Topsfield Fair

Daddy Wasn't There

Fun Day ! We got up early, Cathy had the Austin Powers song Daddy Wasn't There (to take me to the fair...) going through her head - we were getting ready to do something for the very first time - we were going to the Topsfield Fair.

Not the kind of thing we'd normally do, but a friend wanted to go, it was a beautiful fall day, and we decided to go with the flow and investigate a side of massachusetts we'd not experienced before. If nothing else it would be a chance to get outside and get some fresh air and take photographs. And of course it was a historical field trip as the Topsfield Fair is the oldest in the country.

What began as the Essex Agricultural Society Cattle Show with its annual exhibits/fairs held in various sites around Essex County to showcase agriculture, Topsfield Fair has been held annually at its existing location since 1910. It is fitting that the fair eventually settled in Topsfield, for it was at the town's former Cyrus Cummings Tavern that twenty or more men first gathered that February in 1818 to form what soon became the Essex Agricultural Society.

It turned out to be a fun day. Even though we did not participate [i.e. spend money above admission] in a lot of the offerings, there was a lot to see and do. Many events having to do with vegetables, arrangements, various sculptures, and contests for best specimens - including, of course, the biggest pumpkin. Lots of animals to be seen as well, my favorites were the Budweiser Clydesdales and the sporting birds of prey, the Peregrine Falcon and other various species.

There were rides, and LOTS and LOTS of FRIED food ! We opted for the healthier baked potato lunch. And then there was the highlight of the day ! As I separated from my companions, taking "the road less traveled", my reward for such adventure was finding the "SMALLEST HORSE" exhibit !


Upon reconnecting with my spouse and friend they were more than disappointed to hear they missed such a rare viewing opportunity, especially when they heard I did not pay the requisite $1.00 admission (Buffalo Bill there was on his cell phone and neglected to see me wandering nonchalantly through - I didn't actually see the admission sign till I exited the exhibit, but once in I sort of figured I was an interloper). I was expecting some sort of 'wild west' challenge, but managed to lope away without incident.

So, an unexpectedly fun outing for us all, and we managed to get through the day without stepping in anything we wouldn't want to bring home with us !