Harwinton Fair

Annual Dinner Meeting & Dues

2011-12-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

The Annual Dinner Meeting of the Agricultural Society is this evening at 8:00 p.m. at the Harwinton Congregational Church on Route #4 in Harwinton. All members are invited to attend the meeting 8:00 for reports of the past year.

Dues are now being accepted. Letters were mailed out with the notice of the meeting and dues. If there are any questions, please contact any director or Judy Aeschlimann, Treasurer at (860) 485-9054.

Premium checks were processed and mailed in November. Due to the winter storm we experienced, they were mailed later that usual but we managed to get them done. Thank you to all our exhibitors for participating in our fair! We couldn't have a great fair without you all.

The Fair Is Over!!

2011-10-05T04:31:00.000-07:00

The 155th Harwinton Fair is officially over. What a time it was!! The weather presented us with numerous challenges on all levels. The biggest one was probably the parking and water-soaked fields. But inspite of it all, we managed to get it done.

Based on the responses from our fairgoers, everyone enjoyed all the events, food, and traditions that go with our fair. Our exhibit buildings were full, the animal buildings were packed all day, and the entertainment was enjoyed.

The cleanup on Monday went well. Our loyal work crew is just about done getting everything ready for the winter months ahead. It's hard to believe the fair is over. But we'll be looking forward to the 156th Fair!

Thank you to all the fairgoers who come every year, to all our building superintendents, members, and volunteers who give us their time each year. We couldn't do it without any of you.

Only 26 Days Til Fairtime!!!

2011-09-04T12:35:00.000-07:00

The 155th Harwinton Fair is fast approaching. The 2011 premium book has been loaded on our website along with all the updated information & schedules for this year's fair. Be sure to look through the book for all the information you'll need to get your exhibits and entries ready for the fair.

Don't miss the various deadlines for the departments' forms to be submitted. Join in the fun of participating in this great traditional country fair.

Any questions,, do not hesitate to contact a Director. They will be happy to help you!

See you at the Fair - Litchfield County's oldest & best Major Fair.

Scholarship Awards

2011-08-24T06:51:00.000-07:00

The Harwinton Agricultural Society has awarded two $1,000. scholarships again this year. The recipients are Nicole Hill and Karina Lorenc. Congratulations to our two winners. We wish them much success in their future pursuits at the college level of education.

These scholarships are awarded and recipients are also eligible to apply each year. We are proud to be a part of helping these students continue their education.

Premium Books Are Available

2011-08-22T20:08:00.000-07:00

The 2011 edition of the Harwinton Fair's Premium Book has been mailed to all previous exhibitors, fair members and those placed on our mailing list. The book is also available in places in Harwinton and the surrounding areas.

Our website is in the process of being updated to have our current information on this year's 155th Harwinton Fair. 2011 exhibitor forms will be available shortly.

Any questions, please contact a director or member of the Harwinton Agricultural Society.

Worknights at the Fairgrounds

2011-06-06T12:51:00.001-07:00

Worknights have begun at the fairgrounds on Tuesday evenings. Any fair member or volunteer is welcome to come help out. Any time to be given to the Society is greatly appreciated. There is always something that needs to be attended to.

Any time after 5:00 pm is when the work begins. Before we know it, it will be fair time.

If there are any questions, just contact one of the Directors. We will be happy to help you out.

Scholarship Reminder

2011-06-06T12:46:00.000-07:00

Applications are still being accepted for two $1,000.00 scholarships to be given out by the Harwinton Agricultural Society. Students either entering their first year in college or returning to college are eligible. Past recipents are also eligible to reapply. Check out our website for more information on the scholarship requirements.

You can download application forms or contact area guidance couselor offices for the forms. The deadline is June 30, 2011.

Harwinton Antiques & Design Weekend

2011-06-06T12:41:00.000-07:00

The first Harwinton Antiques & Design Weekend will be held at the Harwinton Fairgrounds this weekend. This show was orginally held in Farmington but has now moved to our fairgrounds. It promises to be a great event with over 300 vendors coming from all over the country to the grounds. Check this website for more information at www.harwintonantiquesweekend.com.

