The Durham Fair — A Town Tradition Since 1916

DURHAM, CT — You can save the dates of Sept. 21-24 for the 103rd annual Durham Fair. Sufficed to say, the Durham Fair at 24 Town House Road, is not only a town tradition but a state one.

The fair began in 1916 and is held on the last full weekend in September, when "the fairgrounds come alive and magically transform into Connecticut’s largest agricultural fair," according to its website.

The Durham Fair brings people from all across the state and nearby states to the town as they enjoy "Live entertainment, rides and games on the Midway, first-class animal competitions and discovery events on the Corn Stalk Stage. Along with a trove of crafts, exhibits, shopping and fun food." (Click here to learn more about what the fair has to offer).

In 2020, then Durham Agricultural Fair Association Daniel Miramant wrote a letter to lawmakers on a proposed bill and explained the importance the fair has not only on Durham and Middlefield but the entire state.

"The Durham Fair and as well as the Association of Connecticut Fairs are part of the Agricultural heritage of the State of Connecticut," wrote Miramant in his letter to legislators. "The Community impact on our local communities is beyond reproach. Country Fairs play a vital part in the State of Connecticut’s rich farming and Agricultural traditions.

"The combination of these Fairs throughout the State has a significant impact on the State’s cultural heritage and has a significant impact on the State’s Tourism as well as Economic Development. Our State Country Fairs play a vital role in future generations to keep the Agricultural Heritage alive and well in our State through organizations like, Future Farmers of America (FFA) and community 4H organizations. Lastly, the Community Spirit generated by these Fairs through the acts of volunteering speaks volumes regarding the types of citizens that reside in our great State," added Miramant in his letter.

He told lawmakers that "One of the most notable attributes of our great Fair is the continued dedication and enthusiasm of over 1700 dedicated men and woman volunteers from the surrounding towns of Durham and Middlefield. The Durham Fair is owned and operated by the Durham Agricultural Fair Association, Inc., a private, not-for-profit organization incorporated under Connecticut laws without stockholders. The Durham Fair has no paid management or staff, a fact for which the Association is fiercely proud."

Some historical facts about the Durham Fair via its website:

• it cost $0.25 cents for adults and $0.10 for children to enter the fair in 1916
• the fair originally lasted one day and now spans four days
• the Durham Fair wasn't held in 1938 due to a hurricane and from 1942-44 due to World War II
• The first fair drew 2,000 people, and now it attracts more than 200,000 people
• the Durham Fair has awarded over $500,000 in academic scholarships since 1966
• the fair has contributed more than $50,000 to charitable organizations since 1996 through the Durham Fair Foundation

.>>>Read more historical facts here.

Some of music's brightest stars have performed at the Durham Fair

• Melissa Etheridge in 2018
• Pat Benatar in 2017
• Foreigner in 2016
• Martina McBride in 2015
• Kenny Rogers in 2012
• REO Speedwagon in 2010
• Blake Shelton in 2008-09
• Randy Travis in 2005
• Joan Jett in 2003
• Kenny Chesney in 2000
• Billy Ray Cyrus in 1999

Click here to see all the musical headliners.