Haddam Neck Fair: Where Tradition Runs High

In all fairness to the fair, to say there’s something for everyone would be a gross understatement. Honestly, if you’ve got the money, honey, and you’ve got the time (to quote from an old country song) there’s much bang for the buck at the Haddam Neck Fair.

At a daily admission price of $7 ($18 for a 3-day admission pass, $15 for seniors), one could have a regular field day at “The Little Fair that Set the Others Guessing.”

Arriving early by one of many omnipresent vans, a little girl was overheard saying to her mom, “do you know why I like the Haddam Neck Fair? It’s FUN!” Then, in her next breath, she said her favorite thing was the “chocolate covered bacon.”

Sadly, just about the only thing the Haddam Neck Fair didn’t have this centennial year was chocolate covered bacon. Nevertheless, the rides, the food, the contests, the attractions and the entertainment kept the smiles and the families coming. This was especially important after Hurricane Irene left many area residents without utilities for days, bringing people back to life in “the good old days” in basic ways. 

Rides at the fair included the Ferris Wheel, Tilt-a-Whirl, the Carousel and, of course, Musical Chairs –plus many others. The teenagers, especially, seemed to be having a blast on the rides, while the little ones got a taste of the future thrills of carnival rides.

Food (and beer!) is always a great attraction at country fairs from the traditional fried dough with powdered sugar to grilled chicken, grinders, french fries, apple pies, burgers, hot dogs and ice cream. . . all fresh and tasting like summer.

“Friendly competitions” at the Haddam Neck Fair ran from horse, tractor and truck pulls to beard contests (men only); baby contests, bubblegum blowing, skillet throwing (ladies only); antique tractor, oxen pulls and dog agility contests, along with best in show animal judging contests.

RBA rabbit judge Paul Jurgelonis has been judging since 1966, and he admitted that he has occasionally been bitten by the rabbits he handles, but that “the rabbits are much better behaved than my students.” Jurgelonis is a schoolteacher in Massachusetts when not judging on the fair circuit.

Besides buildings with hundreds of small and large animals (poultry & rabbits in one, cattle in another, goats and sheep in another), a free Petting Zoo completed the animal husbandry scene, giving the fair an authentic air (and smell). Flowers and vegetables, sewing and baked goods were also featured at this very authentic and thriving country fair.

As for attractions, a variety of music concerts and the old fashioned attractions prevailed (such as Rosie’s Pig Races, magic acts, a Punch and Judy Show and much general merriment). Entertainment included country music from the Monthei Brothers Band, the Grass Routes, Last Fair Deal and headliner Jonathan Edwards of “Sunshine” fame.

For history lovers – and those who just love a good yarn in general – a visit to the Haddam Historical Society yielded several publications of local historical interest. Best of all, a new book, co-written by Elizabeth Hart (Lisa) Malloy and Haddam Neck Fair President R. Dianne McHutchison, entertainingly tells the story of the fair. Chock full of black and white pictures and anecdotes, Haddam Neck Fair 100 Year History – “The Little Fair That Set the Others Guessing,” is a treasure trove for the casual and serious reader alike.

The book, published by the Haddam Neck Fair Association, is available for $15 through the Haddam Historical Society after the fair. Especially amusing – to me, a lover of clever signage and advertising – are the historical posters and ads reproduced in the pages of this comprehensive and attentively assembled 88-page book.

Originally founded by the local Grange Association to provide an annual event for farmers & their families to socialize, compete, and learn about new farming methods, the Haddam Neck Fair started in 1911. By 1939, according to the book, “the fair had garnered a reputation as a genuine country fair with an Old Home Day atmosphere.”

Some old advertisements for the fair included those from the Middletown Press. In a 1915 ad, for example, it proclaimed “Haddam Neck Fair, The Best All Around Fair in Middlesex County – We Lead – Others Follow.”

Another Middletown Press ad (and, my favorite) from 1916 read  “. . .You’ll laugh your head off and laugh it right on again at the screamingly funny things you’ll see. . . Lemonade, Popcorn, Peanuts, Plain “Nuts” (you know whom we mean), Frankfurters, Fortune Telling. . . Things to Eat Fit to Bust your Galluses and a Gorgeous, Glittering Galaxy of  - PRETTY GIRLS – with eyes like stars, teeth like pearls, lips like rubies, and ears like coral, one look from whom will make your heart thump like a trunk falling downstairs.”

If that isn’t the best description of a good time and what can happen at the Haddam Neck Fair, I’ll eat my hat. Pass the apple butter, please.