This event will also be coming back on Spetember 3rd & 4th - Labor Day weekend.

Harwinton Agricultural Society Scholarships

2011-05-03T07:14:00.000-07:00

The Harwinton Agricultural Society is sponsoring two $1,000.00 scholarships to area students either graduating high school or is a current college student. One scholarship is awarded to a student pursuing a course of study in agriculture, home economics, or a related field in the upcoming academic year. The other scholarship is awarded to a qualifying student pursuing a career in a non-agricultural field.

Qualifications for the scholarships include participation in our Fair, scholastic achievement, citizenship and leadership, and financial need. These scholarships are offered from first year enrollment to senior year. A recipient of these scholarships can apply each year they will be attending college.

Applications are available at area school guidance offices. Also visit our website section for more information and an application form. The deadline for applications is June 30, 2011.

What A Day At the Fairgrounds!!

2010-10-01T19:16:00.000-07:00

Friday has turned out to be one of the most memorable days yet. With 40 to 50 mile an hour winds and torrential rains, the day was definitely a challenge to everyone involved. The vendors were contending with trying to set up, redo or repair their concessions. The directors and volunteers were attempting to complete the final day's schedule of tasks that needed to be done. There's only so many things that could actually be done in such horrible weather!!!

But wait until tomorrow (Saturday). With this amazing group of people, our Fair will have everything in place and ready to go. With a promise of great weather, come to Litchfield County's oldest fair and bring your family & friends along for a wonderful time.

Countdown Continues for the Fair

2010-09-25T12:31:00.000-07:00

There are only six days to the 154th Harwinton Fair. Work goes on every day now until fairtime preparing for next weekend. Directors, members, & volunteers are working hard to get things in place. The grounds look wonderful as usual.

All we need now is great fair weather!!!

Animal Friends Error in Premium Book

2010-09-25T12:26:00.000-07:00

An error was discovered in our Premium Book on page 18 for Department G - Animal Friends. The amount paid for each exhibitor should read $100.00 not $10.00.

The line should correctly read:

Each exhibitor entering for the two days with a minimum of two animals and a display will receive $100.00 and a complimentary Fair pass.

Ten Days to Fair Time!

2010-09-21T09:42:00.000-07:00

It's only ten days to our fair. Directors, members, & volunteers are busy at the fairgrounds getting everything ready for the 154th Annual Harwinton Fair. The grounds are being mowed and trimmed. We certainly have a great crew who put endless hours of hard work in to put this great fair on each year.

The gates open at 8:00 am each day. Get your exhibits done and enter them! The deadline is tomorrow, Wednesday September 22nd. Lisa, our secretary, is working on them now. Come join in the fun of being part of the Fair.

Don't forget tag nights are Monday, Sept 27th at the Library and Tuesday, Sept 28th at the Harwinton Senior Center on Weingart Road, 6:30 both evenings.

Deadline for Exhibitors Entries Sept. 22

2010-09-13T18:31:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder that exhibitor forms are due Wednesday, September 22nd. To make sure you can enter please get them to our secretary, Lisa Shimels on time. Don't miss out on the fun of being part of our Fair.

Also, you can contact Lisa if you need a Premium Book or go to Premium Book on the website to see it. Entry forms can be downloaded. There's less than three weeks to Fair Time!!!!

Incorrect Tag Nights Listed

2010-09-13T18:22:00.000-07:00

The tag work nights are listed incorrectly on the Fair Events Schedule. The correct dates are Monday, September 27, at 6:30 pm at the Harwinton Town Library. The Final Tag Night is Tuesday, September 28 at 6:30 pm at the Harwinton Senior Center on Weingart Road off Route #4 not the Library.

