North Shore in Summer

TOPSFIELD FAIR: Corwin, Wallendas and pumpkins

By Mike Stucka
Staff Writer
Published: May 28, 2009

The Topsfield Fair is a nearly two-century-old institution that features classic combinations of a petting farm, fried dough and fairway games in its run from Oct. 2 to Oct. 12.

But for the second year in a row, the Topsfield Fair will feature Animal Planet television celebrity Jeff Corwin, who could bring vipers, crocodiles and other exotic animals not typically seen on the fairgrounds. Tickets to see Corwin run $15 each or four for $48.

Another big attraction: The 26th annual New England Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off on Oct. 3, the first full day of the fair. The enormous entries are edging toward the one-ton mark. Seemingly lighter than air are the Flying Wallendas high-wire act twice a day in the final three days of the fair.

And there's plenty of musical entertainment, both homegrown and from abroad. The Colgate Country Showdown's New England finals will send a singer on to greater fame. Country singer Heidi Newfeld, who already found that success, will perform. And for more variety there's the Celtic band North Sea Gas.

Another contrast is between destruction and preservation. This year's Topsfield Fair will feature a demolition derby as well as a theme of "Go Green With Us," an effort to highlight environmentally friendly initiatives that will include 15 "green" organizations.

If you go

Special events, from entertainment to contests, happen daily. Check the schedule on TopsfieldFair.org to make sure you don't miss anything.

The fair is big and busy — last year, nearly a half-million people arrived. Arrange meeting places in advance and know what fair offerings are best for each age group or family member.

Students at the Masconomet schools typically run a parking lot that can be less stressful than spots closer to the fairgrounds. A shuttle bus runs to the fair from the school complex, just off Interstate 95's Exit 51.

If you go

Special events, from entertainment to contests, happen daily. Check the schedule on TopsfieldFair.org to make sure you don't miss anything.

The fair is big and busy — last year, nearly a half-million people arrived. Arrange meeting places in advance and know what fair offerings are best for each age group or family member.

Students at the Masconomet schools typically run a parking lot that can be less stressful than spots closer to the fairgrounds. A shuttle bus runs to the fair from the school complex, just off Interstate 95's Exit 51.