| JULY 31, 2005 -- Marking the 22nd time the fair has been held in Goshen, the fair featured all the games, food and livestock it has come to be known for.
"We draw some people from Massachusetts and New York, but it's really from all across Connecticut," second-time fair President Todd Gelineau said.
Organized by about 70 granges throughout the state, the fair features a Ferris wheel, a carousel and the swinging pirate ship as well as slower rides for young children and prize-winning carnival games. Vendors pushed fried dough, fresh lemonade and a collection of the fine fair fare that longtime fairgoers have come to expect and look forward to.
Spectators milled around the Goshen Fairgrounds Saturday, perusing the many cows, horses and other animals expecting ribbons. There were also competitions for baked goods, needlework, photos and local arts and crafts.
Competitions included livestock pulls, garden tractor pulls and an antique tractor pull. Friday night featured a special showing of antique and classic automobiles.
"Our theme this year is ‘It's All Right Here.' That says it all," Gelineau said. "It's cheaper than a movie."
Music for the festival was headlined by Marshall Crenshaw, who played at 5 p.m. Saturday, and David Ball, who is set to perform today at 2 p.m. Other musical performers included James Lee Stanley, Thunder Road Band, The JD Band, Pat Wictor, Bill Carlton, Carrie Ashton and Woodstock.
An estimated 300 volunteers from Connecticut granges donated time, prizes and goods to assure the fair will go off without a hitch and all money collected at the door goes to paying costs, Gelineau said.
"It perpetuates itself," he said. "Whatever money we make running the fair goes back into the fair and our donations."
Parking for the event is free and Sunday's fair hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For more information, visit www.ctagriculturalfair.org or call 860-626-0326.
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