GUILFORD, CT — The Guilford Fair will return Sept. 18-20 with live music, circus acts, agricultural exhibits, competitions, carnival rides and other entertainment as the event marks America's 250th anniversary.
The fair, produced by the nonprofit, all-volunteer Guilford Agricultural Society, was established in 1959. The event is held each year during the third full weekend in September.
The annual tradition moved to the Guilford Fairgrounds in 1969, and it has been designated a Library of Congress Local Legacy.
This year's fair will recognize the role horses played during the Revolutionary War and in the development of American farming and transportation after independence.
"This year, as part of America 250, we will be celebrating the role that horses played in the Revolutionary War, and in the evolution of American farming and transportation since Independence," Guilford Agricultural Society President John Hammarlund said in a news release. "Horses were essential to farming in early America, for plowing and harvesting fields, for logging and for transportation. So as we celebrate America 250, we will this special year, also celebrate the horse."
The free Guilford Fair Parade will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Guilford Town Green.
Live music on the PLR Stage will include Everybody Wants Some, a tribute to Van Halen's David Lee Roth era, at 8:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18.
Strait Country, a George Strait tribute featuring Dallas-born performer Howard Decker, will take the stage at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19.
ERAS, "An Unofficial Tribute to Taylor Swift's Music," will perform on the main stage at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20.
The Guilford Fair Circus will feature the Flying Wallendas and Bello Nock. Rosaire's Royal Racers will present shows featuring three breeds of racing pigs, and Janoah the Jester will appear Saturday and Sunday.
New to the fair this year will be Team Spirit Canines, featuring trainer Bonnie Scott, a two-time Disc Dog Freestyle World Champion. The canine athletes will run, jump, flip, catch and demonstrate their skills.
Other attractions will include the Records & Burpee Children's Zoo and Zoo, Rockwell Amusements carnival rides, craft, agricultural and animal exhibits, livestock and tractor pulls, camel and pony rides, a petting zoo, food and a beer garden.
Fair hours will be 4 to 11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18; 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19; and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20.
Admission is $15 for adults and children ages 12 and older. Admission is $10 for people ages 62 and older and for veterans and current military members with identification. Children ages 11 and younger are admitted free. A three-day discount pass costs $40.
Tickets will be available at the gate and online through the Guilford Fair website. General admission includes all exhibits, demonstrations and entertainment. Ride tickets and refreshments are not included.
Buy tickets online here. Information on ride wristbands can be found here.
On-site parking will cost $10. Free parking and shuttle bus service will be available from a satellite lot at 1575 Boston Post Road, just off Interstate 95 at Exit 57.
ATMs will be available at the main entrance and inside the fairgrounds. All acts are weather permitting, and refunds will not be issued.
Printed exhibitor guides will be available at Guilford Town Hall, the Guilford Community Center and other area locations. The fair office can be reached at 203-453-3543 during the two weeks before the event.
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