It's 56-year tradition. Here's what to know to have fun at the Washington County Fair
When the garden starts overflowing with vegetables, it's time for a county fair.
A 56-year tradition in Rhode Island, the Washington County Fair, which was founded to emphasize the importance of agriculture, will open its gates from Wednesday, Aug. 16 to Sunday, Aug. 20. Fair gates open at 8 a.m. daily, with most events and concessions opening at 10 a.m. The fair’s grounds are behind New Hope Chapel at 78 Richmond Townhouse Road in Richmond.
While the fair has remained true to its agricultural roots – think tractor pulls, agricultural exhibits and handicrafts – there's a lot more to this fair. This year, the fair will host over 60 different events, ranging from egg-toss competitions to animal costume parades. Its newest attraction is Stage ‘67, which will feature family-friendly shows such as juggling and magic.
A full outline of the fair’s attractions, as well as ticket and parking information, can be found below.
What are the main attractions at the fair?
Music
The fair will feature live music from a variety of local musicians on its two stages – the main stage and the portable stage. Weekdays will feature music from 4 to 10 p.m., while Saturday and Sunday will have music throughout the day starting at noon. Musicians playing include Tyler Rich, Love & Fest and Chase Wright. A full lineup of performances can be found on the Washington County's Fair website.
Rides
Just like for the last 40 years, Rockwell Amusements will be there with classic fair rides. Midway Rides will open at noon daily at the fair, and tickets can be bought at Rockwell Amusement booths or online.
Ride tickets are one for $1.50, 25 for $25, or 40 for $35. Kiddie-ride wristbands are available on Wednesday for $20, and unlimited wristbands are available on Thursday and Friday for $35, as well as Sunday for $40. More information about Midway Rides can be found on the website.
Games & Contests
Fairgoers can participate in tug-o-war, pie-eating and arm-wrestling contests, and for the first time this year, a cornhole tournament.
Kids games include a three-legged race, egg toss, mooing contest, potato-sack race, water-balloon toss and milking contest.
Tractor & Truck Pulls
Sticking to the fair’s agricultural roots, tractor, truck, horse and oxen pulls will be on display each day of the fair. The times change every day, so check out the fair's events schedule for the event you want to see.
Livestock Shows
Livestock shows will happen in the show barn all weekend long in one of six categories: rabbit, poultry, dairy, sheep, pig and beef. Monetary prizes are awarded to top winners in each category, and winners go on to compete for grand prizes and trophies in the premiere contests. Follow the fair’s schedule for times and locations of the different shows.
In addition, all of the livestock that compete in youth shows can walk in homemade costumes in an animal parade, happening Sunday at 9 a.m. in the show barn.
Exhibitors
Beyond livestock, locals are encouraged to participate in exhibitions under agriculture, farming or arts and crafts categories for judging and monetary prizes. Professionals in the respective fields are not allowed entry. Specific rules regarding entries for each classification can be found under the respective category on the fair’s website.
Arts and crafts accept entries under artwork, photography, quilts and rugs, ceramics and crafts, needlework, baking and canned goods.
The agriculture division, Rhode Island’s largest agricultural event, judges vegetables, flowers, dahlias, granges and scarecrows.
Future Farmers invites agricultural-education students to participate in safe-tractor operations, landscape exhibits, woodsman contests and dairy showmanship.
What food can you expect to find at the Washington County Fair?
More than 130 local food and concession vendors will be at the fair, most of them nonprofit organizations.
Expect to find classic fair foods like fried dough and turkey legs.
Most vendors do not accept cards, and there are no ATMs on the fairgrounds, so it is best to bring cash. No vendors sell alcoholic beverages, and bringing your own alcohol is prohibited.
How much do Washington County Fair tickets cost?
Adult tickets are $11 each. Children 10 and under get in for free. Tickets can be bought online or at the gate, cash only.
Regular admission includes access to all events except Midway Rides. The fair happens rain or shine, and there are no refunds. Same day re-entry is allowed.
What are the special ticket events at the Washington County Fair?
On Wednesday, senior tickets are $10.
On Thursday, free admission will be granted to active military personnel and veterans who provide a military ID. A full list of military appreciation day events can be found here.
How to park at the Washington County Fair
Free parking is available at the fair. Accessible parking is available for those with a disability placard visible in their car. Shuttles travel between the fair and offsite parking throughout the day, with the last shuttle leaving 30 minutes after the final music act.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Washington County Fair RI 2023: What to know about tickets, food, rides
