The summer of 2022 felt like the good old days. After a series of starts and stops the past couple of years because of the Covid-19, Vermont welcomed back Fairs and Field Days. It was great to see the cows back in the barns and floral hall filled with fresh veggies and flowers. Congratulations to all the countless volunteers who keep events part of our summer and fall.
The Big E in West Springfield Massachusetts will be our final fair of the year. The 17- day fair will welcome thousands of visitors to the Vermont building on the avenue of states in late September. When visitors walk into the Vermont building, they will be treated with a Green Mountain experience including fresh Vermont food and drink and products made in Vermont. Vermont day, historically the biggest attendance day of the Big E will be on held on September 24. It’s a special day including Vermont musicians who perform on the green outside the Vermont building as visitors enjoy Vermont treats.
Back in the Green Mountains, Vermont fairs and field days draw over 300,000 visitors each year. They are special days highlighting agriculture. Fairs and events offer opportunities for the agricultural community to highlight their practices, products, skills, and livelihoods. You can witness the success of maintaining Vermont’s working landscape by touring the grounds of a fair or field day.
Vermont supports fairs and field days each year with financial support. The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets has administered the Agricultural Fairs & Field Days Capital Projects Competitive Grants Program and the Stipend Fund for over a decade. These important dollars help finance critical improvements for the fairs and field days. The money could help finance a new cattle barn or maybe comfortable bleachers to view events. For more information about these funding opportunities, visit the Capital Projects Competitve Grants Program and the Stipend Fund Distribution Formula.
We encourage all to get involved in a fair or field day and of course visit one if you have the chance. You will be treated with great food and fun and a chance to visit with your neighbors. Your support means these important events remain viable for all of us to enjoy.
Anson B. Tebbetts | Vermont Secretary ot Agriculture