President’s Letter
We would like to welcome fairgoers to our 2015 fair season. Planning for this year’s 96th annual fair began in October 2014. Our celebrated fair has evolved over the years to become the largest major fair as part of the Association of Connecticut Fairs. We are excited to continue our “Education in Agriculture” tradition as the overall theme of our fair again this year. Our leadership team has elected to continue to emphasize our tag line of “Good Clean Wholesome Fun” for the entire family. The Durham Fair has become one of the notable Connecticut destinations for the fall season.
Our Executive Team has been busy planning for our 2015 Fair. As with each New Year’s planning, our team has been attempting to concentrate on improving the overall experience of our fairgoer. One of the hallmarks of our fair has been the robust entertainment venue that we provide year over year. This year is no exception with a jammed pack entertainment venue. Our ‘headliner’ act is the Country Music Award’s own Martina McBride. Martina was part of this year’s main acts at the 50th Academy of Country Music Awards, the Country Music Awards Party of the Year. We are anticipating record crowds for the “free” Martina concert on Friday evening so plan to come early.
Our Planning Team consisting of Entertainment, Revenue, Outdoor Commercial, Indoor Commercial and Craft teams have also been busy preparing for this year’s season as well. We take great pride in selecting specific food vendors offering a wide variety of traditional fair food for our fairgoers. Additionally, we will be redesigning our Town Green again this year with the overall theme of families and children. Our traditional “Kids Place”, Rockwell Amusement Kiddie Rides, Green Stage with local entertainment, and acts like Mutts Gone Nuts will all be part of the Town Green venue this year. Having received feedback from our fairgoers last year, we will attempt this year to provide more rest tents to relax and enjoy some of our great food offered throughout the fair.
In the 2014 season we introduced three new facilities as part of the overall fair experience. Our traditional “Presidents' Hall” building housed our Vegetables, Canning and Baking departments. Our new “Creative Arts Building” will again have on display, local crafts and collectibles. Our Art department will showcase regional art works and our Photography department will continue its tradition of showcasing some of the best photography work in the region as well. Lastly our “Youth Exhibits” will showcase some of the great work of our local youth.
One of the great traditions of the Durham Fair has been there is something of interest for everyone. Our fairgoer can expect to come and spend a day with family and friends and enjoy a country atmosphere environment which appeals to a broad spectrum of interests, in a safe and relaxing family setting at a very competitive price. Our Executive Team has again this year elected to not increase our competitive fair entry fee. Our Marketing Department has been hard at work enhancing our website. Check it out for a more detailed list of times and activities.
The following information highlights what you can expect visiting our great fair this year: an excellent Entertainment venue including a local talent show, we are bringing back our very successful “Redneck Games”, National Headliner acts throughout the Fair, a Wine Festival showcasing some of the top wineries in Connecticut, a Discovery Education Center, one of the best Farm Museums in New England, numerous Kids Place activities, one of the largest Livestock Exhibits in Connecticut, An Extensive Personal Skills Program including Art, Baking, Canning, Crafts & Collections, Needlework, Photography, and Youth Exhibits as well as Competitions, Plant Sciences Exhibits including flowers, fruits and vegetables, horticulture exhibits and competitions, our annual Giant Pumpkins Competition, A extensive Craft Tent exhibit showcasing some of the top crafters in New England, Outdoor Commercial Rental Venue including some of the best food and crafts in Connecticut, Indoor Commercial Rental Venue highlighting leading edge products , extensive Midway Amusements for all ages, Motorized Events programs, Tractor and Horse Pulls just to name a few! As mentioned previously the Durham Agricultural Fair offers something for everyone!
Heard enough? Then come join us at our Fair this year. We promise your family will enjoy a day or weekend of good clean county style fun at a great value.
Daniel Miramant,
President, The Durham Agricultural Fair Association, Inc.