1939 Fair

The pictured advertisement is from the East Hampton News, August 25, 1939. The accompanying article notes that the Haddam Neck Fair Association will hold the 27th Annual Fair on Labor Day. The horse show will feature over 50 of the finest saddle horses in competition in 19 classes including hunters, jumpers, ponies, stock horses and three and five gaited saddle horses. Other highlights listed include cattle pulling and display of fruits and vegetables, flowers, poultry and livestock. Not much has changed.

"To add color and interest to this year's event" the Meriden based Washington Park Fife, Drum and Bugle Corps were hired to play. As state champions they had played the previous week at the World's Fair in New York. The corps featured 55 youth in attractive uniforms.

The article also states "the old home feature of the fair should not be overlooked. This year turkey dinners will be served upstairs in the hall as well as the dining room." Does anyone remember the turkey dinners?

1990 Fair Book

In 1990 the fair celebrated in 79th Anniversary and many of the people involved 20 years ago are still going strong today. Sue Olsen was President; Gordon Hallberg, Vice President; Dianne McHutchison, Secretary; Paul C. Carlson was Treasurer. Members of the Board still serving today include Deb Olsen, Mike Stevens and Mark Dumond. We thank them for their long dedicated service.

Some things have changed since 1990, although many have not. The fair still has horse pulls, 4-H exhibits and baby show. We hope you can join us for a fun filled weekend September 3 to 6, 2010.

We will be scanning photographs and interviewing fairgoers at the fair over Labor Day Weekend so please consider bringing your memories and stories!

Early Fair Poster

According to Lillian Kruger Brooks in her history of Haddam Neck the first fairs were held on Labor Day in the lot behind what was once known as Bailey's Garage (formerly the Methodist Church). The poster to the left would indicate that the first fair was held in 1909 which raises the question - Why are we celebrating 100 years in 2011? Two reasons: The fair was not held during two years of World War II and the Haddam Neck Fair Grange Agricultural Association was formed in 1911. In 2011 we will be celebrating two occasions- the 100th Haddam Neck Fair and the 100th Anniversary of the Grange Association.

Please share your photos and memories with us.