Premium Books Are Available

2010-08-30T14:00:00.001-07:00

The premium books for 2010 have been mailed to members, previous exhibitors, and all who requested to receive them. Look for them in locations around the area. Contact a director if you aren't able to get one.

Harwinton and Torrington Post Offices, Thomaston Bank, local restaurants and stores, feed supply stores, etc. The Premium book is also accessible on our website for viewing and printing. Exhibitor forms are included in the book. So get working on those exhibits, arts & crafts, contest entries, etc. That is what makes our Fair so much. Participate and enjoy!!!!

Scholarships Awarded

2010-08-30T09:09:00.000-07:00

On August 22nd, the Harwinton Agricultural Society awarded two $1,000.00 scholarships at our annual Appreciation Picnic. The two recipients are Nicolle Hill and Joscyln Pearson. We wish them both success at the schools they will be attending this fall. It's always great knowing we have helped them to continue their educations!

Harwinton Fair Appreciation Picnic

2010-08-22T15:27:00.001-07:00

Despite a very rainy afternoon, the Harwinton Agricultural Society held its annual Appreciation Picnic for the workers & volunteers who make our fair such a success each year. The food was great and the company was even better. Ernie Schultz supplied wonderful accordion music for young and old to enjoy.

Actually, our board members and their families also need a definite "THANKS" for doing this event each year. Before we know it, it will be FAIR TIME! So let's all gear up and here we go again!!!

Work Continues at Fairgrounds

2010-06-14T12:33:00.000-07:00

Weekly worknights on Tuesday are still going on. Anyone who would like to join us, members and volunteers alike are welcome. There is always something that you could do to help. Before you know it, October will be here! Contact a director or member, or just come to the fairgrounds on Tuesday evening from 5:00 pm on.

Scholarship Applications Still Being Accepted

2010-06-14T12:29:00.000-07:00

There is still time to submit an application for our scholarship awards this year. The deadline is June 30, 2010. Please go to the "Fair Scholarship" tab on the website. Applications can be download from this part of the site. Each scholarship is $1,000. and can be for first year or continuing education at the college level.

Scholarship Applications Now Being Accepted

2010-05-24T16:31:00.000-07:00

The deadline for scholarship applications has been set for June 30, 2010. Applications are available at the guidance offices in the area school. If you need forms, please contact our secretary, Lisa Shimels or one of the other directors who can help you out.

Look in the "Fair Scholarship" section on our website for the criteria on the eligibility requirements. There are two scholarships offered, one for pursuit in the agricultural field and one for non agricultural. Don't let the deadline pass! Each scholarhip is $1,000.00.

Worknights Every Tuesday

2010-05-24T16:21:00.000-07:00

Worknights have started on every Tuesday evening from 5:00 p.m. on. There are projects once again to be completed before fair time. Work has begun on roads around the grounds. There will be upkeep and repairs to some of the buildings.

New drainage has started on our parking fields with the generosity of the Harwinton Lions Club donating materials for this work. With proper drainage of the water on those fields, the grounds will be improved to allow better use of those areas during concerts, fair parking and other events at our facilities.

Painting is an ongoing task. Keeping up the buildings and grounds take a lot of time and effort from our directors and members. Volunteers are always welcome. Just show up on Tuesday and we'll definitely find something you can do to help out. You can also contact one of our directors or members who will be happy to hear from you.

Scholarship Applications

2010-02-14T14:47:00.000-08:00

The deadline for scholarship applications has been set for June 30, 2010.

Please remember the Harwinton Agricultural Society, Inc. gives away two (2) scholarships of $1,000.00 each year. Go to our website and click on "Fair Scholarship" section to get the information on how you may apply.

An application will soon be available for download from the website. It will also be sent to the Guidance Departments in the schools in this area. It has had some revisions made. Or contact Lisa Shimels, our secretary, who can also help out.

Membership Dues Deadline

2010-02-14T14:37:00.000-08:00

All members' dues are payable by March 1, 2010.

