Read to Win

TOPSFIELD – Reading has its rewards. The Topsfield Fair, Fiesta Shows and The International Association of Fairs and Expositions this summer promoted a ‘Read and Win’ program with at 32 libraries in Essex, Middlesex counties and southern New Hampshire.
For each elementary school student that achieves their goal, 4,148 students were rewarded with an admission ticket to the Topsfield Fair. Children under eight get in free. They also get a free hot dog and drink voucher, two ride tickets, a ribbon and certificate.
In addition to the normal fun at the Fair, the students will get the chance to see the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales, scheduled to make several appearances at the 2023 Topsfield Fair.
The eight-horse hitch will be harnessed and hitched to the famous red beer wagon at the Topsfield Fair on Oct. 5 to 8. The “Gentle Giants,” as they are often referred to, will make their way around the fairgrounds starting at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and 5:30 p.m. on Saturday.
About 20 minutes into the procession, the hitch will stop at the Topsfield Fair’s Beer Garden to deliver a case of beer. The horses will also be in the Arena at 5 p.m. on Thursday and 6 p.m. on Saturday for a brief program.
When not on the grounds or in the Arena, the Clydesdales will be in a tent next to the Horse Barn adjacent to the Cattle Gate for attendees to visit.
“Partnering with local libraries directly ties to the extensive educational programs we run every year at the Topsfield Fair,” said Kate O’Brien, Education Program Manager, Topsfield Fair. “Having Fiesta Shows and The International Association of Fairs and Expositions eagerly participate in the Read and Win program with us again is a testament to the importance of the program.”
The top five libraries with the most children participating this year were:
1. Beverly Public Library: 667
2. Charlotte and William Bloomberg Medford Public Library: 473
3. Boxford Town Library: 221
4. Peabody Institute Library of Danvers: 209
5. (Tie): Ipswich Public Library & Peabody Institute Library in Peabody:164
Ticket prices for the 2023 Topsfield Fair are $20 every day. Discount admission tickets are available at www.topsfieldfair.org through September 28. General Admission discount tickets can be purchased for only $10 plus a $2.25 convenience fee. Tickets are good any day during the Fair’s 11-day run. A three-day pass, good any three days, is available for $42.00 plus a $3.50 convenience fee. Children under eight are free with an adult admission ticket. Discounted ride tickets are also available when purchased in advance at www.topsfieldfair.org.