What to Know About the Topsfield Fair on Friday, Oct. 10; American Idol Alum, 'Dancing' Winner to Perform

Friday, Oct. 10 is the eighth day of the 2014 Topsfield Fair and the start of the final weekend. It is put on by the non-profit Essex Agricultural Society and is 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.

The Apple Pie Contest will be held at 6:30 p.m. in Coolidge Hall.

American Idol season 5 alumnae and Dancing with the Stars winner Kellie Pickler will perform a free show in the grandstand at 7 p.m. The concert will also be simulcast to the Trianon stage.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police have also returned to the fair this year and their musical ride will be performed in the arena at 3 p.m. on Friday.

In the arena at 5 p.m. will be antique tractor pulling, running through the evening.

Kids can try to climb to the top of the Money Pole at noon, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. in the Essex County Farmyard (across from Coolidge Hall).

The Essex County Sheriff’s Department K-9 unit will put on a demonstration in the Essex County Farmyard on Friday at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

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

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

The Hallamore Clydesdales 8-Horse Hitch will be on display in the arena at 2:30 p.m.

Admission is $15 for adults on Friday. Children under eight are free with a paying adult. Parking is $10 per car.