TOPSFIELD ― It has been nearly 100 years since the last time that the Topsfield Fair returned from a prolonged absence, and fairgoers are itching to return to the grounds this Friday.
In 2020, the Topsfield Fair was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Previously, the fair had only been canceled twice, with the first occurrence being due to the Spanish flu in 1818 and the second as a result of the outbreak of World War II.
This year marks the 203rd year that the fair will be held.
“Everyone seems very excited about it (the fair),” said Topsfield Fair spokesman Dave Thompson. “I’ve been on the fairgrounds the last couple of days, and different vendors are setting up and the volunteers are putting the displays together, and everyone is really excited.”
One of those vendors stationed on the fairgrounds this year is Ye Olde Pepper Company, of Salem. Known for its famous fudge and its distinction as America’s oldest operational candy company, Ye Olde Pepper will be returning for its 71st year at the fair.
Ye Olde Pepper owner Bob Burkinshaw and his family are veterans of the fair, and they are excited to be back in 2021.
“My parents started doing the fair in 1950, so it’s a part of our life, it really is,” he said. “We’ve been doing it for so long (that) last year, when they didn’t have it, it felt like a void. We look forward to it every year.”
With Ye Olde Pepper Company being a staple for fairgoers, Burkinshaw also talked about why he and his family have been participating for so long.
On top of great food and rides for individuals to enjoy, Topsfield Fair will have animals, plants, and vegetables, as well as various competitions such as the renowned largest-pumpkin competition.
Thompson also added that the fair staff is happy to brighten up people’s lives after what has, and continues to be, a concerning time for everyone.
“I think there is a feeling of hope,” he said. “We know we aren’t out of the woods yet, but it gives some sense of normalcy (after) not having a public fair last year. … Being able to see the fairgrounds come alive again, I think it really gives some people some sense of hope.”
The fair is still taking precautions to ensure that visitors can stay safe; they have increased the number of sanitizing stations as well as hand-washing stations. These stations numbered in the hundreds even before the pandemic, so fairgoers will always be able to keep themselves clean no matter where they are on the grounds.
Topsfield also recently issued an indoor-mask mandate, meaning that visitors will need to have a mask on when entering any building. Masks will not be required while walking outdoors on the fairground.
The Topsfield Fair opens on Friday, Oct. 1 and will conclude on Monday, Oct. 11.
