Located in scenic Tunbridge, Vermont on route 110, an important part of the fair experience is driving to Tunbridge. Regardless of which way the town is approached, the drive will offer spectacular ridgeline views of green pastures and distant mountains.
Like other country fairs, the Tunbridge Fair includes the standard midway games and rides. There are also bands and other entertainment in the entertainment tent. However, there are many other elements which make the Tunbridge Fair a truly unique country experience.
Vermont Harvest Food: Apple Crisp, Roasted Corn and More
Standard fair food is offered on the midway; however, there are also some local treats that must be experienced. After entering the fair, head past the horse corral to the right and go up the hill – this is known as “Antique Hill”. Near the entertainment tent are two vendors – one selling homemade apple crisp (with or without vanilla ice cream) and roasted ears of corn. Both are outstanding treats. Don’t wait till the end of the evening to buy the apple crisp as they often sell out by mid-evening. Traditional maple products are sold in the craft barn on the Hill.
Vermont History: Historic Grounds & Traditional Arts
Antique Hill is the historic grounds of the fair and together with the center of the Town of Tunbridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. On the Hill, there are civil war reenacters, a working blacksmith, traditional cider making, as well as demonstrations on keeping honey bees, churning butter, candle dipping, hearth cooking and quilting.
Traditional Agricultural Fair: Oxen Pulls and Pig Races
The agricultural fair includes barns filled with cows, oxen, pigs, sheep, goats and chickens. Often the farmers are hanging out in the barns with their livestock and they are happy to answer questions about farm life and their animals. There is a small petting zoo where children can pet rabbits and baby chickens. As the barns are near the first branch of the White River, farmers can be seen leading their livestock to water. The livestock compete in a variety of events, e.g., best dairy cow, best steer. There will also be sheepdog trials, harness racing and racing pigs.
Other pavilions feature handicrafts, produce, baked goods and jam competitions. A highlight of the fair is the oxen pull, where oxen are hooked up to loads of heavy stones to see who can pull the heaviest load. The horse corral near the fair entrance showcases a variety of equine events including English and Western competitions, a gymkhana and costume competition.
This year the fair takes place from September 17 - 20, 2009.
Insider Tip: Think mud! Every year there seems to be a rainstorm at the beginning of the fair which results in very muddy grounds. Wear rain boots or other waterproof shoes. Be prepared to hike from the parking “lot” (open grassy fields) to the fair entrance. Make sure to memorize your parking spot. If you leave after dark, it can be very hard to orient yourself in the vast field of parked cars. Tractor “shuttles” are provided from the remoter section of the parking area to the fair entrance. Dress in layers. It can often be quite cold at night in late September even if the day was warm.
Taking the Kids: Tunbridge Fair is a great experience for kids of all ages. Children under the age of 12 enter the fair for free. Note that separate tickets are required for the rides after paying admission to the fair. If not careful, the cost of rides can add up quickly. Break up the rides with walks around the fairgrounds, taking in the livestock barns and exhibitions. Once in the livestock barns, kids forget about rides for a while and enjoy the simple pleasures of farm life. Make sure the kids take time to stroll through the historic structures on Antique Hill.
For a wonderful overview of the 2008 Tunbridge Fair, listen to Vermont Public Radio’s story reported by Jane Lindholm.
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