The Westport Fair returns with family fun, food, and tradition. Here is what to expect.
And they're off!
A team of racing piglets is gearing up to make a mad dash for the finish line, as the much-anticipated 68th annual Westport Fair gets underway.
The five-day celebration of rural life, showcasing local talent and agriculture, kicked off Wednesday with a full slate of farm-tastic fun. The fair runs until Sunday, July 16.
The town staple offers something for SouthCoast folks of all ages, from carnival rides to animal exhibits, live music, various competitions such as tractor pulls and plenty of food.
But before you heads for the gates, here's a quick look at what to know before you go:
When and where is the Westport Fair?
This year's festivities take place Wednesday, July 12 through Sunday, July 16, at 200 Pine Hill Road, Westport. Gates open 6 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. On Saturday gates open at 11 a.m. (carnival gates at noon) and on Sunday gates open at 8:30 a.m. (carnival gates at noon).
Admission costs
The entrance fee for the Westport Fair is $5 per day, and kids 12 and under are free.
Carnival rides require tickets that are purchased separately. Ride ticket prices are $1.50 per ticket, 25 tickets for $25 or 40 tickets for $35 (rides take 3, 4 or 5 tickets each). Unlimited ride wristbands are available for $35 per person on Wednesday and Thursday only. Visit Rockwell Amusements Facebook page for more carnival information.
Tickets available for the annual chicken barbecue
Looking to get in on the annual chicken barbecue on Saturday, July 15, from 5 to 7 p.m.? Tickets are required for that. The cost is $15 per barbecue ticket, which are available at the admissions booth, from fair committee members or in the craft building.
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What's planned for this year's fair?
There will be no shortage of things to see and do at the Westport Fair throughout the weekend.
Highlights include a carnival courtesy of Rockwell Amusements, animal tent, antique farm exhibits and demonstrations, arts and crafts, the traditional chicken barbecue, and array of food vendors.
You can also sign up for various competitions such as a horseshoe tournament, tractor pulls, children's games, baked goods contest, pet photo contest, and an egg, vegetables, flower arrangements, canning and preserves contest.
Featured entertainment will include live music for guests young and old — from groups such as The Goat Roper Band to the Toe Jam Puppet Band — a magic show, Mad Science demonstration, chainsaw sculptor and more.
And let's not forget the undeniable crowd pleaser Robinson's Racing Pigs and Paddling Porkers.
Where to park
Free parking is available on the north side of the fairgrounds. Organizers ask patrons to refrain from parking on Pine Hill Road.
History of the Westport Fair
The long-running town tradition was first held at Westport High School in 1955. According to its website, the purpose of the fair was to promote agriculture in the town and to show projects that the vocational students had completed. Over time, it became "the social event of the summer." The fair was moved to its current home on Pine Hill Road in 1984.
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More information
For more details and a full schedule of events, visit http://westportfair.com or check out their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/WestportFair.
This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Westport Fair serving up plenty of food and farm fun July 12-16
