Hilltown Families 
142nd Annual Cummington Fair (August 26th-29th, 2010)
The Biggest and Best Little Fair in the Country
Right in the Heart of the Hilltowns
The 142nd Cummington Fair, a four-day agricultural celebration right in the heart of Western MA, is this weekend! The fair starts Thursday night (4-9pm) when families can buy a $10 wrist band for the kids to ride the midway unlimited all night long (or until they’re too dizzy to stand). Added bonus, it’s Night for Trucks too. Makes for a loud evening, but great for kids who love trucks! There will also be a Circus Thrill Show and events in the Fun House Tent.
Friday is Cruise Night. It’s also Children’s Night where families can buy discounted tickets for the rides, which in the past meant 1/2 priced tickets for the rides on the midway. In years past we’ve been able to use any left over tickets for the rest of the weekend (so buy extra if you’re coming back with the kids!). Other highlights on Friday night include the Circus Thrill Show, Demolition Derby, Bux The Balloon Man, Spaghetti Dinner, and youth Sheep & Cattle Show.
Saturday is Old Fashion Fair Day. Families can come early and stroll around in the morning looking at the antique tractors, watch the 4H kids proudly share their animals, visit the petting barn, and check out the craft barn. After 11am the shows begin. This year Rick Adam, One Man Band, Hansen’s Spectacular Circus Thrill Show, Dux The Ballon Man, Jose’ Duddy and Allegheny String Band will be giving shows all weekend long. As well as the Draft Oxen Pulls and the Ox Teamster Challenge.
The community Roast Beef Dinner’s first seating happens around lunch time and then again as an early dinner. There are also an abundance of food vendors selling all sorts of culinary fair delights. In the afternoon hours, in between shows and performances, families can check out the exhibitor hall and see all the glorious produce local gardeners have grown and crafts artisans have made. After the dinner hour families can check out the Skid Steer Rodeo and join in square dancing with the Bob Willie & Friendship String Band. Then in the evening there will be fireworks, rain or shine!
Sundays are great days too! It’s Senior Citizen’s Day, an excellent opportunity for grandparents to take their grandkids! The Western Mass Lumberjack Championship happens in the morning, and later in the day is the Draft Horse Competition, Firemen’s Muster, Antique Car Parade and the community turkey dinner. Johnny Mystic Magical Entertainment happens throughout the day, and the midway and rides are open from 11am-8pm.
Admission to the fair for kids under 10 get is free, and their adult companions only pay $8. Kids ages 10-16 are $4. There is also the option of buying a 3-Day pass (save $4 per adult) or a 4-Day pass (save $7 per adult). You also have to pay for parking, anywhere between $3-$5 per car. So carpool if you can to save a few extra dollars.
The Cummington Fair is held every year at the Cummington Fairgrounds (97 Fairgrounds Road, Cummington, MA). It’s located one mile off of Route 9 from the center of Cummington, or 5 miles off of Route 143 from the center of West Chesterfield. Map/Direction.
AGRICULTURAL FAIR LESSON PLANS
I’ve linked to several state fair lesson plans below for families looking for curriculums they can use with the abundance of agricultural fairs that happen in and around Western MA:
That’s terrific, Wayne. Welcome to the Hilltowns! Hope you enjoy the fair!
I’m looking forward to going to the fair this weekend and other events that you list on this web site. My wife and I are relatively new to the Hilltowns and are always looking for things to do close to home. :-)