There will be no additional reminder notices sent to members. So please take a few minutes to get your dues paid by this date. If your membership lapses, then you will have to wait until our next Annual Meeting to be reinstated. Adults are $10.00 each and a family membership of $25.00 is also available for adults and children at least 13 and under 18 years of age.

We also welcome any new members interested in becoming a part of our Society. Please contact any Director so your name can be submitted at a Board meeting. We meet on the second Monday of each month.

If you have any questions, please contact Judy Aeschlimann, (860) 485-9054. Checks should be made out to "Harwinton Agricultural Society, Inc". Dues can be mailed to 22 Hillside Road, Harwinton, CT 06791.

Winter at the Fairgrounds

2010-02-14T14:28:00.000-08:00

Things are quiet at the Fairgrounds this time of the year. The Annual Dinner meeting was held on December 8, 2009, at the Harwinton Congregational Church in Harwinton. We have four directors who have stepped down from the Board: John Mazzochi, Ellie Woike, Paul Schweitzer & George Beck. All of these directors have given countless hours to make our Fair such a success. We can't thank them all enough for what they have contributed to our Society.

We have a new director this year; Phil Galullo has agreed to come on to the Board. Phil and his wife Kelly have been active members & workers for three years helping out painting on work nights & running the soda booths at fair time. We look forward to having him on our Board of Directors.

Premium Checks Are In The Mail

2009-11-11T20:28:00.000-08:00

The premium checks for exhibitors will be mailed out on Thursday, November 12th. Look for yours in the mail.

Don't forget the Annual Dinner Meeting coming up on December 8, 2009 at the Harwinton Congregational Church. All members are welcome to join us. If you would just like to attend the meeting, it will begin promptly at 8:00 p.m.

Annual Dinner Planned

2009-11-02T17:21:00.000-08:00

Letters to all members of the Harwinton Agricultural Society have been mailed out. Our Annual Dinner will be held on Tuesday, December 8, 2009 at the Harwinton Congregational Church on Route #4 in Harwinton.

A ham dinner will be served at 7:00 p.m. and the meeting will begin at 8:00 p.m. All members are encouraged to attend. Dues for the 2010 year are now being accepted.

We also welcome anyone wishing to become a member of our organization. Just contact any Director if you would like to join so your name can be submitted. You will find it very rewarding helping put on this great fair.

Winter Storage This Saturday

2009-11-02T17:17:00.000-08:00

Winter storage will be taking place this coming Saturday, November 7, at the fairgrounds beginning at 7:00 a.m. There are still some spaces available to rentals this winter. We do have a secure facility. If anyone is interested please contact Jack Comporesi, Supt of Winter Storage at (860)485-9021.

The Fair Has Come & Gone!!!

2009-11-02T16:54:00.000-08:00

Well, the Harwinton Fair has come and gone again this year. It certainly was one to remember. First, on Saturday we woke to a misty, wet day. Even though the weather wasn't great, people did come. It wasn't cold, so they were still coming in to see the exhibits in the buildings and enjoy all the great food.

The Women's Skillet Throw was a big success with 45 participants signing up to test their throwing abilities. The winner tossed her skillet over 47 feet! It was definitely enjoyed by both tossers & watchers. We'll be planning the event again for next year.

There was entertainment & music for those willing to put up with the raindrops. Then about 4:00 the skies finally opened up. We had to call it a day as it downpoured, thundered & lightning making it all very interesting.

On Sunday morning the sun did come out to dry up all the grounds. And the people did come!!! We estimated about 16,000 people. We couldn't have asked for a better day. Parking was not an issue. Everything went very smoothly bringing in all the cars with no backups out on Route 4.

The Zirkus Wallenda was a big hit and 11 year old Briana was quite the shining star on the sway pole and high wire.

The Band, Aces & Eights, performed on Saturday in spite of the weather, The Magic of Jim Sisti & The Sunshine Road did have to cancel because of the weather but made up for it all on Sunday. We had an old fashioned band concert on the bandstand Sunday afternoon presented by the Northwest Connecticut Band.

