TUNBRIDGE — After 154 years, it still takes a small village to put on the annual Tunbridge World’s Fair.
Farmers from across the state groom and prep their livestock while veterinary technicians from Vermont State University inspect animals to ensure the health and safety of participants.
“This morning we saw a cow that had just birthed a calf come in with edema,” said Amanda Angell, a program technician at VSU. “Our students got a chance to see this live, and this can’t be replicated in a lab setting.”
Food vendors received their final deliveries as the air filled with anticipation and the smell of slow-roasting barbecue. The amusement rides were inspected and lit up with with their blinking, colorful lights. And like clockwork, the fair opened Thursday with dozens of displays and performances.
Central to the fair is agriculture, with 150 dairy animals, from heifers to cows, 38 pairs of oxen, and countless other livestock. A variety of animal shows are scheduled throughout the weekend, including traditional exhibitions, sheep shearing demonstrations, swine agility competitions, draft oxen pulls and even a costume party or two.
This year in particular welcomes some expansions to the festivities, from the Axe Women of Maine to a striking bald eagle sculpture in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. Heritage Hall will feature an exhibition of a 1929 Oldsmobile Special Coupe and the King Arthur’s Bakery Competition, with the most pre-registered entries in its history, will showcase blueberry hand pies.
“This year we have a contest where youth can respond through poetry, art, or writing to the question: what did I learn at the fair?” said 4H Volunteer Leader Jen Thygesen. Winners in each of five different age categories will be given $100 each.
The Tunbridge World’s Fair will take place through Sunday, Sept. 20. More information about the festival events, as well as hours of operation and ticket prices, can be found on their website. https://www.tunbridgeworldsfair.com/
