Hopkinton State Fair facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hopkinton State Fair |
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| Genre | State fair |
| Date(s) | 01 August–04 September 2023 |
| Begins | Thursday |
| Ends | Labor Day |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Location(s) | Hopkinton, New Hampshire |
| Years active | 109 |
| Inaugurated | October 5, 1915 |
| Attendance | 70,000 |
The Hopkinton State Fair is a super fun yearly event that happens in Contoocook, a small village in Hopkinton, New Hampshire, USA. This amazing fair started way back in 1915. It has grown a lot since then! Today, it's one of the most famous events in New England. It's also the biggest fair in all of New Hampshire.
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What is the Hopkinton State Fair?
The Hopkinton State Fair is a big celebration. It's a state fair, which means it shows off farming and local traditions. You can find lots of cool things to see and do there. It's a place where people come together for fun.
What Can You See and Do?
The fair has many exciting activities. You can see amazing farm animals. There are also tasty food vendors. You can play games and go on thrilling amusement rides. Sometimes, there are even cool sideshow tents. The Hopkinton Town Band often plays music. They are very popular!
What Kind of Competitions Happen?
People love to show off their skills at the fair. There are competitions for livestock and other farm animals. Winners can get ribbons and even money prizes. It's a great way to see local talent.
A Look at the Fair's History
The Hopkinton State Fair has a long and interesting past. It started small and grew over many years. Let's explore how it became the big event it is today.
How Did the Fair Begin?
The fair began as a two-day event. The Contoocook Board of Trade started it. The very first fair was on October 5 and 6, 1915. It took place at George's Park in Contoocook village. It was first called the "Hopkinton Fair." Sometimes, it was called the "Contoocook Valley Fair." The first fair made a small profit, just under $5.
When Did the Fair Grow?
The fair kept getting bigger. In 1921, it became a three-day event. It ran from Tuesday through Thursday. In 1947, the fair needed more space. It moved to its current location behind Hopkinton High School. More land was bought in 1953 for even more growth.
How Did the Fair Change Its Name?
For many years, it was just the "Hopkinton Fair." In December 1985, the people in charge voted. They decided to change the name. It became the "Hopkinton State Fair," which is its name today.
What About the Fair's Logo?
In 1986, the fair held a contest. They wanted a new logo design. Doug Price from Contoocook won! His design is the one still used today.
How Long Does the Fair Last?
The fair has changed how long it runs. In 1980, it became a five-day event. It started on Thursday and ended on Labor Day. In 2014, it became a four-day event. It ran from Friday through Labor Day. Since 2021, it has been a five-day event again.
Were There Any Cancellations?
Yes, sometimes the fair had to be canceled. There was no fair in 1917 or 1918. World War II caused cancellations from 1942 to 1945. The COVID-19 pandemic also caused the fair to be canceled in 2020. But it always comes back!
