TOPSFIELD – Whether you raise bees or cattle, knit or needle point, design jewelry, work with wood or paint on canvas, the Topsfield Fair has a contest you may want to compete in.
The 206th Topsfield Fair, scheduled to take place from Oct. 4 to 14, features a wide array of competitions for both amateur and professional participants. Certain contests provide money prizes. Participants may submit their entries online.
The contests include:
Beekeeping – Honey Products, Beeswax Products, Arts and Crafts, Cooking with Honey and Spirits. Entry Deadlines vary based on the category.
Crafts – Ceramic, Crocheting, Dollmaking, Jewelry, Knitting, Needlework, Models, Quilting, Rug, Sewing, Smocking, Spinning, Weaving and Woodworking. Entry Deadline: 9/2. Entries accepted 9/14 and 9/15 from noon to 4 p.m.
Fine Art for amateurs and professionals who paint – Painting, Graphics, Photography. Entry Deadline: 9/2. Entries accepted 9/7 & 9/8 from Noon to 4 p.m.
Foods – Topsfield Fair Fall Harvest Baked Sweet Treat Contest, King Arthur Baking Company Favorite Muffin Contest, Topsfield Fair Apple Pie Contest, Parent & Child Cookie Celebration Contest, competing with the theme: Favorite Things To Do At Topsfield Fair. Entry deadlines vary.
Fruit – Apples, Berries, Crabapples, Grapes, Peaches, Pears, Plums, Quinces. Entry Forms Due and Entries accepted on 10/3 from 7 -9 p.m.
Additional categories include Cattle, Christmas Trees, Draft Horse Show, Grange, Horse and Oxen Pulling, Rabbit and Cavy, Sheep, Sheep Dog Trial, Stock Farm Tractor Pulling and Winemaking. Entry deadlines vary.
Every year, the Topsfield Fair hosts two pageants, one for adults and one for children.
The Junior King and Queen content for youths aged five to eight and they’ll be evaluated based on how they look, their behavior and their personality. Each child will have a chance to chat on stage. Wear casual clothes. Sign up by 10/4. The pageant happens on 10/5 at 1 p.m.
Mrs. Essex County – To enter the contest, you need to be married, at least 18 years old, and living in Essex County with your partner. Each contestant will bring a dish they’ve prepared. There will be a preliminary interview, and those chosen will compete in the pageant wearing stylish cocktail attire. Judging will be based on overall look, personality, grace, and the food they made. Submit your entry by 10/10. The pageant is set for 10/13 at 1 p.m.
Entry forms are available at www.topsfieldfair.org. Information on each contest can be found in the “Exhibitor’s Handbook” under the “About” section on the home page of the website. Contact information for the person responsible for each contest is included with the contest form for each department. Requirements and entry deadlines vary for each contest.
Visit the Topsfield Fair website for more information.
