A premium book, also called a premium list, is the printed or digital rulebook a fair publishes ahead of time. It lists every class open for competition, the judging criteria for each and the cash premium or ribbon awarded to winners. An exhibitor reads it before entering a pie, a quilt, a steer or a garden vegetable. Classes split between agricultural entries, such as livestock and produce, and open classes, such as baking, photography and needlework. Each entry is scored against the written standard for its class.
Premium book
A fair's rulebook of entry classes, judging criteria and prizes.
See it at these Massachusetts fairs
Shown first
AgriculturalFamilySeasonal
Topsfield Fair
Eleven days of livestock, rides, and giant pumpkins.
Oct 2–12Topsfield
EndedAgriculturalFamilySeasonal
Marshfield Fair
A South Shore tradition since 1867. Midway, demo derby, and agricultural exhibits.
Aug 21–30Marshfield
EndedAgriculturalSeasonalFamily
Three County Fair
A Northampton fair dating to 1818, with rodeo and livestock shows.
Date not confirmedNorthampton
EndedAgriculturalFamilySeasonal
Spencer Fair
A Labor Day country fair with ox draws, demo derby, and a full midway.
Sep 4–7Spencer