(Editor's note: Yes, I realize that it's been over a month since I last posted, and yes, I realize that Durham is part of Middlesex County and not Fairfield County. There's a few posts I've got saved in my draft folder, so there'll be more coming.)
When you think of fairs in Connecticut, chances are the Durham Fair comes first to mind, unless you're from Norwalk in which case the Oyster Fest comes before it. However, the three-day event in Durham is the largest fair in the state and one of the largest in New England. Between having agriculture-based activites like horse and oxen pulls, a large midway and food that you wouldn't be able to find anywhere else, there's more to do than one could possibly do in one day.
If you think I'm lying about the food, check this out.
That's right, they're selling chocolate covered BACON. I'm gonna let that sink in for a bit.
Unfortunately, the artery-clogging food choices aren't the only problem the fair has to deal with. First off, there's the traffic. As a result of the number of people who visit (and the number of local businesses who open up their parking lots for $10+ per car), it took me almost 40 minutes to get from the town line to the entrance to the nearest open parking lot. If you've got kids, prepare to get lots of 'Why aren't we there yet?' questions.
Speaking of kids, I'd suggest that you wait until their old enough to be able to walk on their own for several hours before bringing them to it. Not only because of the traffic, but because of something else, which I refer to as the Hill of Death:
Now, like the other photo, I really should've zoomed in on this, since it doesn't look all that bad. However, don't be fooled: this hill will be the end of anyone who smokes, has to push any sized stroller, or is morbidly obese. Similar to Achmed the Dead Terrorist, it will KEEEEL YOU. If you're not in any of those categories, though, then it'll be a good way to get your heart going and to start burning off the calories you took in with those chocolate covered bacon strips.
One of the best parts of the fair, though, are the exhibits. There's a pavillion filled with antique farm equipment that'll make even the oldest of grandparents feel young, as well as several other buildings filled with chotchkes that you can bring home. There was even a few pieces that they kept running during the entire day from the same era as a draw to the other machines.
If you're a car guy, then they had a few different cars (both new and old) they had on display, Dodge being the predominant vendor. While there were a few cool-looking Challenger SRT8's on display, the best were the antiques, such as these old Mack and Ford work trucks:
What's refreshing is that the antique trucks weren't subjected to any of that concourse bullpuckey; and it's obvious that they've been used as the car gods intended, even if those days have long since past.
Overall, the Durham Fair's status as CT's biggest (and, in my opinion, best) fair is well-earned. Yes, the traffic would push even the calmest, most patient person over the edge and bringing young children along would leave any parent absolutely exhausted at the end of the day. However, if you want the best fair experience without having to drive all the way up to West Springfield for The Big E, then this is the only place to go.
Unfortunately, you're now going to have to wait until next September to get your fix.
When you think of fairs in Connecticut, chances are the Durham Fair comes first to mind, unless you're from Norwalk in which case the Oyster Fest comes before it. However, the three-day event in Durham is the largest fair in the state and one of the largest in New England. Between having agriculture-based activites like horse and oxen pulls, a large midway and food that you wouldn't be able to find anywhere else, there's more to do than one could possibly do in one day.
If you think I'm lying about the food, check this out.
That's right, they're selling chocolate covered BACON. I'm gonna let that sink in for a bit.
Unfortunately, the artery-clogging food choices aren't the only problem the fair has to deal with. First off, there's the traffic. As a result of the number of people who visit (and the number of local businesses who open up their parking lots for $10+ per car), it took me almost 40 minutes to get from the town line to the entrance to the nearest open parking lot. If you've got kids, prepare to get lots of 'Why aren't we there yet?' questions.
Speaking of kids, I'd suggest that you wait until their old enough to be able to walk on their own for several hours before bringing them to it. Not only because of the traffic, but because of something else, which I refer to as the Hill of Death:
Now, like the other photo, I really should've zoomed in on this, since it doesn't look all that bad. However, don't be fooled: this hill will be the end of anyone who smokes, has to push any sized stroller, or is morbidly obese. Similar to Achmed the Dead Terrorist, it will KEEEEL YOU. If you're not in any of those categories, though, then it'll be a good way to get your heart going and to start burning off the calories you took in with those chocolate covered bacon strips.
One of the best parts of the fair, though, are the exhibits. There's a pavillion filled with antique farm equipment that'll make even the oldest of grandparents feel young, as well as several other buildings filled with chotchkes that you can bring home. There was even a few pieces that they kept running during the entire day from the same era as a draw to the other machines.
If you're a car guy, then they had a few different cars (both new and old) they had on display, Dodge being the predominant vendor. While there were a few cool-looking Challenger SRT8's on display, the best were the antiques, such as these old Mack and Ford work trucks:
What's refreshing is that the antique trucks weren't subjected to any of that concourse bullpuckey; and it's obvious that they've been used as the car gods intended, even if those days have long since past.
Overall, the Durham Fair's status as CT's biggest (and, in my opinion, best) fair is well-earned. Yes, the traffic would push even the calmest, most patient person over the edge and bringing young children along would leave any parent absolutely exhausted at the end of the day. However, if you want the best fair experience without having to drive all the way up to West Springfield for The Big E, then this is the only place to go.
Unfortunately, you're now going to have to wait until next September to get your fix.
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