Founded in 1818, the Topsfield fair is the oldest agricultural fair in America. Featuring carnival rides and games in addition to the traditional attractions of exhibitions of livestock, rabbits and cavies, crafts, horses and produce, the Topsfield fair is a popular attraction drawing visitors from all over the area to attend.

A little history

The Topsfield Fair was created by the Essex Agricultural Society, a non – profit organization that owns the Topsfield Fair. When it was officially granted a charter on June 12th 1818, the Topsfield Fair was born. The Essex Agricultural Society was made up of farmers who wanted to “promote and improve the agricultural interests of farmers and others in Essex County.” Beginning as the Essex Agricultural Society Cattle Show held in different areas of Essex County, the Topsfield Fair has been held annually at its existing location since 1910.

The show must go on

The Topsfield Fair has been held annually since that first cattle show with just six exceptions, all out of the hands of the Essex Agricultural Society. By government decree it was suspended for three years during the Civil War and for three years, 1943, 1944 and 1945 during World War II.

The Honorable Timothy Pickering

The first president of the Essex Agricultural Society was the Honorable Timothy Pickering, a 1783 Harvard graduate and a Revolutionary War hero known for his renowned political background. Pickering served under President George Washington as a Postmaster General, Secretary of War and Secretary of State. When he returned to Massachusetts he was elected United States Senator for two terms and served in the House of Representatives from 1813 to 1817. Pickering’s contribution to the Topsfield Fair will always be remembered.

Some things to do…

The Topsfield Fair has a lot to offer to its visitors including beekeeping, sand sculptures, sportsman, public services and more. The most notable competition in the Topsfield Fair is definitely the Giant Pumpkin competition. In 2004, the winning pumpkin was grown by Steven Sperry Johnston with a weight of 1, 253 pounds. Don’t forget to see the animal attractions as well with your Boston car rental including the pig barn, farmyard, and beekeeping. You will also want to check out the Green Pavilion and Coolidge Hall to see the activities that they are holding. Past performers included Ernie and the Automatics, Colgate Country Showdown, Grupo Fantasia, Heidi Newfield, Shana Stack & FastLane, SheDaisy, North Sea Gas, Susan Tedeschi, and the Flying Wallendas. Admissions for musical acts in the Topsfield Fair Arena are extra.

Taking a piece of the farm back home

Pick up some local products when you travel with your Boston car rental! Held from 7:00 am to noon in Lot A, the Farmer’s Market is a great place to buy some fresh produce that not only taste great in a meal but supports the local economy as well. Visiting the farmers market at the Topsfield Fair with your Boston car rental is also a great way to sample local foods and learn about the farming culture.

Before you go…

Topsfield Fairgrounds sits on the former Treadwell Farm property of Dr. John Goodhue Treadwell of Salem who bequeathed the land to the Essex Agricultural Society in 1858.

Admission is $10 during the weekdays and $12 during the weekends and holidays, children under the age o 8 with an adult are admitted for free. For a discount when you travel with your Boston car rental you can purchase advance tickets on their websites.

For more information when you visit Topsfield Fair with your Boston Car Rental visit their website at http://www.topsfieldfair.org/