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08/16/2017 07:37 AMEver want to learn about home brewing, see an antique tractor pull, and watch a rabbit jumping demonstration and pig racing on the same day? Head down to the Chester Fair Friday through Sunday, Aug. 25 through 27, for fun, food, and all kinds of amusement for all ages.
The fair has been running since 1877, and 140 years later still retains its agricultural routes.
“It’s definitely changed since then, but I know from old pictures my grandparents had that the oxen pull and the horse pull have definitely been around for a while,” said Nancy McGee, one of the directors of the Chester Fair.
This year’s educational theme is home-brewing, based on the rising popularity of the beer brewing hobby.
“We have people coming from Steady Habit Brewing Company in Haddam,” said McGee. “They’re going to be talking about how they got started and how to become a home brewer, and they’re going to give a workshop on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the beer tent. There are no tickets needed, just come along and enjoy it.”
The pig racing will return this year, though through a new vendor, as will dog agility and sheepdog herding demonstrations. Additionally, rabbit hopping demonstrations have been added to the lineup, and pony and cattle drawing, and antique tractor pulls will return as well.
“We try to get as many agricultural things as we can; we don’t want to just be a carnival. We want to offer more things to more people,” said McGee. “It’s an agricultural fair, so we want to make sure we stay true to that.”
There are also many classes of competitions for vegetable growing, flower arrangements, baking competitions, and variety of crafts. These have small cash prizes, and can be entered the Thursday before the fair starts, Aug. 24, by bringing the registration form and the entry to the fairground. The registration form can be found in any of the fair booklets around the tri-town area, or online at chesterfair.org.
“Livestock is different. The barn gets so full they will probably already have registered—but your scarecrows, your crafts, your baked goods—those all get entered on Thursday,” said McGee.
There will also be carnival rides and games, and entertainment ranging from local bands to The Voice Season 9 semi-finalist Braiden Sunshine to the Chester Fife and Drum Corps. A chainsaw woodcarver will be in attendance for the first time, as will the New Haven Veterans Center, which provides services to veterans ranging from medical care to employment help for those who have served and who need a hand.
Food includes hits such as Cannolis on the Run, Fork in the Road serving all things mac and cheese, and Pigging Out BBQ bringing pulled pork.
Also new this year, is the Connecticut Crafters’ Marketplace, a space where crafters are invited to set up booths and sell locally.
“We’re trying to encourage Connecticut crafters to come join us and sell their wares,” said McGee. “We’re just trying to support these local folks that are doing all this really great stuff and get their names out there.”
Those interested in taking on a booth can visit the concession section of the website, and either email cctfconcessions@gmail.com to call 860-526-5946 ext. 401 for more information.
In addition to craft vendors, the fair is also still looking for volunteers for a variety of jobs. If interested, reach out through Facebook or stop by the administration building to get on the list. Potential volunteers can also reach out to secretary@chestserfair.org or call 860-526-5947; students who need volunteer hours are especially encouraged to get in touch. The fair also grants a couple of scholarships each year to students with a history of involvement in the fair.
“It’s a tradition, it’s the last hurrah of summer. Growing up here, it was bittersweet, because it meant school was starting, but really, when they say, ‘I’ll see you at the fair’ around here, you really will, at one point or another, see everyone,” said McGee. “It really is a place that the community comes together. There’s such a feeling about the fair. We’re not huge, we’re a smaller venue, but everywhere you go there is something new to see. I’ve volunteered since I was a kid and I love it; it’s a great fair.”
The Chester Fair takes place at the Chester Fairgrounds (11 Kirtland Terrace) from Friday to Sunday, Aug. 25 to 27, from 6 to 11 p.m. on Friday, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday; registration for competitions excluding the livestock competitions takes place on Thursday, Aug. 24 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $8 and $6 for seniors; children 12 and under enter free. Three-day passes are $21. Parking is free and ride wristbands are available. For more information, visit the Chester Fair on Facebook or at www.chesterfair.org. For more information or to volunteer, email secretary@chesterfair.org or call 860-526-5947.