Durham Fair

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This article refers to the Durham Agricultural Fair. For the British event see Durham Miners' Gala.

First held in 1916, the Durham Fair in Durham, Connecticut is one of the largest agricultural fairs in the world. The fair is usually held on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in the last full weekend of September. There are livestock and competitive exhibits, pulling contests, craft and commercial tents, various forms of entertainment, and a carnival midway. The fairgrounds include both permanent buildings for commercial and agricultural exhibits, and space for tents and other non-permanant structures to be brought in each year. Past entertainers on the main stage have included George Jones, SHeDAISY, Bill Monroe, Loretta Lynn, and Phil Vassar.

The Durham Fair is the largest fair in North America without a paid manager or staff. In addition to the members of the Durham Agricultural Fair Association and the hundreds of volunteers who help directly operate the Durham Fair, the volunteers of many participating local organizations contribute to the spirit of community that is not found at other larger fairs. These local organizations include schools, churches, clubs, civic groups, and more, and for many, participation in the fair is one of their largest fundraisers each year.