The tradition continues! Guilford Agricultural Society members -- producers of the Guilford Fair – are in the thick of planning another fun-packed country fair Sept. 15 through 17, at the Guilford Fairgrounds. Country star Dylan Scott headlines the musical entertainment Saturday. As in the past, one gate admission covers all shows, displays and exhibits inside. Rides and refreshments are extra.
This year, the Guilford Agricultural Fair and Guilford Fair Parade theme is “Commit to be Fit.” Guilford Agricultural Society president John Hammarlund said, “Farming is some of the best exercise anyone can get…it’s a natural workout! Whether it’s for your blue-ribbon tomatoes, baking, quilting, animals or painted pumpkins – thousands have and are building fond memories of the fair. It is a testament to hard work and the love of all things natural.”
EXHIBITORS’ GUIDES: Entrants will want an Exhibitors’ Guide. They are available at many area locations including Page Hardware, Royal Printing, Lakeside Feed, Bishops Farm Market and Guilford Town Hall, all in Guilford; Agway and Country Paint and Hardware in North Branford; Scranton Library in Madison; and Medlyn’s Farm in Stony Creek. Rules and entry forms are also available online at www.guilfordfair.org The deadline to enter for most categories is Saturday, September 9, but some, such as some animals, are earlier. Please check the entrant’s book or the website. Entry delivery dates range from September 9-14, depending on the class(es) entered.
ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCED: The Guilford Fair this year boasts three concerts, all free after Fair admission.• Eagles tribute band, Another Tequila Sunrise, performs Friday night at 8:30. Playing complete album sets to solo material from the Eagles, this band has wowed sell-out crowds for more than 15 years. The group’s work ranges from soaring ballads such as Desperado to country rockers such as Lyin’ Eyes to the sweet vocal harmonies and jangling guitars of Another Tequila Sunrise.• Country favorite Dylan Scott , described as “an old soul with a young spirit,” performs Saturday night at 8:30. As one of the most successful developing artists stories of the year, Scott rides a wave of momentum leading into his 2016, debut, self-titled album. Having been named one of Spotify’s Spotlight on 2016 Country Artists, he has enjoyed success with his debut single, “Makin’ This Boy Go Crazy”; “Crazy Over Me” (debuted at #14 on the Billboard Sales Chart) and “My Girl.”- More -• The Coyote River Band plays at Noon & 2:30 pm, Sunday. This New England favorite was formed in 2010. With their solid instrumentals, rich vocals, and rock foundation, they play music from the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s.
All ages will delight in the popular free family circus featuring The Flying Wallendas, with Shawn Marren The Human Cannonball, along with the Nerveless Nocks Globe of Thrills and Astro-Nocks Space Wheel. The Fair welcomes back illusionist David Garrity; Records & Burpee children’s zoo; donkey/mule and llama shows; rides and midway by Rockwell Amusements; craft/agricultural and animal exhibits; pony and camel rides; livestock and tractor pulls; and more. Multiple shows are scheduled daily. A Saturday morning parade steps off at 10 a.m. at the historic Guilford Green.
ABOUT THE FAIR --
SINCE 1859: A Library of Congress Local Legacy staged by the non-profit Guilford Agricultural Society since 1859, the Guilford Fair provides fun for all ages with continuous entertainment, exhibitions, demonstrations, food for every palate and carnival rides by Rockwell Amusements. General admission covers all entertainment and exhibits. Rides and refreshments are extra. Admission for children ages five and under is always free.
SEE “GUILFORD FAIR FAST FACTS” BELOW.
Guilford Fair Fast FactsHours: are Fri., Sept. 15, 1-11 p.m.; Sat., Sept. 16, 9 a.m. -11 p.m.; Sun., Sept. 17, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. Huge, free, Guilford Fair Parade, 10 a.m., Sat. Sept. 17, Guilford Town Green.
Admission: General Admission, $10; seniors 60 and older, $8; children 6 to 11, $5; five and under, free; and three-day discount passes $25. General admission covers all entertainment, exhibits and demonstrations. Rides and refreshments are extra. Parade is free. ATM on site.
Parking: Free parking and shuttle buses at Exit 57, off I-95. Parking on site is $5.00.
Fair Entries due: Most due September 9. Some exceptions. Mail completed entry forms from the Exhibitors’ Guide or downloaded from the internet; or enter in person at the Fairgrounds on Saturday, September 10. Entries must be delivered between Sept. 9 and 14, depending on the category(s) entered and must remain in place until the close of the Fair at 7 p.m. on Sunday.
Visit www.guilfordfair.org OR Visit the Guilford Fair on Facebook OR call the Fair office, 203-453-3543.