Day Trips From Hartford And Tolland Counties: Country Fairs

CONNECTICUT — As late summer approaches and thoughts begin turning to back-to-school, there is still plenty of family fun and entertainment on tap with the dawn of country and agricultural fair season. Hartford and Tolland counties have some traditional favorites upcoming, including the Hebron Harvest Fair, the Wapping Fair in South Windsor, the Berlin Lions Agricultural Fair and the Four Town Fair in Somers.

Today's column directs us to three other annual happenings, each outside the counties' borders, but an easy drive from any town in the region.

Woodstock Fair
Aug. 30 - Sept. 2

Celebrating its 157th year, Connecticut's second-oldest agricultural fair has tasty food, livestock shows, a petting zoo, free stage shows, a midway, go-kart races, strolling entertainers, plenty of vegetables, flowers and much more.

Entertainment will be provided by artists as diverse as Molly Hatchet and KC & the Sunshine Band. Many regional acts are also set to perform, and plenty of other family fun is offered in the forms of karaoke, a hypnotist and cornhole.

Hours are Friday, Aug. 30, noon to 11 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 31 and Sept. 1, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Monday, Sept. 2, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Eastern States Exposition (Big E)
Sept. 13-29

Known for decades as "New England's Great State Fair," the Big E is the largest event on the East Coast and the seventh-largest fair in North America. Rides, games, food and live entertainment are staples of the extravaganza, which originated in 1916 and, with the exception of two world wars and the coronavirus pandemic, has welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.

Among the most popular attractions is the Avenue of States, where all six New England states are showcased in their own buildings. Storrowton Village Museum, Farm-a-Rama and a parade featuring authentic New Orleans Mardi Gras are other highlights of the 17-day celebration.

Concerts in the arena include diverse performers such as Ludacris, Diplo, America, the Brothers Osborne and Public Enemy. Taking the Court of Honor Stage will be national acts like the Average White Band, Chubby Checker, Debby Boone, Asia, Fuel, Wang Chung, Peter Noone of Herman's Hermits, Slaughter and Lisa Loeb.

Durham Fair
Sept. 26-29

Also founded in 1916, the Durham Fair continues its tried-and-true tradition as Connecticut’s largest agricultural fair. With rides and games, tractor pulls, three livestock barns, crafts, exhibits featuring baking, canning, photography and horticulture, and a wide selection of fair food, there’s a huge harvest to take in.

Among the live entertainers scheduled to perform are Southern rock legends .38 Special and multiple platinum country recording artist Chris Janson. Other regional musical acts are slated throughout the four-day festival.

The Durham Fair is open Thursday, Sept. 26, 4-10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, Sept. 27-28, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, Sept. 29, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Travel Distances and Times

Here are the approximate travel distances and times to drive to each fair from three outlying communities in the region - Mansfield, Southington and Granby.

Woodstock Fair
from Mansfield - 24 miles (35 minutes)
from Southington - 64 miles (70 minutes)
from Granby - 61 miles (68 minutes)

Big E
from Mansfield - 50 miles (54 minutes)
from Southington - 46 miles (49 minutes)
from Granby - 16 miles (24 minutes)

Durham Fair
from Mansfield - 49 miles (57 minutes)
from Southington - 17 miles (25 minutes)
from Granby - 42 miles (49 minutes)