151st Tunbridge World’s Fair

The Tunbridge World’s Fair has been an annual Vermont tradition since 1867 with the exception of only a few years during that time when the fair was cancelled due to both World War’s and the 2020 pandemic.

When my two sons were in elementary school, we entered exhibits in the fair that were judged – vegetables from our garden, baked goods, arts and crafts, and school projects. We all scored our fair share of 1st, 2nd and 3rd place ribbons and I even garnered a blue ribbon for some photography way back then!

It has been many years since I visited the fair – due to traveling, work schedule, change of lifestyle, etc. But this year, since I find myself home for the season, it became a priority to get there at least once during the 4-day event.

The Tundbridge Fair has all the hallmarks of a typical agricultural fair – farm animal judging, horse and oxen pulling contests, pig races, amusement rides, old time craft demonstrations, music venues, horse competitions and food – lots of fair food! It was fun to spend a few hours on a Saturday afternoon strolling around the fair grounds taking in all the sights. It must have been a banner year for the organizers of the fair – all 4 days were filled with sunshine and comfortable temperatures. Given the rainy season we’ve had, this was a true blessing.

Our first stop was the animal barns where we spent a lot of time admiring the various chicken breeds. We love chickens and even though it’s been years since we raised them for eggs – they are still a favorite!

After the chicken barn, we walked through the cow barn. I had to be careful not to get too close to the back end of the cows – oops! My camera almost got a “bath!”

My favorite pastime at the fair is viewing all the exhibits related to arts and crafts – both the adult and youth divisions – in Floral Hall. I had fun reminicsing about the days we used to arrive here to turn in our items for exhibit!

And, as a quilter, I was in awe of the craftsmanship represented here!!

Love the “outhouse” theme on this one! It was made by a woman I used to carpool with to Dartmouth College everyday!

The youth art work is always a treat to see! The creativity of our young people is so inspiring!

After wandering around the vegetable exhibits, we headed outside to find the one class of exhibits that I really came to the fair to see – the maple syrup entries!! Our friend, Bill, won Best of Show this year for his maple syrup – Brookfield Sugarmakers – and I’m so proud of him! These are displayed in the Sugar Shack located up near Antique Hill.

Once we got a glimpse of his maple syrup on display, we wandered around Antique Hill. I had a hard time pulling Jim away from watching these guys shape a wood beam!

There was a Civil War encampment across from the old agricultural engine displays.

I wandered into the antique barn where there are tons of museum quality displays and watched the woman weaving on a loom – something I’ve always thought would be fun to try.

I took a walk through the building that houses all the old carriages and means of transportation.

Before leaving the fair, we walked around outside taking in the sights – lots of amusement rides and food to keep a person busy for quite a while!

And, my all-time favorite amusement ride – the carousel!

We opted not to stay for dinner as the crowds were getting oppressive and the food truck lines were long. But, that’s okay. Our new favorite lunch spot – the Tunbridge General Store – was open and not crowded as everyone was down at the fairgounds! We had a peaceful, quiet sandwich there listening to the hum of the fair in the background!