The Pisgah Mountain Primitives & Civil War reenactors always add to our historic area, along with the Country Store, Shingle Mill, Blacksmith and Antique Tractors & equipment. Woodchopping had the biggest turnout ever, and all other pull events and competitions went on.

The Ellis Family brought in a wonderful display of wagons and draft horse. Bob was sadly missed by everyone. But I'm sure he would have been proud of the wonderful addition everything was to our Fair.

All in all, the Fair was a success, with many positive remarks and compliments. Thanks to all who have made our Fair what it is--- A great traditional country fair.

Looking forward to next year!

Exhibitor Tag Nights

2009-09-26T17:21:00.000-07:00

Worknights on the exhibitor tags for the Fair will be held on Monday, September 28th & Tuesday, September 29th at 6:30 p.m. at the Harwinton Town Library. Anyone interested in giving us a hand, please join us. This will give you an idea of what's involved in preparing to put on the Harwinton Fair. There's a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes to keep the Fair running.

And it's a great way to socialize with some very nice people who work at the Fair while getting a big job done!!!

Harwinton Fair is Fast Approaching!!!

2009-09-24T20:18:00.000-07:00

The Harwinton Fair is 8 days away. The fairgrounds are busy with activity. Final preparations are going on. New lighting is being installed in pavillions and soda booths for the new later hours on Saturday evening. Weather permitting, the fair will remain open until 9 p.m. There will be entertainment, food, vendors & rides. Exhibit buildings will be open with the exception of Buildings #1 & #2 the Adult & Youth buildings. They will be closing at 6 p.m.

Come enjoy the best tradtional country fair east of the Connecticut River. There's something for everyone. Young & old. Don't forget the Zircus Wallendas, performing both days, for the first time at our fair.

Women, get your throwing arm ready for the 1st Annual Women's Skillet Throw to be held on Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m. Signups will be taking place 10 minutes prior to the event. Entry is FREE!!!

Please check the Fair Events section of our website for a complete listing and times for all the events on fair weekend.

Deadlines Approaching!!!

2009-09-15T13:51:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder to anyone wishing to exhibit in this year's fair, the deadline for submitting your Exhibitor form is Wednesday, September 23rd. If there are questions regarding an entry, please contact Lisa Shimels, the fair secretary. She will be glad to help you in any way she can.

Work nights are busier than ever. With the fair 17 days away, there are many things that need to be done. Volunteers are always welcome. Come on Tuesdays at 5:00 p.m. or contact any director to find out how you can help. You'll find out, it can be fun and rewarding being a part of putting on this great country fair!!!

Premium books are out!

2009-09-03T05:35:00.001-07:00

Our premium books have been mailed out to all members, last year's exhibitors, and individuals who have requested them. We are presently working on putting the complete book on the website. We had some technical difficulties but they will soon be resolved.

The books have been placed at locations around the area; post offices, banks, Agway, Blue Seal, libraries, the Town Hall. In the meantime, if you cannot find one, you can contact our secretary, Lisa Shimels to receive one. Check our "Contact Us".

New This Year

2009-09-03T05:27:00.001-07:00

We have some new things happening at the Fair this year. First, our Saturday hours will be extended to 9:00 p.m. weather permitting. Please note that our Adult & Youth buildings will close at 6:00 p.m. All other buildings, exhibits, displays, rides & amusements will be there for you to enjoy.

Zircus Wallenda, a high wire and aerial act, will be performing 3 shows each day.

There will be a Women's Skillet Throw Contest on Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m. at the woodchopping area. Come join the fun. It's open to all women 18 years and older.

There will be entertainment on the bandstand by Aces & Eights from 6 to 9 p.m. The Ox Teamster challenge will be returning again on Saturday afternoon, adjacent to the pulling ring.

Countdown Begins!

2009-08-31T09:24:00.000-07:00

The countdown to the Harwinton Fair is only 32 days. Things have begun getting busier with work on the fairgrounds, setting buildings up, and preparing all that's neccesary to put on the Fair. All members are encouraged to volunteer any time they can spare. It will be definitely appreciated.

