BARTON –– The Orleans County Fair is set to celebrate its 157th year from September 4-8, 2024, in Barton. This annual event promises a mix of agricultural competitions, entertainment, and family-friendly activities.
The fair kicks off on Wednesday, September 4, with a lineup that includes harness racing and horse pulls. The midway, provided by Smokey’s Greater Shows, will offer unlimited rides with paid admission. Operating hours for the midway are 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on opening day and 12 noon to 10 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.
General admission prices are set at $16 for Wednesday and $20 for Thursday through Sunday, which includes all rides, attractions, and shows. A special rate of $12 is available for seniors aged 62 and over on Thursday. Children under 26 inches tall enter free throughout the fair’s run.
Here is a breakdown of the days events:
Wednesday, September 4th – Opening Day
The fair kicks off with a $16 general admission. Key events include:
– Harness Racing at 12:30 p.m.
– Horse Pull featuring 34″ Mini 10′ and 38″ Mini 10′ classes at 6:00 p.m.
– Adult Agriculture Olympics at 6:00 p.m.
– Midway rides open from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy performances by Flying High Dogs (10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m.), Janoah the Jester (11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m.), and Farmer Tom Walsh (12:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m.). A wood cookstove demo is scheduled from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, September 5th – Senior Citizen Day
General admission is $20, with seniors 62+ paying $12. Highlights include:
– Flag Raising by National Guard at 8:45 a.m.
– Oxen Pull (2,100, 2,500, 2,900, 3,300, FFA classes) at 10:00 a.m.
– 4-H Goat Show in the dairy arena at 2:00 p.m.
– Mark Shelton performance on the mini stage at 2:00 p.m.
– Oxen Working Class in the horse arena at 5:00 p.m.
– Orleans County BREWFEST from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
– ATV Rodeo at 6:00 p.m.
The daily schedule of Flying High Dogs, Janoah the Jester, and Farmer Tom Walsh performances continues.
Friday, September 6th
General admission remains $20. The day features:
– Flag Raising by National Guard at 8:45 a.m.
– Open Dairy Show at 9:00 a.m.
– Pony Pulls (1,850# class at 10:00 a.m., 2,250# class at 2:00 p.m.)
– Extreme Trail Challenge at 5:00 p.m.
– Arm Wrestling in the Beer Tent at 5:30 p.m.
– Oxen Cart Class at 6:30 p.m.
– Monster Trucks & Mega Trucks at 7:00 p.m.
– ETA plays from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
– Truck Pulls at 8:00 p.m.
A PIT Party to meet Monster Truck drivers is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. The day concludes with a DJ in the Beer and Wine Garden at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 7th – Kids Day & Military Family Day
General admission is $20, with free entry for active military personnel and their immediate families (with ID). The packed schedule includes:
– Youth Dairy Show at 9:00 a.m.
– Tractor Pulls from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
– Horse Pulls (3,250# class at 10:00 a.m., 3,550# class at 2:00 p.m., FFA at 7:00 p.m.)
– Green Mountain Wrestling at 2:00 p.m.
– Oxen Show in the show arena at 2:30 p.m.
– Coin Scramble at 3:00 p.m.
– Bicycle Giveaway at 3:30 p.m.
– Kids Demo at 4:00 p.m.
– Monster Trucks & Mega Trucks at 7:00 p.m.
– Soulshine Revival on the Main Stage from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Sunday, September 8th – Final Day
The fair concludes with:
– Open Horse Show at 8:00 a.m.
– Flag Raising by National Guard at 8:45 a.m.
– Youth Cow Costume Class/Parade at 10:00 a.m.
– Youth Ag Olympics in the dairy show arena at 11:00 a.m.
– Mark Shelton performing the National Anthem at 12:45 p.m.
– Demo Derby at 1:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Throughout the fair, visitors can enjoy daily attractions such as the Animal Barn Yard (Petting Zoo) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Arts & Crafts exhibits, a Beer & Wine Garden, and a daily Chicken BBQ at 11:00 a.m. The Maple Sugar House, Floral Hall, and various other exhibits are also open throughout the fair’s duration.
For more information, including a full schedule of events, visit www.orleanscountyfair.net.
