Fair Season | Bethlehem Country Fair | Connecticut Charm

It is fair season here in Connecticut! I am begrudgingly saying farewell to Summertime, but Autumn fairs and festivals make the transition a little easier. In my opinion, there is no better way to welcome Autumn to New England than with a country fair. The Bethlehem Country Fair has always been one of my favorites. It is all authentic Connecticut. Every year locals and people around the state prepare their best art, photography, tractors, baking, farm animals, produce, eggs, etc. to win a ribbon at the fair. I love the atmosphere of the old field fairgrounds. It is a genuine country fair complete with tractor pulls, outdoor concerts, rides, horse competitions, and barns of art and animals. Tents line one side of the fair with crafts and local businesses while the other is packed with great rides and food stands. 

The annual Bethlehem fair has been around since 1924! On September 30th they are hosting a barn raising celebration to raise funds for the new bar with dancing and an outdoor concert. 

No far is complete without a kissing booth: smooch a pooch. 

Matthew and I met up with family at the fair. Brooke loves exploring with Uncle Matt.
Goats Boy Soaps is one of my favorite local businesses. Their soaps smell heavenly and they have a tent at most of the local fairs. 

When going to a country fair it is always best to dress in something comfy. Gingham or patchwork patterns work best and this time of year I never leave home without a jacket just in case it starts to cool down again. On rainy days I wear cowgirl boots, but on this sunny day I wanted to pretend it was still summer one last time. Some fairs are too dusty or muddy for sandals. The best pants of choice are definitely blue jeans. 

“The zipper” ride was always one of my favorites! This fair has the best rides from the tall slide to the bumper cars and swings. The scrambler and roundup are popular with fair-goers. There is a ride here for everyone. 

On Sundays the fair closes early at 5 p.m. so people have time to break down booths and rides for the trip home. Children under the age of twelve have free admission into the fairgrounds. Another fair that I love is the Bridgewater Fair. Although several of the fairs are now behind us, Guilford and Berlin are hosting their annual fairs this weekend and the Big E is coming to New England soon. I hope to see you here next year!