The Premium Books are now available and have been mailed. Anyone needing one can check out our website section for entry forms, submitting exhibits, and information on what's happening at the fair this year. If there are questions, please contact any director. They will be glad to help.

Volunteer Appreciation Picnic

2009-08-19T16:43:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, August 16th we held our annual appreciation picnic at the fairgrounds for all the people who have given their time to the fair. We had approximately 70 people attending. Good food and conversation were enjoyed by all.

Our annual scholarship award was presented to Molly Tower, this year's only recipient, who received an award in the amount of $1,000.00. Molly received our non agricultural scholarship. There were no applications for a student attending college in an agricultural field.

There was a test run for our First Annual Skillet Tossing Contest. Several women gave it a try and said they would definitely be there on Saturday morning, at 10:30 on October 3rd. Check out the information for this new event. It should be fun for all.

Benefit Dinner a Big Success!!

2009-06-29T12:42:00.000-07:00

The benefit dinner held for Bruce Richard on Sunday, June 28 was a great success. Attendence was over 350 people. Through the generousity and hard work of so many individuals, everything went off so well. The food was delicious, judged by the many compliments people were making.

Many thanks to all who supported this event: our volunteer organizations - Harwinton Agricultural Society, Harwinton Lions Club, both Harwinton Volunteer Fire Departments, the Ellis Family who brought the Stagecouch for rides, our vendors who were so generous, the Berkshire bluegrass band who entertained, and all the members & volunteers who gave time, monetary gifts, supplies and other items to make this a wonderful time for Bruce. He couldn't have been more grateful to every one. It was more than a benefit for him. It was an example of a community of people pulling together to help someone in need.

Everyone there had a great time socializing, seeing old friends you hadn't seen and catching on what's been happening. It lets you know there are people out there who still care!

We all wish Bruce continued progress toward getting well and on with his life again. Many thanks again to all who participated, supported, and attended the dinner.

Benefit Dinner for Bruce Richard

2009-06-09T12:01:00.000-07:00

If you hadn't already heard, there is going to be a fund raiser dinner for Bruce Richard, our past president. Bruce has been going through some very serious medical problems since his knee surgery in October, 2008. He has not been able to return to work and is looking at at least one more year of rehabilitation and recuperation. His medical insurance has expired and will now have to pay for his own coverage.

On Sunday, June 28, 2009 there will be a steak dinner being served from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Harwinton Fairgrounds. The cost is $20.00 per person. The dinner will consist of a rib eye steak, baked potato, corn on the cob, salad, rolls and desert. Beverages will be served along with the dinner. We will have bluegrass music to entertain us.

This is being made possible because of the help from our two Harwinton fire departments, the Harwinton Lions Club and the Harwinton Agricultural Society along with many other individuals who have come forward to volunteer their time and donate both monetary & material items. This effort is what community support is all about. If you would like to purchase tickets please contact any of these organizations or call Paul Schweitzer at (860)485-0485 or Jack Comporesi at (860)485-9021. Tickets will be available through June 19th. If you would like to give us a hand with this event, we definitely will appreciate anything you can do.

Bruce has been active in our community for many years and has given so much. It's time to pay him back and let him know he has our support.

Worknights & Volunteering

2009-06-09T11:48:00.000-07:00

It's June already!!! Worknights have been going on for 5 weeks now. Painting, ground maintenance and electrical upgrades have begun. Work is being done on this year's Premium Fair Book and will be going to press by the first week of July. Our website will be updated soon with all the information for this year's fair. Entertainment is in place.

New this year is an extension of Saturday's fair hours - 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. weather permitting. The Board felt we should try this to see how it works out. It will give people more weekend time to come see our great fair.

Scholarship applications are being accepted for another two weeks, so don't wait any longer!! We have two $1,000. scholarships available for college bound students or continuing college students. Check out our scholarship section on the website for more information.

