| APRIL 21, 2010 -- Connecticut boasts a rich agricultural heritage. Many of the fairs and festivals in Connecticut are centered around agriculture to showcase livestock and farming equipment, but visitors and locals can also participate in community celebrations that honor the change of the seasons, and celebrate the works of local craftspeople. From Hartford to Bridgewater, visitors of all ages can find a number of festivals and fairs throughout "The Constitution State."
Woodstock Fair
The Woodstock Fair is an agricultural fair organized by the Woodstock Ag Society. The first exhibition was held in 1859, and featured fruits, flowers and livestock. Many fair traditions have been preserved to this day, and attendees can enjoy live entertainment and exhibits including a horse show, go-kart racing, booths and exhibits by the Connecticut Farm Bureau and Connecticut Department of Agriculture, and see barnyard babies being born in the on-site Birthing Center. Woodstock Fair South Rd. South Woodstock, CT 06267 860-928-3246
woodstockfair.com
Goshen Fair
The Goshen Fair, typically held over Labor Day weekend, is a three-day agriculture show that includes a draft horse show, rabbit judging contest, truck pull, woodcutting demonstrations and live music by local and regional bands. Attendees can visit the Antique Barn on the fair grounds to see quilting, weaving, basketry and quilting demonstrations by local craftspeople, and enjoy live music and concerts in the Gazebo and Concert Bandstand scheduled throughout the day. Goshen Fair 116 Old Middle St. Goshen, CT 06756-2006 860-491-3655
goshenfair.org
May Market at Hill-Stead Museum
The May Market at the Hill-Stead Museum is an annual festival held in Farmington, typically on the second weekend in May. This seasonal celebration offers a flower and garden show, dance performances and live banjo music. The community event includes more than 50 exhibitors selling and displaying native shrubs and perennials, handmade crafts and antiques. The May Market also includes children's crafting activities and food from local vendors. May Market at Hill-Stead Museum 35 Mountain Rd. Farmington, CT 06032 860-677-4787
hillstead.org
First Night Hartford
Travelers celebrating the New Year in Connecticut can enjoy the annual First Night Hartford festival, an arts showcase on New Year's Eve. The event features exhibits of local and regional artists, live dance and music performances and two fireworks shows at Bushnell Park. Attendees can explore several historic sites around Hartford to see the exhibits, including The Old State House, City Hall, Center Church and the Public Library. This alcohol-free event attracts people of all ages. First Night Hartford 57 Pratt St., Suite 804 Hartford, CT 06103 860-727-0050
firstnighthartford.org
Bridgewater Country Fair
A congregation of farmers, folk artists and residents of Bridgewater and surrounding areas, the Bridgewater Country Fair takes place during the end of August. The fair includes a raffle, baked-goods sale, flower and plants showcase, a food tent, and a parade that winds through historic Main Street. Live entertainment includes a horseshoe-pitching contest, pie-eating competition and concerts. Attendees can purchase farm and lawn equipment at the event. The Bridgewater Country Fair is sponsored by volunteer fire-fighting companies from Connecticut. Bridgewater Country Fair 100 Main St. South Bridgewater, CT 860-354-4730
bridgewaterfair.com
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