August starts country fair time in the Berkshires

Country fairs have evolved from agricultural events to include rides, fried food and headliner entertainment.

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If you didn’t grow up in the Berkshires or another rural pocket of the country, the idea of the country fair may only exist for you in books or on screen. We’re here to tell you they are a much-anticipated Big Thing around here, with carnivals and live music often mixed in with pie judging and livestock shows.

Let’s back up for a moment. Here's a history lesson: Many pin the origins of the first American country fair to Pittsfield. In 1811, a sheep farmer by the name of Elkanah Watson began an exhibition and competition to display local livestock, with the most impressive of the herd winning cash prizes. In the years that followed, this model of a county fair grew in popularity across the country and saw the addition of food vendors, craft markets, games, carnivals and even the latest and greatest technology of the time — think the widespread use of electricity to keep the fairs open at night and hot air balloons.

Today, the agricultural roots of country fairs remain strong, though you can also expect to ride a merry-go-round, eat something incredibly deep-fried and even to see your favorite artist in concert.

Where do we begin with the impressive lineup offered by the Littleville Fair? You certainly don’t want to miss the great food, kids’ activities (the blueberry pie eating contest for instance!), and live music. But the true highlights for the motor heads include Saturday’s BMX performances, lawn mower racing and demolition derby. Witness athleticism at its peak in the Women’s Fry Pan Toss at 4 p.m. on Saturday. We'll be there in the front row. A full list of the weekend’s activities can be found here.

Littleville Fair

Friday, Aug. 4 to Sunday, Aug. 6

15 Kinnebrook Road, Chester

Children get hands-on experiences with farm equipment and farm animals.

In Middlefield, you can start your day with a belly full of pancakes and end it by winning a free children’s scooter. Of course, there’s plenty to do in between. Check out the snake and reptile showcases, diesel truck pull and K-9 demonstrations. If you missed the Fry Pan Toss in Chester, you can see the ladies throw skillets and the gentlemen toss chainsaws at this event. Catch the full lineup on their website.

Middlefield Fair

Friday, Aug. 11 to Sunday, Aug. 13

7 Bell Road, Middlefield

A farmer prepares his cow for judging at the Heath County Fair.

Antique tractors as well as livestock exhibitions and demonstrations take center stage at the Heath Fair, which celebrates 105 years in action this summer. If you’re not sure the farming-centered stuff is for you, you can still enjoy the Birds of Prey show or camp out in the beer garden until you work up the courage to join in on the square dancing. On Sunday, the day starts with a 5K Fun Run and features a parade of “Our Pollinating Partners.” See more of the action here.

Heath Fair

Friday, Aug. 18 to Sunday, Aug. 20

9 West Hosmer Road, Heath

Contests like ox pulls are a major spectator sport at area country fairs.

In Westfield, cars try to balance on teeter totters and people chuck hay bales as far as they can. You can also expect plenty of carnival rides at the new midway, junior and adult livestock shows and a petting zoo full of baby animals. Young people with dreams of a career in agriculture can even apply for a scholarship through the fair in memory of dairy cattle mainstay Jim Phelon. More information is available on their website.

The Westfield Fair

Friday, Aug. 18 to Sunday, Aug. 20

137 Russellville Road, Westfield

The Cummington Fair has opportunities to get up close and personal with the livestock.

Every day at the Cummington Fair, you can expect carnival rides on the midway, kid-friendly performers and a craft barn to shop (The holidays are just around the corner, after all). And — of course — there are plenty of animals in attendance to say hello to. Check out the themes for each individual day for something extra, whether it’s dancing or demolition derbies. Find out more here.

Cummington Fair

Thursday, Aug. 24 to Sunday, Aug. 27

97 Fairgrounds Road, Cummington

The Columbia County Fair includes exotic animals as well as traditional livestock.

Head over the New York border to the Columbia County fair for the usual fun, food and entertainment; and if your heart has a competitive streak, this is the one for you. Contests on the bill (outside of the usual livestock competitions) include a duct tape fashion show, a classic “Columbia County’s Got Talent,” an ice cream eating competition and more. Home brewers of craft beer, wine and cider may also enter into an amateur brewing competition. And if you’re looking for a more relaxed time, you’ll certainly have a chance to hang out and pet some interesting animals. Each day’s lineup can be found on the Columbia County Fair website.

Columbia County Fair

Wednesay, Aug. 30 to Tuesday, Sept. 4

82 Hudson Ave., Chatham, N.Y.

The Big E is a comprehensive region-wide fair with food, livestock and entertainment from all six New England states.

Here's the fair that New Englanders know to be the Fair of all Fairs, The Big E. Beginning as the Eastern States Exposition, it remains one of the biggest fairs in the country with all six states in New England being represented. Our tips? Be prepared to wait in long lines for booze and bathrooms, and most importantly, come hungry.

The Big E Cream Puffs are one of the iconic foods to try at the fair.

You can eat your way through the Avenue of States, trying a local delicacy from each one, or find something deep-fried at just about any corner of their massive fairgrounds. For dessert, you can’t skip the signature Big E cream puffs. Just make sure you pace yourself well enough to make it onto the carnival rides, or dance at the main stages. The Big E hosts a number of well-known artists on both their free and ticketed stages each year, with 2023’s highlights including Jimmy Eat World, Third Eye Blind, Ginuwine and more. The Big E’s run is significantly longer than many of our other listed fairs, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to see it all this fall.

The Big E

Friday, Sept. 15 to Sunday, Oct. 1

1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield

This South County fair is one-day only. While little information about this year’s lineup has been released as of yet, previous years have been packed with kid-friendly entertainment including live animals and craft making, as well as live music and hayrides. The fair is free to attend, and there’s plenty of time to enter their kids and teens Livestock Showmanship Fitting Competition! More info is available on their website.

Sheffield Fair

Saturday, Sept. 9

21 Depot Square, Sheffield

Hancock Shaker Village's Country Fair includes Shaker crafts and farm practices.

What better place to host this time-honored tradition than in the living time capsule that is Hancock Shaker Village? Their 26th Annual Fair has stone carving, Irish dance, a “Meet the Beekeeper” segment and more on the menu. Of course, the farm animals that live in the village will be around to say hello. The fair is included in the price of regular daily admission, so spend some time learning your Shaker history after you shop and enjoy the live music.

Hancock Shaker Village Country Fair

Saturday, Sept. 23 to Sunday, Sept. 24

1843 West Housatonic St., Pittsfield

Carli Scolforo can be reached at [email protected].

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