The Topsfield Fair is a famous attraction that comes to Topsfield, Massachusetts every fall and draws people from all over. The fair celebrated its 200th year this past week, and according to the Topsfield Fair website it was founded in 1818 and has been an annual celebration ever since. This year it opened on Sept. 28 and went to Oct. 8.

The origins of the Topsfield Fair began when a group called the Essex Agricultural Society met for the first time in 1818. At first, its members consisted of 20 farmers from around the area but soon grew to people across the Essex County. This group promoted the importance of agriculture and how it would help their community. These views were definitely present at the fair with areas designated for fruits, vegetables, flowers, poultry, rabbits, cavies, cattle, pigs, and so many other animals as well.

People go to this fair to enjoy time spent with family and friends in an environment that screams fall. The sweet treats in every direction, the haystacks and pumpkins scattered about, the vast amounts of animals, and the rides are just the tipping point of attractions that bring people into the fairgrounds. The energy radiates positivity and so much goes into setting up this giant fair on Boston Street in Topsfield.   

Special events occurred all week long, including swifty swine racing and swimming pigs. On Sept. 28 there was the 34th All New England Giant Pumpkin Weigh Off.

This year’s giant pumpkin winner was Ron Wallace from Greene, Rhode Island, who grew a 2,114 lbs pumpkin.

This year, people participated in the Topsfield Fair’s first annual hot dog eating contest. Participants had to sign up, fill out a waiver, and be 16 years old or older in order to participate. There were three qualifying heats on Sept. 29, and the finals were on Oct. 7th at three in the afternoon. According to the Gloucester Times, Blake Barr and Henry Mulholland, also called “Freight Train,” were the last two standing during the competition. The judges decided to call a tie after 64 inches of hot dog was eaten by Barr and 64 inches by Mulholland. The winners split the 200 dollar reward from Freedman Financial, one of the sponsors of the event alongside B’nai Brith Booth.

On Sept. 29 there was a monster truck freestyle and demo derby. Before this event people were able to get the chance to talk to the drivers during what is called the “party in the pit.” Fans were taking pictures and getting autographs as well. According to the Topsfield Fair, they had four highly decorated trucks in the industry. A small girl was even able to fit into the center of one of the trucks being showed.

Another special event that drew a lot of viewers was the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Musical Ride. This event included 32 people riding horses in a coordinated and timed fashion. It took immense practice and training to be choreographed to music and have not only the riders, but the horses demonstrate everything smoothly. This event went from Sept. 30 to Oct. 5.

Popular singers and bands performed on different days all week. On Sept. 28, Tegan Marie performed at 7 p.m. on the Trianon Stage. The group Strictly Sinatra played all Frank Sinatra hits on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Charlie Daniels, a member of the Grand Ole Opry and a musician in the country music hall of fame, and his band, The Charlie Daniels Band, appeared on Oct. 4 at the Grandstand. Also at the Grandstand, Sara Evans performed five number one singles on Oct. 5. On Oct. 6, Martina Mcbride performed at the arena and tickets were sold for $30 to $35.

Mcbride is a 14 time Grammy nominee awarded Favorite Country Female Artist in the 2003 American Music Awards. She was also given the award for Female Vocalist of the Year in the 2002, 2003, and 2004 Country Music Awards.