies to barbecued chicken, and almost anything else you might want.
We make it a point to drive there every year, even now that we're retired up north here. It hasn't changed all that much except perhaps to get even bigger, with nicer, bigger animal buildings.
Yes, it IS huge, but it's been huge for many, many years. (Yes, many smaller fairs are also enjoyable -- I agree. We like the nice little ones up here, too.)
Compare to the "Big E"? The Big E always was far more commercial, with far fewer truly agricultural exhibits and home competitions in vegetables, fruits, arts, crafts, etc. (I have no idea now.) Size-wise, I think they're close, but the Durham Fair is, again, just 3 days.
By the way, fair parking is available FREE all around the grounds, with buses bringing people to and from remote spots. However, a lot of folks on Main Street DO make money selling parking on their lawns and wherever, for those who choose dto do that.
Sep 24th, 2006, 01:43 AM
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We just retured from down there and the Fair was as fabulous as ever! Wonderful exhibits, great food, etc. The fair runs through the end of today (Sunday).
We stayed in a wonderful B&B in Wallingford, CT -- High Meadow Farms B&B. Very peaceful, nice beds, great breakfasts.
Vermonter
We stayed in a wonderful B&B in Wallingford, CT -- High Meadow Farms B&B. Very peaceful, nice beds, great breakfasts.
Vermonter
Sep 24th, 2006, 03:15 AM
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>>>>
REAL agricultural fair.....
The Fair is adamant about NO alcohol of any kind on the grounds -- ever. None for vendors, exhibitors or fairgoers.
>>>>
"agriculture" does not include wine and cider (proper cider) producers??? shame.
REAL agricultural fair.....
The Fair is adamant about NO alcohol of any kind on the grounds -- ever. None for vendors, exhibitors or fairgoers.
>>>>
"agriculture" does not include wine and cider (proper cider) producers??? shame.
Sep 25th, 2006, 03:18 AM
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Thanks Retired Vermonter. I have only been to the Big E once but enjoyed the scheduled entertainment events as well as things like the 4-H fashion show revue and action exhibits. Last year we enjoyed the Fryeburg Fair in Maine which has some nice building devoted to historical exhibits and demonstrations. Sounds like the Durham Fair should be on our list of things to do.
Sep 28th, 2006, 12:15 AM
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walkinaround:
When I said "no alcohol" on the Durham Fair grounds, I meant no IMBIBING of alcohol.
I believe they do have categories in which people can enter homemade wine or beer or cider for judging, along with other canning, vegetables, etc.
When I said "no alcohol" on the Durham Fair grounds, I meant no IMBIBING of alcohol.
I believe they do have categories in which people can enter homemade wine or beer or cider for judging, along with other canning, vegetables, etc.
Jul 2nd, 2013, 03:50 PM
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yes this is a big fair and it is ok but is another fair the following week the berlin fair only about 10 to 15 miles apart the berlin fair in berlin ct is now quite large and is also concidered one of cts largest fairs i havent been since 2007 but it was huge then now i think it is almost or same size as durham it is held the 1st week of october and has always been my favorate ct fair so if you like fairs yull wont want to miss this one
Jul 2nd, 2013, 04:04 PM
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there are actully 3 major connecticut fairs that are held each a week apart the durham fair last weekend of sept the berlin fair 1st weekend of october and the portland ct fair portland ct held 2 weekend in october thes 3 fairs are only each within say 15 miles of each other with the portland fair the smaller of the 3 but they are growing fast and they are listed as a major fair this is a very good fair also
