Topsfield Fair Seeks Mrs. Essex County Candidates For 54th Year

TOPSFIELD, MA — Favorite tailgate appetizer will be the food preparation item of choice this year for contestants in the 54th Mrs. Essex County contest at the 207th Topsfield Fair.

Mrs. Essex County will be crowned at the Fair on Oct. 9 and serve as an ambassador representing the Fair at local events across Essex County over the next year.

• Junior King And Queen Candidates Sought For 207th Topsfield Fair

Not a beauty competition, the Mrs. Essex County Pageant invites contestants who must be married, currently living in Essex County with their spouse, and at least 18 years of age to enter.

Each contestant will submit a prepared food item. This year's category is favorite tailgate appetizer.

Contestants will be judged according to the following criteria: general appearance, personality, poise, and food score.

The crowning pageant will take place in Coolidge Hall on the Fairgrounds at 1 p.m. on Oct. 12.

Applications can be downloaded from the Exhibitor's Handbook here.

The entry deadline is Oct. 9 at 10 p.m. For more information, contact pageant chairpersons Carrie Crouch at 978-807-5976 or Kathy Marini at 508-932-2165.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)