35 Facts About Durham Fair

A Century of Tradition

The Durham Fair, held annually in Durham, Connecticut, is a beloved event with a rich history. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about this iconic fair.

1. The Durham Fair began in 1916 as a one-day event, gradually expanding to two days in 1922 and then to three days in 1951. It added a fourth day in 2010, now opening on Thursday evening.

2. Despite its growth, the Durham Fair remains entirely volunteer-run, a testament to the town’s deep-rooted sense of community and commitment to preserving its traditions.

3. The fair attracts over 200,000 visitors each year, making it one of the largest agricultural fairs in the United States.

4. The fair is held at the Durham Fairgrounds, located at 24 Town House Road in Durham, Connecticut. On-site parking is available, but it’s often limited, with shuttle services offered from designated lots.

Celebrating Agriculture

At its core, the Durham Fair is a celebration of agriculture. From livestock shows to crop displays, it honors the farming heritage of Connecticut.

5. At the heart of the Durham Fair is its agricultural heritage. The fair showcases livestock shows, where local farmers display their prized cattle, pigs, and goats. The Agricultural Hall also features some of the best crops, flowers, and baked goods Connecticut has to offer.

6. The fair offers a wide range of competitions, including baking, photography, and gardening. Participants can showcase their skills and possibly earn recognition for their efforts.

Food and Fun

No fair is complete without delicious food and thrilling rides. The Durham Fair offers both in abundance.

7. One of the highlights of any fair is the mouthwatering food. The Durham Fair features a plethora of food vendors offering delicious treats such as funnel cakes, deep-fried Oreos, corn dogs, and much more.

8. The Durham Fair features an impressive lineup of live music, from local bands to nationally recognized acts. Past performers have included country superstars like Scotty McCreery and Lee Brice.

9. The fair’s Midway is packed with classic carnival rides that thrill kids and adults alike. From the iconic Ferris wheel offering sweeping views of Durham’s countryside to bumper cars and merry-go-rounds, there’s fun around every corner.

10. Don’t forget to try your luck at the many games of chance where prizes are up for grabs. This adds an extra layer of excitement to the fair experience.

Family-Friendly Activities

The Durham Fair ensures that families have a fantastic time with a variety of activities for kids and adults.

11. Kids can feed the petting zoo animals right from the food dispensers that are part of the attraction and they can take a pony ride, too. This is a great way to keep the little ones entertained throughout the day.

12. Come face to face with thousands of furry friends Cows, goats, llamas, poultry, rabbits, sheep, and swine are all part of the livestock exhibits. There’s even an Animal Costume Parade Educational and fun for everyone.

13. The Durham Fair Youth Exhibit features crafts, collections, needlework, baking, artwork, and photography all in one place. From individual to entire school class entries, you will be amazed at the incredible display of talent and creativity of our youth.

14. Explore dinosaurs and fossils in Connecticut, along with seminars on foods, farming, home and garden care, and other interactive displays and demonstrations by experienced experts in their respective fields of service.

15. This is the place your kids are sure to love – a mini-fairground designed specifically with our youngest fairgoers in mind Bring the kids outdoors for a weekend chock full of good old-fashioned fun, from pie and watermelon eating contests, balloon-stomp competitions to bubble stations, petting zoos, and live music and magic shows on Kid’s Stage.

16. It’s showtime Located on the Durham Green, Kid’s Stage is sure to delight the littlest Durham Fairgoers with live concerts and magic shows View the schedule for showtimes.

Community and Charity

The Durham Fair is deeply rooted in community values, giving back through scholarships and charitable donations.

17. The Durham Fair takes great pride in distributing profits from the fair back to the community through scholarships and support of numerous projects and events. Since 1966, the fair has awarded over $500,000 in academic scholarships.

18. The Durham Fair Foundation, established in 1996, has made charitable donations totaling over $50,000 through the work of the foundation. The fair has also worked to secure a resident physician for the Town of Durham and made repairs to the Durham Town Hall.

Historical Significance

The fair has a storied past, with many interesting historical facts that highlight its growth and resilience.

19. The first fair drew an estimated 2,000 people mainly from Durham and surrounding towns. At the present time, a fair, if the weather is good, may draw over 200,000 people from all over Connecticut and surrounding states.

20. In 1916, less than $300 was paid in prize money, while currently, over $90,000 is paid out to participants. This significant increase reflects the fair’s growth and commitment to recognizing talent.

21. Many large agricultural fairs have replaced volunteer management with a paid staff and have struggled to maintain the character of their fair. However, the Durham Fair has successfully managed to remain 100% volunteer-run and a true agricultural fair.