Remember, members and volunteers are encouraged to come help out at the fairgrounds every Tuesday night from 5:00 p.m. until dusk. Any talent is appreciated; any time given is important to us. See you there!!! October will be here before we know it.

2009-02-04T15:14:00.001-08:00

Update on Society activities At the Agricultural Society's annual dinner meeting held on December 2, 2008, Nick Terlecky became our new President. Bruce Richard has retired after 5 years of dedication and hard work. Thanks, Bruce!!Jon Anderson is now our new vice president. If anyone needs to contact Nick or Jon go to "Contact" section of our website.As you can see, we do need to update our website to show new fair dates of October 3 & 4, 2009. At a recent meeting of the Board of Directors it was decided to extend our Saturday hours to 9:00 p.m. weather permitting. This will be an experiment to see how it all goes.Also, members of the Society are reminded that dues must be paid by March 1st to keep your membership active. If you let your membership expire, it can be reinstated only at the Annual Meeting held in December each year.Any one wishing to become a new member can do so by contacting any director or other Society member so your name can be submitted at an upcoming directors' meeting for approval. If there are any questions regarding memberships please contact the Treasurer. Look in our "Membership" section for information on becoming a member.We have met with some of our department superintendents and will continue to meet with more in the future. Their input is very important to us. So before you know it, it will be Fair Time!!!

Winter Storage at Fairgrounds

2008-11-06T04:53:00.000-08:00

The buildings are being prepared for the winter months at the fairgrounds. Winter storage will take place on Saturday, November 8th. The placing of stored items will begin around 7:30 a.m. So get there in plenty of time for placement directions. If there are any questions, contact Jack Comporesi, Director in charge of winter storage at (860)485-9021. There is still some space available for anyone interested.

If anyone is thinking of having a winter event, the grounds are available for specific uses. Contact George Beck or any director in our "Contact Us" section for more information. If there is anything news worthy, we will keep you posted on what's happening at the Fair.

Have a great winter!

2008-10-23T19:19:00.000-07:00

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!

The Harwinton Fair!

2008-10-07T12:38:00.000-07:00

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!!!

Countdown Continues!!!

2008-09-24T15:49:00.000-07:00

It's only 9 days to go. The deadline for all exhibitor entry forms was today, Wednesday September 23rd. Things are in high gear now. It's definitely crunch time. With only one weekend to go, the pressure's on. The buildings are being set up for all the animals to arrive. This weekend vendors will start coming in. The main exhibit building and Youth in Action will be getting ready for all the displays to arrive.

Tag nights are being held on Monday, September 29th and Tuesday, September 30th at the Harwinton Library on Bentley Road from 6:30 pm on. All are welcome to come and give a hand.

Tags for exhibitors can be picked up on October 2nd,Thursday evening from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. This is for PICK UP ONLY. This gives anyone with a lot of entries time to get them organized. Then on Friday evening tags can be picked up and exhibits brought into the buildings until 8 p.m. Tags will also be available on Saturday morning from 8 am to 9:15 am. All exhibitors must have their items tagged and entered in the buildings by Saturday, no later than 9:30 am for judging.

We're all looking forward to another great Harwinton Fair. Come and be a part of 152 years of celebration at the best country fair in Litchfield County.

Only 18 Days to Go!!!

2008-09-17T05:29:00.000-07:00

The Fair is coming fast! Work still continues at the fairgrounds. Every Tuesday & Thursday is work night. Even during the day, people are busy preparing for the Fair. Vendor sites are being marked out. There are still openings for anyone interested. Contact our Superintendent of Concessions, Chris Terlecky. (See "Contact Us" Section of Website)

Additional landscaping is being completed on the grounds, along with other projects including trimming and mowing. Members and volunteers are encouraged to help us. It will certainly be appreciated.

Volunteers to work in our soda booths and merchandise building are also needed for the Fair Days. Not only will you be helping out the Society but you'll also have fun doing it. "Contact Us".

