Free 205th Topsfield Fair Tickets For Salem Residents

SALEM, MA — Salem residents are eligible for free tickets to the 205th Topsfield Fair as part of a September Salem Days promotion through the Norman H. Read Charitable Trust.

Families will be able to gain up to six tickets for a single-day admission to the iconic fair that runs at the Topsfield Fairgrounds from Sept. 29 through Oct. 9. Tickets are available at the Jean A. Levesque Community Life Center on a first-come, first-served basis starting on Thursday.

"As Salem has many direct links to the Topsfield Fair, it is a perfect fit to provide Salem residents with admission tickets to the Fair to learn about agricultural science and have some family fun time," Lars Albright, trustee of the Norman H. Read Charitable Trust."

The first president of the Essex Agricultural Society, which formed in 1818 and is the governing body of the Fair, was famous Salem resident Colonel Timothy Pickering. Before moving to Topsfield permanently in 1910, the Fair was held in different places in Essex County each year — including Salem in 1849, 1850, 1851, and then again in 1883 and 1884.

"The Topsfield Fair is the longest-running fair in America and is filled with great learning experiences about the importance of agriculture," Topsfield Fair General Manager James O'Brien said.

The Topsfield Fair features exhibits, demonstrations, contests, carnival rides, food and fun each day with music highlights that are free with admission. The Oct. 4 show is a triple bill of 1950s and 1960s doo-woop and rock n' roll with Cornell Gunter's Coasters, the Drifters and the Platters. On Oct. 5, Starship featuring Mickey Thomas and Foghat will bring 1980s pop and classic rock to the grandstand stage, while country star Clay Walker will perform on Oct. 6.

Oct. 2 is Sensory Day at the fairgrounds, which will provide a more sensory-sensitive experience to families with members of autism or other sensory processing disorders.

Salem residents must pick up their tickets in person at the Jean A. Levesque Community Life Center at 401 Bridge Street starting on Thursday. The Center is open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Those picking up tickets will need to bring proof of residency to the Community Life Center. You may use a driver's license, a state identification card, a passport, or current mortgage, insurance, utility, or banking statements.

One family member will be able to receive tickets for their household. Salem families can receive up to six tickets for their household. The Fair has free admission for children under 8 with an adult ticket. Should a family require more than six tickets, parents and guardians can speak with staff when picking up their admission tickets.

Tickets will be distributed through Oct. 6 as long as supplies last. This offer is not available for school or other group/organization trips to the Fair. This offer is not available by phone or online. It may not be combined with any other offers.

Norman Read, who died in 1992 at age 100, created the Trust as "a means to enhance excellence in science education for all Salem residents" after generations of his family were residents of Salem for hundreds of years.

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