It's Topsfield Fair Time

TOPSFIELD, MA — The Topsfield Fair, which bills itself as America's oldest county fair, opens on Friday. The fair typically draws between 450,000 and 500,000 people over its 10-day run each October and features all the rides, games, agricultural exhibits and funnel cake you'd expect at a massive, county fair. The Essex County Agricultural Society started the Topsifeld Fair in 1818, when it was a one-day cattle show.

The fair opens at 1 p.m. Friday and is open at 10 a.m. every day after that through Oct. 14. Tickets start at $12 when pre-ordered on the Topsfield Fair Website, and kids under 8 are free with an adult. There are other ticket options, including food and ride packages. See the fair website for more information.

Musical performers this year include 38 Special (Oct. 10) and Creedence Clearwater Revisited (Oct. 12). The New England Rodeo comes to the fair on Oct. 9, and monster trucks will be at the fair this Saturday. The 35th All New England Giant Pumpkin Weigh Off is at 4 p.m. on Friday.

Here are some highlights from the complete schedule for the 2019 Topsfield Fair:

Friday, Oct. 4

Opening Day: Fair opens at 1 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 5

FFA Day: Highlights include the Youth Cattle Show (10 a.m.) and the Jr. King and Queen Pageant (11:30 a.m.).

Sunday, Oct. 6

Horse Pulling (11 a.m.)

Monday, Oct. 7

Sensory Day (10 a.m.-2 p.m.) and Senior Citizen Day

Tuesday, Oct. 8

Military Day

Wednesday, Oct. 9

4-H Science Day

Thursday, Oct. 10

Blondie and Brownie Contest Judging (7 p.m.)

Friday, Oct. 11

Farm Tractor Pull (4-10 p.m.)

Saturday, Oct. 12

Cock Crowing and Hen Flying Contests (11 a.m.)

Sunday, Oct. 13

Grange Day

Monday, Oct. 14

Figure "8" Race (3:30-7 p.m.)