Cummington Fair returns for 152nd yearDate: 8/24/2021 CUMMINGTON – After the COVID-19 pandemic led to the cancellation of the 2020 Cummington Fair, the fair returns from Aug. 26 to 29 for its 152nd year.
Albert Judd, the Cummington Fair’s president, said fairgoers should expect the same traditions at the fair, along with some new surprises.
“The rides are going to be open, the demolition derbies will happen, the horse pulls, the ox draws, the cow shows, sheep shows, chickens and rabbits will be on display, all the displays in the halls, all the great food and entertainment. If people want to get out and check out something, hopefully we have something new for them to see as well as some of the original traditions,” he said.
While some of the vendors may be different, Judd said people can expect the same food and the vendors are eager to see everyone.
“The number of vendors is constantly changing, but we should be almost full on vendors. Things should look about the same, there are going to be some different vendors this year, but the spaces should be full, and the same food will be there for sure. They are all looking forward to being back to work and feeding the crowds,” he said.
This year’s fair will include performances from two new bands that have not played at the fair before.
“We have some newer entertainment this year shaking up the schedule a little bit. We have a few new singers, on Sunday afternoon up on the hill in the demolition derby area we have a vintage Skynyrd tribute band coming. We also have a Johnny Cash act coming Saturday on the main stage,” Judd said.
The full schedule of events is available online at cummingtonfair.com where people can also purchase tickets to skip the line at the fairgrounds.
Over the weekend the fair will also be hosting a senior day and military appreciation day.
“Senior Day is Sunday; it always will be to my knowledge. Military Appreciation Day is Saturday, so with a military ID they can utilize a discount at the gate the same as the senior citizens on Sunday,” he said.
Based on what he said he has heard from other events, Judd said he is expecting an average turnout for the fair.
“I am anticipating an average turnout; I heard some other events have run with good crowds. You always have the weather to factor in, but I think with the COVID numbers climbing people are cautious, so we are hoping for the best but prepared for the worst,” he said.
After the town of Cummington created a mandate for masks to be worn indoors, Judd said the fair will be abiding by all guidelines.
“The town of Cummington has an indoor mask mandate that we are honoring so in our building areas people will be required to wear a mask or face covering and where social distancing cannot be done,” he said.
With the COVID-19 delta variant on the rise across the state and country, Judd said his priority is to keep the fair safe and enjoyable for everyone.
“We are trying to do everything we can to make it happen, but make it happen so it is a safe and enjoyable event for everybody as well, whether it is our workers or our guests. We are doing everything we can to keep everybody safe and comfortable to make it happen,” she said.
Judd added that he and everyone else at the fair are looking forward to seeing people return this year.
“We are just plain looking forward to being back running, having people out and about and seeing people you only see at fairs throughout the season,” he said.
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