Tag Night will be on Monday & Tuesday evenings, September 29th & 30th at the Harwinton Library. "More hands make light work" as the saying goes. We'd love to have you come.

The Fair is Coming!

2008-08-30T08:06:00.000-07:00

The Fair is just 34 days away. Most of the major projects have been completed. Now it's putting the finishing touches on everything.

On August 17th, we held a pig roast and picnic for our workers and volunteers and other individuals have done so much for our fair. Approximately 85 people were in attendence. It was a beautiful day and a great day was had by all. Ernie Schultz entertained us with his accordion playing.

The two recipients of our scholarships this year were presented with $1,000.00 each. Mary Orefice received our agricultural award and Amy Symonds received the non agricultural award.

The restroom & workshop siding is complete and the new tile office floors are now done too.

Look for our premium book that has been mailed. It can also be found in many locations throughout the area. Or call Lisa Shimels, our secretary if you can't locate one.

Tuesday and Thursday nights have been designated worknights now that the fair is getting closer. We could use some help with weeding and getting the grounds ready for fairtime.

Work still continues!

2008-08-06T17:03:00.000-07:00

This Tuesday was another worknight at the fairgrounds. Everyone including the directors, members, and volunteers are all busy getting that "To Do" done. Before you know it the Fair will be here. So far, all pavillions are up and in place. The new tile floor in our offices is partially complete. The interior walls of the offices now have a new coat of fresh paint!! The new northend soda booth is now on the midway with the finishing touches being done this week. Our new Fair Merchandise Building is 95% complete. The floor in building #2 (the main exhibit building) has been prepped and skim coated. It looks absolutely great. Another fantastic job.

Our painting crew with Jim Curtis has been busy putting fresh paint on the display cases in the buildings and anything else that needs new paint.

The workers have started siding the Restroom Building and Workshop front. This will make a big difference with the appearances of our buildings.

Our premium book for 2008 is at the printer's now and should be going out by the end of this week. So be on the lookout for them.

The Fair now has internet hookup and an e-mail address harwintonfair@att.net

The new gates at the entrance of our grounds have been installed and finishing work is just about completed.

Anyone interested in helping out can just show up on any Tuesday night from 5:30 p.m. on. Our garden could use some weeders too!

2008-07-31T13:18:00.000-07:00

Well here we go Guy`s a lot of things have been happening since we last logged in in June.First of all we are very close to having our website up and running!!!.We have been very busy so far this summer,We started by straighting a roadway that runs pass our water garden and our cattle barn to make room for a new pavilion for cattle show.We also installed a new picnic pavilion up by the gazebo, so that makes 3 picnic pavilions at our fair with all new picnic tables.Next we built a new soda booth to replace a trailer ,we are installing new ceramic tile floors in our Secretary,Concessions,& Treasurers Office. All the exhibit counters and stands in our main exhibit building have been freshly painted.We have just stared to install vinyl siding on our Maintenance & our Restroom buildings.We had removed a couple of big trees in parking lot #3 so we can expand our amusement area this year.We have a lot more things to do before October 4Th & 5Th .All this work is being done by Volunteers which meet up at the Fairgrounds on Tuesday evenings at 5 pm starting May 1st through the 2ND week in November. If you like to become a member or just Volunteer show up on any Tuesday Night we will find you something to do.Got to run Talk to you soon ...Bruce.. President Harwinton Fair.

New web site coming...

2008-06-04T14:40:00.000-07:00

We're hoping to have the new web site up and running in another month. This will be a comprehensive upgrade - format as well as content - covering everything for both the fair as well as the fairgrounds. Maps, calendar, photographs, history, news desk, the works.

There are a few things we'll have to put off to the future - on-line sign-up for events and competitions, for instance, although the forms will be available for printing. I'd also like to see immediate publication of winners and prizes, and perhaps a live webcam of the fairground during the event - always kinda fun to see the crowds moving back and forth.

Lots more to come...