TOPSFIELD – Jamie O’Brien, general manager of the Topsfield Fair, had to smile when another agricultural exhibition recently boasted that a 900-pounder won its annual pumpkin competition.
“We don’t even weigh them if they’re only 900 pounds,” said O’Brien, with an impish grin. Last year’s Great Pumpkin at Topsfield weighed a whopping 2,075 pounds. That record-setter earned Steve Connolly, who grew the gargantuan gourd in his Sharon pumpkin patch, the $15,000 first prize.
“Every year, the first thing I get asked is ‘How big was the pumpkin?’ The Giant Pumpkin Contest has taken on a life of its own,” said O’Brien, who has guided the fair for the past dozen years.
The pumpkin weigh-off, always held on opening day so all attendees during the fair’s 11-day run can ooh and aah and genuflect at its greatness, will be but one highlight of this beloved New England institution, which opens on Sept. 29 and continues through Columbus Day, Oct. 9. Last year, O’Brien said, 380,000 visitors enjoyed America’s oldest fair (next year will be its 200th anniversary). He’s optimistic that many more will enter its turnstiles this year, especially if the weather is sunny.
The entertainment lineup this year is a superb blend of internationally-known musical acts (Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone, Oct. 4; Village People, Oct. 5; Cassadee Pope, Oct. 7) and local standouts (T Max, Sept. 29; The Annie Brobst Band, Sept. 30; The Dave Sammarco Band, Oct. 9). Monster Truck Demolition Derby (Sept. 30), New England Rodeo (Oct. 4 and 5) and The Flying Wallendas (Oct. 7-9) will appeal to thrill-seekers of all ages.
O’Brien said Swifty Swine Racing and Swimming Pigs will debut at Topsfield with shows every day. “The pigs race for Oreo cookies,” said O’Brien, “I run for Oreo cookies, too.”
The Mrs. Essex County Pageant is Oct. 8. Admission fees are reduced for seniors on Oct. 2; members of the United States military and their immediate families are admitted for free on Oct. 3. Kids of all ages will flock, as usual, to the rides on the midway and agriculture exhibits, especially the bunny nursery in the Rabbit Barn, the egg hatchery in the Poultry Barn, the baby calves in the Cattle Barn and farm animals. Award-winning floral designs will be on display, as will 4-H exhibits, demonstrations and much more.
Parking improvements have been made, said O’Brien. To help alleviate traffic on Route 1, the Essex Agricultural Society, the organization that operates the fair, purchased 23 acres of land south of the fairgrounds that can accommodate 600 more cars; shuttle buses will zoom to the fair in a dedicated lane.
“Fun. At the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about, good wholesome fun for families” said O’Brien. “When I sit on the porch out front, I see happy, excited children and smiling dads and moms pushing strollers. For me, that’s the absolute best thing.”
For tickets and other information, go to topsfieldfair.org. Check out Essex Media Group’s special Topsfield Fair supplement in Sept. 28 editions of the Daily item and the Lynnfield and Peabody Weekly News.
