Thursday, October 23, 2008

Things are winding down at the fairgrounds. The buildings are being cleaned out. Equipment is being winterized and put in order. Winter storage will take place on Saturday, November 8, 2008 at approximately 7:30 a.m. There is still room in some of our buildings if anyone is interested in placing a car, boat, camping trailer, motor home. etc. away for the winter months. Jack Comporesi, our director in charge can be reached through information on our website. He can supply more information to any interested party. Other than that, things should be set for the winter months.

Letters went out to all our members regarding our Annual Dinner meeting to be held on Tuesday, December 2, 2008 at the Harwinton Congregational Church. Dinner will be served at 7:00 p.m. and the meeting will being promptly at 8:00 p.m. Any member wishing to only attend the meeting may do so. We look forward to seeing you there.

Thanks again for a great year. Before you know it, it will be April and Tuesday work nights will be starting. Happy Halloween!

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

The Harwinton Fair!

The 152nd Harwinton Fair is officially over for another year. All in all, it was a great success. The Harwinton Agricultural Society would like to express our sincere THANKS!! to everyone who made our Fair so great. Thank you to the Board & members who worked so hard and put in countless hours preparing for it. Also, thanks to our Superintendents of the Departments, their workers & all the volunteers who spent the weekend putting everything together. And especially to everyone who came to the Fair and supported us with their attendence. Without you all this would not be possible.

On Saturday the weather was incredible! The air was cool & crisp, a typical autumn day in New England. Under the bright sunshine, the crowds began rolling in early and stayed well past 6:00 pm. The shows were enjoyed by great audiences all day long. The animal barns had many visitors, enjoying barnyard animals, poultry, rabbits, cattle & draft horses. There was a variety of great fair food, rides for the big & little kids alike, and vendors offered all kinds of goods.

The Oxen Teamster Challenge was a big hit - the first one in Connecticut! The oxen show and pulls & horse show had their fans rooting them on. Woodchopping events had a great turnout and bluegrass music on the bandstand was enjoyed. Bands playing, magic shows and family entertainment had big audiences. Our historical area had many visitors. Civil War enactors and our pioneer group spoke to the crowds, telling them just how things used to be. The Country Store, working shingle mill and blacksmith shop were also favorites of the fair goers.

On Sunday, waking up to rain was not a good sign for the Fair. But by noon, the clouds lifted and the sun came out. People came and it turned out to be a very good day. The horses pulled in the ring and the Western riding show went on as scheduled. There was a polka band concert in the afternoon enjoyed by all along with rides, family entertainment and fun for the kids. Sunday brought out an antique stagecoach and demonstration in the horse ring at noon as well.

Again, thanks to all for making our 152nd Fair wonderful. We look forward to doing it all again.

SEE YOU AT THE FAIR NEXT YEAR!!!