North Shore Students Book Free Trips To 205th Topsfield Fair

TOPSFIELD, MA — More than 4,000 students from across the North Shore and the region will get to attend the 205th Topsfield Fair for free this year because of their efforts in reading library books this summer.

The Topsfield Fair, Fiesta Shows, and The International Association of Fairs and Expositions sponsored the "Read and Win" program with 32 libraries in Essex and Middlesex Counties as well as southern New Hampshire participating.

Each library set a goal for elementary school children in their communities encouraging them to read library books.

For accomplishing their reading goal, 4,148 students were rewarded with:

• One admission ticket (for readers over 8, children under 8 are admitted into the Fair free)
• One hot dog and drink voucher that the winner can redeem at the Fair
• Two ride tickets
• Read and Win ribbon
• Read and Win certificate

"Partnering with local libraries directly ties to the extensive educational programs we run every year at the Topsfield Fair," Topsfield Fair Education Program Director Kate O’Brien. "Having Fiesta Shows and The International Association of Fairs and Expositions eagerly participate in the Read and Win program with us again is a testament to the importance of the program.”

The top 5 libraries with the most children participating this year were:

1. Beverly Public Library: 667
2. Charlotte and William Bloomberg Medford Public Library: 473
3. Boxford Town Library: 221
4. Peabody Institute Library of Danvers: 209
5. (Tie): Ipswich Public Library & Peabody Institute Library in Peabody:164

Tickets for the 2023 Topsfield Fair are available here with discounts available through September 28, 2023. General Admission discount tickets can be purchased for only $15.00 plus a $2.25 convenience fee.

Tickets are good for any day during the Fair's 11-day run. A three-day pass, good for any three days, is available for $42 plus a $3.50 convenience fee.

Children under eight are free with an adult admission ticket. Discounted ride tickets are also available.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)