TOPSFIELD — When they judge pumpkins at the Topsfield Fair, they take the smallest first.
That created a problem, explained General Manager James O'Brien, the year the third-biggest pumpkin set a world record for weight.
When the crew moved quickly to weigh the remaining two competitors, O'Brien stepped in. "Slow down." He gestured to the then-current world record holder. "Give the guy his moment." And when the next pumpkin set a new world record, that grower was also given a chance to shine.
"We had three world record holders on the same day and in the same area," O'Brien said yesterday. The popular competition has been moved from Saturday to Friday, Oct. 1, starting at 2 p.m., to give more people a chance to see it. (The fair runs through Oct. 11.) And once again O'Brien is expecting big things.
"They tell me they're looking at a (new) world's record because of the weather," he said.
That's only one of dozens of attractions at this year's Topsfield Fair, including food, rides, racing, animals, Mounties, a demolition derby, entertainers, more food and beautiful women, all expected to draw up to 500,000 people.
Performers will include Chubby Checker, still dancing "the twist," former "Monkee" Peter Tork, singer Uncle Kracker, as well as Emily Osment and Mitchel Musso.
"They're Hannah Montana's friends," O'Brien said. "I have to admit I didn't know who they were — I had to watch the show."
Inviting such youthful acts is an effort to bring younger and younger audiences to the fair.
"We love the families with strollers," he said. "But if we can reach out to younger generations ..."
Tickets purchased before Sept. 29 will be discounted. General admission is $10 on weekdays and $12 on weekends. Featured concerts can cost up to $30. Satellite parking is planned at North Shore Community College and Masconomet, with some of the $5 fee going to the schools.
Animals provide some of the lure, a chance for 21st-century kids to see where their milk comes from. But a love of animal husbandry still lives on the North Shore.
"Last year, we had 54 4-H kids bring a cow," O'Brien told a group of fair supporters yesterday.
"Did they use satellite parking?" someone joked.
"I've got a rooster that's a political delight," said fair volunteer Tim Clark, who knows a bit about politics. "You all have to go and see a cock crowing contest."
For that matter, some of this year's candidates are expected to march in the opening parade.
In the Sportsman's Building, Thomas Walsh promised animal exhibits, guns and wildlife artist Jim Collins.
Last year's Mrs. Essex County, Krista McLellan, will be there to meet her successor for 2011.
"I'm looking forward to it," she said.
Offbeat events like duck races and dock dogs — canine competitors leaping up to 15 feet into a pool — are among the new attractions.
"We have racing pigs on one side," O'Brien said. "And racing ducks on the other."
Veterans will be honored, along with the Boy Scouts, celebrating its 100th anniversary.
And expect to see red at this year's fair. The Musical Ride of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police can be seen on Oct. 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 and 8.
"They like coming here," O'Brien said, "and we like having them."
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