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

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!

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!

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!!!

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!!!

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!

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.