10 fairs you don't want to miss...

In Western Massachusetts

Adams Agricultural Fair

371 Old Columbia St. Adams

Aug. 2-4

adams-agricultural-fair.org

The Double M Rodeo promises to be a highlight of the 45th Adams Agricultural Fair, which also includes a demolition derby, livestock contests, horse and oxen pulls, a K-9 dog demonstration, a birds of prey show, live music and entertainment, concessions, amusement rides, an exhibit hall and concessions.

Cummington Fair

Fruits, vegetables, flowers and crafts are shown off with their ribbons at the 150th Cummington Fair in August 2018.

Berkshire Eagle File Photo

97 Fairgrounds Road, Cummington

Aug. 22-25

cummingtonfair.com

Held over four days, the Cummington Fair seems to have something for everyone. Watch the Western Mass. Lumberjack championship, a demolition derby, 4x4 truck pulls or one of the many horse or oxen pulls. The fair also includes several livestock competitions, a grange hall, a midway, concessions, live music and entertainment.

Eastern States Exposition (The Big E)

1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield

Sept. 13-29

thebige.com

"New England's Great State Fair,” founded in 1917, is one of the largest agricultural fairs in the country, drawing over 1.5 million visitors annually. While you are here, make sure to try one of the fair’s famous fried foods and its signature dessert, the Big E cream puff. Enjoy rides on the midway or take in one of the many musical acts, including this year’s headliners: Loverboy, Foreigner and Skillet. You’ll also want to tour the six New England statehouses, take in a horse show or pig race, and view the 600-pound butter sculpture.

Heath Fair

9 Hosmer Road, Heath

Aug. 16-18

heathfair.org

You won’t find an ATM or Wi-Fi at this small-town fair, but what you will find is a large community celebration. This threeday fair includes a ham and bean supper, a blueberry pancake breakfast, a barbecue run by the town’s firefighters and zucchini races. The weekend also includes livestock competitions, horse and oxen pulls, an antique tractor pull, grange exhibits, concessions and live entertainment.

Sheffield Fair

Sheffield Town Park, 21 Depot Square, Sheffield

Sept. 7

sheffieldfair.com

This one-day fair might be small, but it’s worth the trip. The Sheffield Fair features hayrides, a woodsman demonstration, interactive animal displays, a drum circle, horse barrel races, live music and entertainment, and free games and activities for kids.

In Vermont

Bondville Fair

Vermont Route 30, Bondville

Aug. 23-25

facebook.com/Bondvillefair

Known as the “biggest little fair” in Vermont, the Bondville Fair, marking its 222nd year, has the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating fair in Vermont. Enjoy three days featuring oxen and horse pulls, tractor and truck pulls, amusement rides, bands, concessions, and traditional farm animal and hall exhibit contests.

Deerfield Valley Farmers' Day Fair

1 Baker Field, Wilmington

Aug. 8-11

dvfair.com

Celebrating its 102nd year, the Deerfield Valley Farmers’ Day Fair prides itself on being “a long-standing local tradition which inspires neighborly competition, education in agriculture, wholesome entertainment, exhibits of area residents, and most importantly good clean fun!” This four-day fair features a BMX stunt show, horse pulls, truck pulls, a demolition derby, a midway full of amusement rides, bands, concessions, and traditional farm animal and hall exhibit contests.

Guilford Fair

163 Fairground Road, Guilford

Sept. 1-2

guilfordfairvermont.com

Now in its 75th year, the Guilford Fair “honors and promotes Vermont’s agricultural traditions in a way that is both educational and entertaining.” This rural country fair, held each year on Labor Day weekend, includes a horse pull, cattle show, horse show, smallanimal barn, carnival rides, tons of local exhibits and lots of food choices.

Tunbridge World’s Fair

The crowd cheers as Rosaire’s Royal Racers racing pigs sprint around the racetrack at the Tunbridge World’s Fair in Tunbridge, Vt.

Photo by The Associated Press

1 Fairgrounds Lane, Tunbridge

Sept. 12-15

tunbridgeworldsfair.com

Close out the summer at the 148th Tunbridge World’s Fair, where you’ll find harness racing, pig races, horse and oxen pulls, livestock showmanship, a gymkhana, sheepdog trials, live entertainment, carnival rides and more.

Vermont State Fair

175 South Main St., Rutland

Aug. 13-17

vermontstatefair.org

Racing pigs, a demolition derby, live music, livestock judging, horse and oxen pulls, midway rides, grange exhibits and contests are just a few of the things you’ll find at one of the oldest state agricultural fairs in the country. The Vermont State Fair celebrates its 174th year this summer with fun and excitement for the entire family.