An agricultural fair is organized around farming, livestock, and rural craft rather than around rides or a themed spectacle, and the label matters in Massachusetts because it gets used loosely. Of the 98 events in this directory, 29 are categorized as agricultural, a smaller slice than family programming at 59 or cultural events at 40. Topsfield Fair is counted among the oldest agricultural fairs in the country and still centers livestock and produce judging. The Big E, held in West Springfield, is a multi-state New England exposition rather than a single county's agricultural fair, and Brimfield is an antiques and flea market, not a farm show, even though both use fair in their name.
Also known as: county fair, ag fair, farm fair.