22. The first permanent building on the fairgrounds was a cattle barn (presently known as Presidents’ Hall) which was built in 1925. Three other large buildings were built between 1928 and 1933.

23. In 1954, a bandstand was converted into a building presently used as the upper first aid building. This addition marked a significant expansion of the fairgrounds’ infrastructure.

24. In 1967, a toilet building was built, giving the Durham Fair its first flush toilets. Since the 1970s, much construction has taken place on the fairgrounds as the fair has grown at a rapid pace.

25. A feature of the first fair and every fair through 1924 was a parade down Main Street, which began at Burckel’s Corner (intersection of Haddam Quarter Road and Main Street). The parade was discontinued after the 1924 fair because of traffic concerns.

26. No fairs were held in 1938 because of the effect of the hurricane, and during the World War II years of 1942, 1943, and 1944. In 1985, Hurricane Gloria passed through the area and prevented the fair from opening on its first day (Friday). However, as a result of the efforts of hundreds of dedicated volunteers, the fair was able to open at noon on Saturday.

Community Projects and Education

The Durham Fair has contributed significantly to local projects and educational initiatives.

27. The Durham Fair has played a major role in organizing the Durham District Nurse Association, fenced and maintained the Old Cemetery, allowed the Durham High School basketball team to use the Needlework building as a practice court before a gymnasium was constructed at the school, constructed the hard-surfaced road in the cemetery in the back of the Durham Town Hall, made repairs to the Durham Library, and major contributions to the library building projects, and purchased the Durham Fire Company's first Jaws of Life.

28. The fair promotes the importance of agriculture and farming through various exhibits, workshops, and demonstrations. Visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the vital role farmers play in our society.

Supporting Local Businesses

The fair serves as a platform for local businesses, helping them reach a wider audience.

29. The Durham Fair serves as a platform for local businesses to showcase what they have to offer. From small craft vendors to regional companies, visitors can explore a variety of products and services while supporting the local economy.

Family Activities and Food Variety

The fair ensures a fun-filled experience for families, with plenty of activities and food options.

30. The Durham Fair ensures that kids have a fantastic time with designated areas for attractions and games suitable for children. From face painting and pony rides to interactive educational exhibits, there’s plenty to keep the little ones entertained throughout the day.

31. No fair experience is complete without indulging in fair food, and The Durham Fair delivers in spades. Sink your teeth into classic fried dough, crispy corn dogs, and decadent deep-fried Oreos. There’s also a growing selection of local food vendors offering farm-fresh produce, BBQ, and homemade baked goods. You can even wash it down with Connecticut-made cider or craft beer from local breweries.

Shopping and Sustainability

The fair offers a unique shopping experience while promoting sustainability.

32. Browse through the many vendor stalls, offering everything from handmade crafts to high-quality artisan goods. The Commercial Building is a shopper’s paradise, with exhibitors selling products that range from handmade quilts to the latest in home and garden supplies.

33. The Durham Fair promotes sustainability and local impact by supporting local businesses and farmers. This event helps to raise awareness about the importance of agriculture and farming in our community.

Insider Tips for Visiting

Planning a visit to the Durham Fair? Here are some tips to make the most of your experience.

34. For those planning to visit the Durham Fair, here are some insider tips: arrive early to beat the crowds, wear comfortable shoes, and be prepared for variable weather conditions. Don’t forget to check out the schedule for live performances and competitions, and consider purchasing a full-day pass for unlimited ride access.

35. The Durham Fair is a truly remarkable event that has captured the hearts of both locals and visitors alike. With its rich history, diverse range of attractions, and commitment to community and agriculture, this fair promises non-stop fun and enjoyment for everyone involved. Whether you’re a fan of traditional fair activities or seeking the excitement of high-flying carnival rides and live music performances, the Durham Fair is an event you won’t want to miss.

The Heart of Connecticut's Community

The Durham Fair stands as a testament to community spirit, agricultural heritage, and pure fun. With over a century of history, this volunteer-run event draws more than 200,000 visitors annually. From livestock shows and baking competitions to live music and carnival rides, there's something for everyone. The fair not only entertains but also supports local businesses and offers educational value through its exhibits and workshops. Its commitment to giving back is evident in the scholarships and charitable donations it provides. Whether you're indulging in fair food, exploring vendor stalls, or enjoying the petting zoo, the Durham Fair promises an unforgettable experience. So, mark your calendars and join in celebrating the best of rural Connecticut. This fair is more than an event; it's a cherished tradition that continues to bring joy and unity to the community.