What to Know About the Topsfield Fair on Tuesday, Oct. 7; Military Day, All Active Duty Military Admitted Free

Tuesday, Oct. 7 is the fifth day of the 2014 Topsfield Fair, the oldest fair in the country. Gates open at 10 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. at the fairgrounds on Route 1. The agricultural buildings close at 10 p.m.

Tuesday is Military Day where all active military personnel are admitted for free, along with their immediate family members accompanying them when they present their military identification at the gate.

There is also a Midway Ride Special from 5-11 p.m. where $25 per person gets unlimited rides in the midway.

There is a parade on the fairgrounds starting at 5 p.m., with mardi gras beads, T-shirts and beach balls thrown out to the crowd.

It is also the last day to register for the King Arthur Flour Baking Contest.

In the grandstand, Confederate Railroad, a southern rock band, will perform a free show at 7 p.m.

The pumpkin dessert contest also takes place at 7 p.m. in Coolidge Hall.

Robinson’s Racing Pigs, which return to the Topsfield Fair this year, perform on Grange Road at noon, 2, 4 and 6 p.m.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police have also returned to the fair this year and their musical ride will be performed in the arena at 6 p.m. on Tuesday.

Along Arena Road, the “Nerveless Knocks” aerial stunt performers will have shows at 11 a.m. and 3, 5 and 7 p.m.

The U.S. Marine Corps Band will perform on the Trianon Stage at noon and 5 p.m.

The Hallamore Clydesdales 8-Horse Hitch will be on display in the arena at 1:30 p.m. In the arena, there will be oxen-pulling during the day, with 2,900 pounds at 11 a.m., 3,300 pounds at 3 p.m. and a free-for-all at 7 p.m.

Admission is $11 for adults on Tuesday. Children under eight are free with a paying adult. Parking is $10 per car.