By Audrey Champness
EAGLE TIMES CORRESPONDENT
CORNISH, N.H. — Get ready to be swept off your feet by the annual Cornish Fair.
Around 20,000 fairgoers are expected to visit the Cornish fairground during its run from Friday to Sunday.
Tracing its roots back to 1949, when it was little more than a couple of booths and a calf, the fair has stood the test of time to become a celebrated tradition.
The fair offers an array of fun attractions that cater to visitors of all ages and interests. Music aficionados can enjoy a lineup of bands, including the Catfish Howl Zydeco Band and ZBTB (Zac Brown Tribute Band). Art enthusiasts can admire art exhibits that showcase the community’s creativity and skills. Thrill-seekers can experience heart-pounding excitement on the rides. And, those looking for unique treasures can explore the vendor’s booths offering handmade crafts, delicious local treats, and more.
Livestock shows are also a staple at the fair. Local livestock owners will showcase their animals — from majestic horses to farm animals and adorable pets.
The fair’s bovine and equine pulling competitions are especially popular. Teams of horses compete against each other in a competition to pull the most weight. In the oxen pulling competition, teams of oxen, each belonging to distinct weight classes, take on the challenge of pulling a weighted sled a continuous six feet within a five-minute timeframe.
The Cornish Fair also features 4-H. Club members present their animals at shows, and proudly share their expertise at Animal Fence talks. Action exhibits and demonstrations offer yet another chance for the 4-H members to showcase their skills.
Interactive presentations will unfold under the Poultry/Rabbit Tent, where the youth share their knowledge through hands-on experiences. Activities will include gardening, sewing, photography and art. The exhibit hall is a testament to the creativity and resourcefulness of these budding artisans and scientists.
Steve Taylor, a member of the board of directors, said it is the “volunteers that make the fair happen.” The magic wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of the more than 200 volunteers who work to make the event a resounding success.
Those volunteers are the lifeblood of the fair, selflessly contributing their time, skills and energy to ensure that every aspect of the event runs smoothly. From the directors who organize the fair to the cheerful souls manning the ticket booths, everyone is involved in creating an event that brings people together.
The Cornish fairground is at 294 Town House Road.
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