The Town Common

It’s that time of the year

Photo: The Town Common Dylan Ellms of Gloucester clears piles of leaves with a leaf blower at the Topsfield Fairgrounds. Dylan works at the maintenance department at the fair which successfully returned this season after a one year shutdown due to the COVID-19...

Special Election For Fourth Essex District State Rep. Seat

A special election will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 30 for the Fourth Essex District State Representative seat. Democrat Jamie Belsito and Republican Robert Snow won their respective primaries earlier this month in the race to replace former state Rep. Brad Hill. The...

Bradley Palmer State Park post Thanksgiving hike

You’ll feel better about that Thanksgiving indulgence if you come for a hike over the Moon and Blueberry Hills of Bradley Palmer State Park in Topsfield Friday, November 26 11:00am–1:00pm Best for children ages 8 and up. The hike is about 2 miles for a couple of hours...

Topsfield Fairgrounds hosts 25th Annual New England Craft & Specialty Food Fair

America’s oldest fairgrounds flourishes with holiday flavor at the 25th Annual New England Craft & Specialty Food Fair, taking place at the indoor Topsfield Fairgrounds Arena in Topsfield on November 12, 13 & 14. Over 200 of the regions finest Artisans...

Neither snow nor rain nor heat fazes Topsfield weather chaser

TOPSFIELD — While other New Englanders pray for a mild winter, Henry Swenson is hoping for storms. “It amazes me how they develop, the scenery they bring. It's something that's very enjoyable,” he said during a phone call. Even without seeing his face, the energy in...

Topsfield Poultry Auction

Photos By Libby O'Neill / The Town Common

Mrs. Essex County Pageant celebrates 50 years at a successful return of the Topsfield Fair

TOPSFIELD — When Laura Bitler, the reigning Mrs. Essex County for the years 2020 and 2021, was 16-years-old, her uncle gave her a present that she’ll never forget—a lifetime pass to the Essex Agricultural Society. “Probably not every 16-year-old’s dream for a sweet...

A beloved farmer and colleague is remembered at the Topsfield Fair

TOPSFIELD — When Lee H. “Peter” Gibney, Superintendent of the Flower Building at the Topsfield Fair, passed away in 2020 at the age of 77 after a six-month battle with cancer, he left some big shoes to fill. For his successor at the Topsfield Fair, Luigi Costanza and...

Bradley Palmer State Park September Events

Bradley Palmer State Park is located at 40 Asbury St. in Topsfield. All programs are free and open to the public. Bring water. Wear sturdy closed toe shoes. Consider sunscreen and insect repellent. An adult must accompany children. Inclement weather cancels outdoor...

HUNDREDS OF CONTESTS TO ENTER AT THE 2021 TOPSFIELD FAIR

TOPSFIELD –The 203rd Topsfield Fair, running October 1-11, 2021 offers hundreds of contests for both amateur and professional entrants. Some of the contests include prize money while others are just for bragging rights. Contestants can upload their entries online....