Story & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com
The 152nd Annual Woodstock Fair in South Woodstock, Connecticut wrapped up its four day run, August 31, September 1, 2 & 3, blessed with perfect weather. Sponsored by the Woodstock Agricultural Society, Inc., the fair – “Always Labor Day Weekend” – attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors to the Woodstock Fairgrounds in a part of the state known as the ‘Quiet Corner.’
Although carnival rides and commercial vendors are part of the scene, the fair has retained a homespun flavor. True to its agricultural roots it featured horse shows, livestock competitions, produce exhibitions and a large collection of antique farming equipment.
As well, winning entries in a statewide apple pie baking contest and the junior baking competition were on display, along with handmade quilts and other crafts – not to mention a 
1,457 pound pumpkin that took first place in the Great Pumpkin Contest. Animal
barns and the
animal birthing center were among the popular attractions.
Also drawing lots of attention were massive sand sculptures outside Exhibition Hall.
Annette Hamilton presents Kassidy Marble with twinkie eating contest winning ribbon.
Terrific weather, sunny with temperatures in the high 70 to low 80 degree range, had folks in
great moods, making for friendly crowds.
There were a number of country rock acts such as the Silver Dollar Band which performed on the South Stage on Sunday afternoon. In a next door tent, Annette Hamilton, manager of the South Stage Family Fun Center, presented awards to the winners of a twinkie eating challenge – including Kassidy Marble who won first place for the younger group.
Of course, there was food galore – corn chowder, baked potatoes crowned with melted cheese and broccoli or bacon, potato skins, steak & cheese grinders, hotdogs, hamburgers, pizza and all manner of desserts – apple crisps, strawberry, blueberry and peach shortcake, as well as, soft serve chocolate/vanilla twists ice cream cones dipped in cherry or chocolate toppings.
Silver Dollar Band
Still going strong after more than a century and a half, the Woodstock Fair continues to be a wonderful late summer tradition.
Traditional Potato Skins from the “Potato Heaven” booth.
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