The Sandwich Fair Celebrates its 100th Year this Weekend

It’s that time of year again…  The Sandwich Fair will be held this Columbus Day weekend, October 9, 10, and 11, in the quaint village of Center Sandwich, NH, and to celebrate its 100^th anniversary, organizers have planned more fun than ever before!

The Sandwich Fair has been a New Hampshire tradition for more than 100 years, actually dating back to the 1880’s when farmers organized a market day to trade and sell cattle.  This gathering turned into an annual event, and in 1886, 184 yoke of oxen were exhibited.  In 1887, the occasion started to become more of a fair with the addition of a band and a baby contest!  Eventually, the fair became the official agricultural phenomenon New Englanders have been enjoying for a century now.

As always, the Sandwich Fair will have all your favorites, including horse and oxen pulls, 4-H exhibits, antique tractor shows, arts, crafts, carnival rides, music, and lots of amazing food!  In celebration of it’s official 100^th year, the fair will also have a new Lumberjack Competition featuring professional woodcutters and skidders from New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, and beyond!  Another intriguing new event is the Women’s Skillet Throw, which will be open to any woman who would like to pitch some steel!  Both of these exciting additions to the lineup will take place on Monday, the 11^th.

A poetry contest is also underway for the fair’s special anniversary this year.  Poets of all ages have entered pieces that honor the Sandwich Fair in various forms, and prizes will be awarded in the different age categories.  The results promise to be quite special!  Of course, the parade on Sunday is one of the fair’s most popular events.

There is truly something for everyone at the Sandwich Fair, so take the whole family on a trip to the Lakes Region this weekend to admire the colorful fall foliage along with this classic New England tradition, and be sure to check out all the fun on the fair’s website here.

Carrie Reed
The Mill Falls Blogging Team

photo courtesy of The Sandwich Fair