Here's what's new: Marshfield Fair to launch 154th season this month, welcome 150,000 people
MARSHFIELD – The classic fried meats and treats of the Marshfield Fair will be accompanied by a collection of food trucks offering a range of cuisines as organizers work to expand the event's appeal.
The fair, now in its 154th year, will start Friday, Aug. 19 and run through Sunday, Aug. 28. Fair director Noel Powers estimates about 160,000 people will come to town over the course of the 10 days.
"Last year we had a very good year and we're hoping to duplicate it, if not beat it, this year," fair president Lenny LaForest said.
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The pair said they're amping up the food options and will turn previously unused space near the fair offices and music stages into a food truck festival with picnic tables where people can dine. The new element should provide an added draw for foodies among the crowd of fairgoers, Powers said.
There will be trucks serving seafood, Chinese, Mexican and American dishes.
The first weekend of the fair, Aug. 20 and 21, will have a country music theme for the first time. Fairgoers are encouraged to don their cowboy hats and boots to listen to a lineup filled with acoustic guitars and some southern twang, including the band Blame the Whiskey and singer Houston Bernard.
The Marshfield Fair is one of the region's only remaining fairs that still primarily focuses on agriculture, and is one of the oldest fairs in the state.
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The fair began in Marshfield in 1862, when the the South Marshfield Farmer's Club formed. At a public meeting three years later, hundreds of farmers exhibited their products and the event drew larger crowds over the years.
"There's a lot of history to the fair and it's definitely trying to balance that, and work to revamp and bring in some new interests," Powers said.
Along with new attractions, fairgoers can wander through agriculture and horticulture displays, along with organic gardens, before popping balloons with darts and riding a rollercoaster.
LaForest said fair rides still offer fairgoers a thrill, but the giant slide will be replaced by a new ride this year. There will also be the popular demolition derby.
Attractions for younger children will include the Pine Meadows Children's Zoo and face painting.
For more information and a full schedule of events, visit marshfieldfair.org/fair/. Tickets can be purchased online, at local businesses or at the gate.
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To reach Katherine Canniff, email kcanniff@patriotledger.com
This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Marshfield Fair to add attractions for foodies, country music fans
