Deerfield Fair — Attraction in Deerfield

Wonderful fair, with many fun experiences for people of all ages! Not as large as other fairs in New England where you feel you'll get lost in the blink of an eye, but definitely grande enough in size and selection where you'll have plenty of options to pick from every which way you look. From delightful smells coming from all over the fair grounds to the many varieties of livestock being showcased all over - this fair has something for everyone! If it's excitement you're looking for, watch the sheep herding show where the dogs will make you howl with laughter, but make the whole crowd cheer for them doing a job well done. My favorite event (and for many audience goers), is the oxen and the horses that can pull sleds carrying an astounding 10,000 pounds! It's incredible to watch because the animals love the attention they get from the thrill of an audience! With petting zoos for kids or carnival rides for all sizes, I guarantee it will be an experience you won't forget so soon. Many lovely vendors showcasing produce from their backyards or farms, to arts and crafts including quilts and photography. To everyday sales where you'll find lumberjacks carving wooden tables with chainsaws before your very eyes! Or perhaps you will see a breathtaking circus acts full of thrills and cheers to excite your whole family!

However, BE SURE you know where your family and friends are at all times, because your cell phone will likely not be able to make a call or text or use the internet for that matter. This is the one true downfall of this wonderful fair and I hope to see it fixed in the near future. The food is wonderful, as are the souvenirs and the carnival rides, BUT prepare to bring your spending money for the stay, especially if this is your first time or you haven't then back in a while. There are many indoor bathrooms and indoor spaces which are especially wonderful for when the weather isn't the best. You'll be delighted to know that these spaces are kept very clean at all times. The staff and vendors are always friendly and courteous, welcoming you with open arms for a small town feeling in early Autumn and weather that you can't get enough of. In the end, you will find that the people that running the fair are the reasons fair goers come back, year after year.

So many things to love and I hope to...

One of the best fairs in New Hampshire. A favorite for many every year. And for those animal welfare protestors who claim pig scrambles are inhumane: you should probably remember that those hot dogs I saw you enjoying so much are made from our friendly pink squealers. That big juicy steak you're maybe thinking about later on comes from a cow. Even confirmed vegetarians are mostly flexitarians with a day set aside for cheating. Like it or not, farming is a way of life, and our county fairs educate others from cities to that life. Whether you choose to take something positive away from it or not is up to you. However, we should keep in mind that livestock is raised for a purpose. That doesn't mean that farmers mistreat their animals or promote cruelty to them. On the contrary, many a night is spent without sleep as we watch over our flock for one reason or another. As a farmer myself, I understand the compulsion for movement that rises with the sun as I open the barn each day. Maybe we've put a little too much of our own self identity on the pig. So unless you are one, you can't say they are frightened by what you perceive. And yet, let us not forget bacon. The venerable underbelly that will tempt almost any dietary restriction. All I'm saying is, ease up folks. Nobody wants to hurt the pigs. They will squeal if you touch them, that's just how pigs are. Go to the fair, enjoy yourself, learn about agriculture, have fun with the family and lighten up. All is well. If you're still compelled to raise a voice on behalf of animals, volunteer to spend an honest week or two working on a farm. I guarantee you'll come to appreciate the work that's done there, and you'll understand that it makes no sense for any farmer to mistreat their livestock. Our food comes from the farms, not the...

Deerfield is probably my favorite fair because of the large amount of antique farm equipment and museum-like historical exhibits there compared to the other state fairs (I like them all, though). Making your way around all the old Hit-and-Miss engines is such a fun experience full of unique sights, sounds, and smells. There are also many buildings full of craft and agricultural exhibitors that are so interesting to peruse. There are endless concessions and all different kinds of food from typical event staples like fries, italian sausages, and fried dough; to things you might mot typically see at an agricultural fair like tofu scramble wraps, bubble tea, and dole whip. There are enough plant-based gems to be found among the food stands that nobody will have to go away disappointed. The food has gotten quite costly in the last few years, however, so it's an event to save toward. There is a sizable midway area with rides for many age groups. The ride ticket prices are also somewhat costly. Most areas of the fairgrounds seem quite accessible to those with mobility issues. There are a couple of larger hills and muddy spots, but these paths are not the only ways to get to any area. I saw a number of people using various mobility aids and they all seemed to be able to access most every area of the grounds without significant struggle. There are plenty of restrooms throughout the grounds, and they were well staffed and maintained by friendly workers. The parking is vast, and there seemed to be plenty of disabled accessible parking areas near gates. However, most of the parking is on grass that can get muddy under lots of traffic, and I'm unsure how some of the slimmer wheels on certain wheelchairs, etc. may be affected by that. The traffic is insane so be prepared to wait to...