DEERFIELD — The 133rd Deerfield Fair opens Oct. 1 and runs four full days featuring events old and new at the Deerfield Fairgrounds.

“You can’t help having a good time at the Deerfield Fair. This is a good-old country fair, a family fair,” said Deerfield Fair Association President Sheryl Bolduc.

“Everybody is watching their budgets these days. And this fair packs in a lot of entertainment for one low admission price,” Bolduc added. “Two adults with three kids age 12 or under pay just $16 for the whole family, including all exhibits and shows. And parking is free. It’s a great deal for a full day of family fun.”

Following opening ceremonies at 9 a.m. ,Thursday, Oct. 1, the fair kicks off with the first of several all-breed horse and dairy shows, and sheep judging. Throughout the day, fairgoers can enjoy everything from horse pulling to a woodsmen contest, magic and other stage shows, and live music such as country singer Shep Spinney  at 7 p.m.

“You can go down to the barn, we have pig scramblin’ there,” said longtime fair director and former horse-pulling competitor “Junior” Gardner. “You wanna see them little kids get after them pigs, oh my, that’s something to see!”

Many events are repeated every day of the fair.

Day two offers cattle pulling, The Flying Wallendas Family Circus, and the Miss Deerfield Fair pageant. And on Oct. 3, there will be a number of 4-H shows and various musical performances, including the Ancient Order of Hibernians Pipe and Drum Band and the second annual fiddler’s contest. Fiddlers from throughout the region will take the stage to see who wins top honors.

Performing on day four, the Granite State Cloggers are always a crowd favorite. And the fair’s grand finale is the competition and crashes of the fourth annual Demolition Derby, as specially prepared klunkers and junkers r–ace for fun and prize money.

“Also returning for a second year is our banjo contest,” Bolduc said.

“Pickers and strummers get together to give some great musical performances and enjoy a friendly competition.”
The midway offers exciting amusement park rides and games all four days of the fair. And on Oct. 2 and Oct. 4, unlimited rides are just $20 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Of course, there is all that delicious fair food — everything from sausage subs to old-fashioned cotton candy to funnel cake.

To get to the fair, travel Route 101 to exit 3, then go north on Route 43 to the fairgrounds at 34 Stage Road. Parking is free parking, and overnight camping is available. For more information, directions, and a complete events listing, visit www.deerfieldfair.com.