Ox Pull during the Guilford Fair, in Guilford Connecticut. Photo by Larry Kalbfeld
Ox Pull during the Guilford Fair, in Guilford Connecticut. Photo by Larry Kalbfeld

Guilford Fair is September 15, 16 and 17

It will be another lively Fair weekend at the Guilford Fairgrounds this September with entertainment and exhibits for every age!  Live bands headline the musical entertainment Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday afternoon. As in the past, one gate admission covers all shows, the Guilford Fair Circus, competitions, displays and exhibits inside, with special appearances this year from Rosaire’s Royal Racing Pigs, and Sharpy the Mammoth Donkey. Only rides and refreshments are extra.

The annual Guilford Fair Parade  will start at 10am on Saturday, Sept 16.

The Guilford Fair, and its producers, The Guilford Agricultural Society, have been a mainstay of Guilford life since 1859. Town historian Joel Helander wrote about the Fair as “part of the spirit of old New England”. 

John Hammarlund, President of the Agricultural Society says, “In that spirit, the theme of the Guilford Fair, and the Fair Parade will be “Guilford Treasures – Old and New” with the Fair itself, and the beautiful fairgrounds skirting Guilford’s Historic District, being treasures both old and new.” Adding, “A special “Treasure” this year will be the return of Sharpy, the Mammoth donkey. As a Heritage livestock breed, Sharpy is indeed an old treasure to be celebrated, possessing the genetic diversity that can help farmers and others to adapt to new and evolving conditions. Come to the Fair and meet Sharpy.” 

Photo by Larry Kalbfeld
Photo by Larry Kalbfeld

Entertainment

This year, the Guilford Fair hosts three bands performing four concerts on all three days, all free with a general Fair admission. 

  • The PLR Stage welcomes ZacBrownTributeBand.com, Friday, September 15, 8:30pm. ZBTB is the premier tribute to the chart-topping Zac Brown Band. Zac Brown Band is one of the hottest names in the music business and ZBTB is the first and most authentic tribute to their recorded music and live show.
  • The Lords of 52nd Street: Legends of Billy Joel Band hits the stage Saturday, September 16, 8:30pm. The band is New York’s favorite band. They sold more than 150 million records and helped establish Billy Joel’s formidable sound. They continue to perform their legendary hits to this day.
  • Red Light Band will perform Sunday September 17, at 11am and 2pm. They are a five piece tribute to DANCE PARTY ROCK! Playing the best Modern & Classic Rock, Country Rock and Pop Rock covers. The band plays the best party music spanning over five decades in a dynamic HIGH ENERGY FUN presentation.

All ages will delight in the free Guilford Fair Circus featuring the popular The Flying Wallendas with the acrobatic Cortes Flying Trapeze Family in the center ring and Laurie Lee Fancy Horseback Riding. Guilford Fair Circus Acts

Other entertainment abounds throughout the fairgrounds – most with multiple shows daily. They include Rosaire’s Royal Racers,a family owned and operated company, featuring three different breeds of racing pigs at each and every 20-30 minute show throughout the day. Old favorites like the Records and Burpee Children’s Zoo and Zoo Show,Rockwell Amusements carnival rides, craft, agricultural and animal exhibits, livestock and tractor pulls, camel rides, and returning again, a star attraction, Sharpy, the Mammoth Donkey. Check out times at Full Fair Schedule

Exhibitors Rules and Entry Forms

Entry Forms are available NOW and – for most departments – entries are open through Saturday September 9th. Prospective entrants will find everything they need on the website under Exhibitors. A printed Exhibitor’s Guide will also be available at the Guilford Town Hall, Guilford Community Center and other area locations. While the general deadline to submit entry forms is Saturday, September 9, some deadlines with special requirements – such as for some animals – are earlier. Entry delivery dates range from September 9-14 depending on class entered. 

All exhibits are to be in place on Thursday, September 14, according to specific department acceptance times. 

A Library of Congress Local Legacy staged by the non-profit, all volunteer, Guilford Agricultural Society since 1859, the Guilford Fair provides fun for all ages with continuous entertainment, exhibitions, demonstrations, food, and carnival rides by Rockwell Amusements. General admission covers all entertainment and exhibits. Rides and refreshments are extra. Admission for children ages 11 and under remains free during these difficult inflationary times for families. 

General Information

Hours: 

Friday, Sept. 15, 4pm – 11pm

Saturday, Sept. 16, 9am – 11pm

Sunday, Sept. 17, 9am – 7pm

Fabulous, free Guilford Fair Parade, Saturday, Sept. 16, Guilford Town Green

Admission: 

*General Admission – $10

*Seniors 62 and older, and Veterans showing ID – $8

* Children ages 11 and under – Free 

*Three-day discount pass – $25

General admission covers all entertainment, exhibits and demonstrations. Rides and refreshments are an extra charge. Guilford Fair Parade is free. 

ATMs available at the main entrance and inside. 

All acts are weather permitting and no refunds will be issued. 

Parking:

Free parking and shuttle buses at Exit 57, just off I-95. Parking on site $10

Fair Entries Due: 

Most due September 9th.  Some exceptions.  Mail completed entry forms today or enter in person at the Fairgrounds on Saturday, September 9th. Physical entries must be delivered between Sept. 9 and Sept. 14, depending on the category entered (check the rules) and must remain in place until the close of the Fair at 7pm on Sunday. ALL ENTRY RULES AND FORMS CAN BE FOUND ONLINE AT guilfordfair.org or in Exhibitor Guides at the Guilford Town Hall, Guilford Community Center and other area locations. 

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