Cannon Grange Fair books are now available at merchants throughout the Wilton/Fairfield County area. Pictured on the cover of the 78th anniversary Cannon Grange Fair Book is Sarah Elizabeth Shepherd, daughter of Cannon Grange member Doug Shepherd and Kara Shepherd.

The Cannon Grange Agricultural Fair and Exposition will be held Sunday, August 22, at Cannon Grange Hall, 25 Cannon Road, Wilton.

Entry blanks, details of the contests, entertainment and all the activities that will take place are found in the book which can be picked up at many locations in Wilton (local merchants, banks, Library and Town Hall). The book also contains a page full of helpful hints on how to win a prize ribbon.

The Cannon Grange Fair also hosts a Rubber Duck Race along the Norwalk River that fronts the Grange property. Proceeds from the Duck Race supports local charities. In 2010, the Duck Race will support our returning female soldiers who are in need of housing in the Bridgeport area.

The first Cannon Grange Fair was held in early September, 1933. It provided an opportunity for area farmers and their families to exhibit the "fruits of their labor" derived from their farms and homes in Wilton and surrounding towns. Fresh Produce, Flowers, Eggs, handmade Clothing, Baked Goods and Preserves were among items exhibited for competition. Farm animals were also exhibited. All of the excitement took place inside the Grange Hall, and on its grounds by the Norwalk River.

With careful growth and deserved successes, the Fair is now the "Cannon Grange Agricultural Fair & Exposition" due to the varied and tasteful exhibits, activities and events that take place for families to enjoy.

Fair information, as well as a downloadable PDF version of the Cannon Grange Fair book, is available on Cannon Grange's website at www.CannonGrange.org.