One of Oxford County's longest-running summer traditions is back this weekend!
One of Oxford County's longest-running summer traditions is back this weekend, as the Woodstock Fair takes over the Woodstock Fairgrounds from Friday, August 21st through Sunday, August 23rd. And once again, admission to the fairgrounds is free.
This year's theme is “Share What You Know, Show What You Grow,” celebrating the connection between rural and urban communities and the skills, creativity and traditions that bring people together. Organized by the Woodstock Agricultural Society, the weekend combines the familiar sights and sounds of a traditional agricultural fair with plenty of entertainment, food and family activities.
Sandra Brown, General Manager of the Woodstock Agricultural Society, says the entertainment lineup is ready to go:
Something for Everyone
A new partnership with Your Local Ribfest adds ribs, food vendors and entertainment throughout the weekend, while the ACE Midway returns with rides, games and classic fair food. Families can also check out a Kids Fun Zone with an inflatable obstacle course, petting zoo, trackless train and face painting. There is a daily scavenger hunt, along with competitions and activities throughout the grounds.
Fair Coordinator Karen Trick says there's a lot waiting for families:
The fair also features agricultural exhibits, animals, photography, flowers, vegetables, homecrafts, antiques, 4-H entries and youth competitions. Saturday brings the Tractor Pull from 4 to 9 p.m., while Sunday features the Pet Show at 11 a.m. and the Demo Derby from 1 to 3 p.m. The Demo Derby is $5, with children 12 and under admitted free.
Three Days of Entertainment
Friday is “Friday Rocks!” The fair opens at noon, with the midway, Ribfest and food trucks getting underway at 2 p.m. A car show runs from 5 to 9 p.m., followed by Blind Dog Joe from 5:30 to 8 and an AC/DC Eras Tribute from 8:30 to 11. Saturday is “We're Going Country!” The day includes chainsaw carving demonstrations and the Tractor Pull, with Shaylyn performing from 5:30 to 8 p.m. and 8 Second Ride taking the stage from 8:30 to 11. Sunday wraps up the weekend with the Pet Show, line dancing, the Demo Derby and the final afternoon of the midway, Ribfest and food trucks.
A Tradition Nearly Two Centuries Old
The Woodstock Agricultural Society was established in 1836 and is celebrating 190 years since its founding. Agricultural fairs have long provided a place for communities to showcase livestock, crops, crafts and other skills while bringing farmers, families and businesses together. The Woodstock Fair has carried that tradition forward while growing into a much broader community celebration. The fairgrounds themselves remain a busy community gathering place throughout the year, hosting agricultural events, the Woodstock Farmers' Market and other activities at facilities including the Oxford Auditorium and half-mile track.
And there are plenty of people behind the scenes helping make the weekend happen. Brown and Trick say community support is an important part of keeping the fair going:
The 189th Woodstock Fair runs Friday through Sunday at the Woodstock Fairgrounds at 875 Nellis Street.
Friday gates and exhibits open at noon, with the midway, Ribfest and food trucks running from 2 to 11 p.m.
Saturday gates and exhibits open at 10 a.m., with the midway, Ribfest and food trucks from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Sunday gates and exhibits open at 10 a.m., with the midway, Ribfest and food trucks from noon to 5 p.m.
Admission to the fairgrounds is free, although some attractions have separate costs.
For the complete schedule and event details, visit woodstockfairgrounds.com.
