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AUGUST 23, 2012 -- “If you think 100 years this brother and sister had the vision of saving 4,000 acres of open space,” said Ms. Griswold. “They were the greatest conservationists in the history of Connecticut, I think nature day is a tip of the hat to them, obviously the face of Litchfield County would look entirely different if it weren’t for the benevolence of this great brother and sister.”
According to their Web site, in 1964, White Memorial Conservation Center was established in the former home of Alain White and his sister, May. From their vision and generosity led to the formation of the White Memorial Foundation in 1913, a non-profit tax exempt organization, the Center was incorporated to add the goal of education to the conservation, research, and recreation purposes for which the foundation was formed.
On the day of the event, there will be horse drawn carriage rides, guided walks, crafts for kids, demonstrations, booths and exhibitions and museum open house.
“Every year we have a different roster of events and different music and the crafts always change, just because you have been to nature day, don’t cross it off your bucket list and say ‘been there, done that, don’t have to do it,’” said Ms. Griswold. “You’re never going to be educated and entertained and fulfilled the way you would by coming to this event.”
There will be a book and bake sale along with a silent auction. While Nature Day is a weather driven event, it will go on rain or shine. Admission is $6.
White Memorial Conservation Center is located 80 Whitehall Road in Litchfield. For information, 860-567-0857, www.whitememorialcc.org.
In 1811, Elkanah Watson, a New England patriot and farmer earned the title of “Father of U.S. Agricultural Fairs” by organizing the Berkshire Agricultural Society and creating a cattle show—a competition with prize money—in September of that year in Pittsfield, Mass.
By 1819, counties all over New England were creating their own agricultural societies and the movement was spreading to other states, according to the International Association of Fairs and Exposition Web site www.fairsandexpos.com.
The tradition continues to this day in Litchfield County, with good old-fashioned country fairs taking place from Bridgewater to Harwinton and beyond, including the landmark Goshen Fair, which celebrates its centennial this Labor Day Weekend at the Goshen Fairgrounds (seewww.goshenfair.org for all the details).
On Sept. 7, 8 and 9, the action moves south a bit for the 88th annual Bethlehem Fair, held at the fairgrounds on Route 61. Gates to the fair open at 5 p.m. Sept. 7.
“You can spend all day here with your family; the admission price is a lot less than getting into a movie and it is 4D—the sights, the sounds the smells, there is a big variety of things to do,” said Elaine Brodeur, president of the Bethlehem Fair.
On opening night, there will be a Cruise Night with cars from the 1950s, 60s and 70s, along with music of the 60s and 70s from Downhill Tangerine on the main stage at 7:30 p.m. and a pony draw, according to a release.
On Saturday, the gates open at 8 a.m., and fairgoers can enjoy music from the 60s until the present by The Groove at 5 p.m. and Beginnings, a Chicago Tribute Band, at 8:30 p.m., both on the main stage.
Other events on Saturday include a junior dairy show, oxen draw, antique tractor pull, the Connecticut Bristol Old Tyme Fiddlers, a Battle of the Bands, wood chopping and sawing contests, farmer’s night out contests and much more.
Some of that much more includes the competitions for folks who grow everything from vegetables to flowers, or create artwork. “I think we have Connecticut’s biggest pepper display,” said Ms. Brodeur.
There are also giant pumpkin and scarecrow contests.
“Something for everyone really,” said Barbara Parmelee, the fair’s office secretary, in summing up the appeal of the fair.
Ms. Parmelee has been involved with the fair since she got married and moved to Bethlehem, which will be 40 years ago next year, and she started out by exhibiting.
“Once you win that first ribbon, you’re hooked, and I exhibited like crazy years ago,” recalled Ms. Parmelee.
There will also be baked goods and canned goods and quilting. For children, on Saturday Tiger Tom Walsh, singer and storyteller will be on the north stage, and Dimples the Clown and a USA Martial Arts demonstration will be on the main stage grass area.
There will also be a fried dough eating contest, which has an entry fee of $20, and prizes of $1,000, $300 and $200.
As it dishes out fun, Ms. Brodeur said, the fair also educates guests about where their food comes from, the aspects of country living and more.
“We have some exhibitors from Trumbull, some from Fairfield and then we get some people from western New York State that come over and then we have people from Rhode Island that come,” said Ms. Brodeur.
On Sunday, gates open at 8 a.m., and there will be southern rock and country music by The Cody Wolfe Band on the main stage, the popular hollerin’ contest for men, women and children, Agri-Olympics contests, wood chopping contests, a horse draw, horse show and more.
For children there will be a children’s pedal tractor pull and more.
A portion of the proceeds from the Bethlehem Fair goes to the Bethlehem Fair Foundation, which grants scholarships to students based academic achievement, participation in school and community activities, financial need and participation in the Bethlehem Fair.
The Bethlehem Fair started as a grange fair in 1924 and it was first held in the center of Bethlehem on the green and then at Memorial Hall for a number of years. In 1949, the fairgrounds property was purchased
“I think a great opportunity for young people to learn, and it’s also kids that exhibit get an opportunity to have their work judged. It doesn’t count for school … but they’re still learning project skills,” said Ms. Brodeur. “I enjoy entering the fair myself.”
Ms. Brodeur, who has been president since 1995, tries to enter one or two baked items and some needlework. She has been involved in the Bethlehem Fair in various capacities for 50 years.
The Bethlehem Fair is located at 384 Main Street North in Bethlehem. Admission is $8 for adults; children under 12 are admitted free. Seniors get in for $6 on Saturday and Sunday. Season passes at $16 offer admission on all three days. Parking is free. For information, call 203-266-5350 or see the Web site at www.bethlehemfair.org. |
