Hamburg Fair Promises Rides, Music, Feats of Strength and ‘Small-Town Magic,’ Aug. 21-23

LYME, CT – The Hamburg Fair returns Aug. 21 to 23 with a familiar mix of agriculture, live music, contests, carnival rides and old-fashioned fun in a place where “small-town magic comes to life.”

This year’s official small-town magic theme reflects what the Hamburg Fair has been about for generations: bringing neighbors together while preserving the agricultural heritage that makes the fair a local institution.

The fair, which dates to 1897, will run Friday, Aug. 21, from 5 to 10:30 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 22, from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Aug. 23, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, while children 11 and under are admitted free. Seniors and active service members with ID pay $8.

The 123-year-old tradition has only been skipped six times, according to Fair Chairman Dave Roberge. He counted four years during World War II and two years during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said the weekend has something for everybody, all the time.

“It’s just nonstop,” he said.

Visitors can expect carnival rides and games, food concessions, pony rides, agricultural and craft exhibits, and activities for kids of all ages. The fair continues to emphasize its rural roots through exhibits featuring vegetables, fruit and grains, flowers, home foods, handcrafts, quilts, photography and children’s arts and crafts.

Live music is once again a major part of the weekend, with a lineup featuring local and regional talent.

Friday’s main stage features Rockland at 5 p.m., followed by The Rakes at 8 p.m. Saturday’s music begins with children’s entertainer Steve Songs at 10:30 a.m., followed by Welch’s Jam at noon and N & B at 2:30 p.m. On the main stage, Crazy Ants will take the stage at 4:30 p.m., followed by LymeLite at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday’s lineup includes The Birdwatchers at 10 a.m., The Gibbons at 11:30 a.m. and Nick Bosse and the Northern Roots at 2:30 p.m.

Music over the three days ranges from classic rock and blues/funk to country, folk, pop and today’s hits.

Some of the fair’s most entertaining traditions return this year, including the Tug of War, Ladies’ Fry Pan Toss and Hay Bale Toss. Organizers said the contests drew impressive crowds last year and have become a popular part of the fair’s blend of competition and good-natured fun.

The Tug of War is scheduled for Friday at 7 p.m., the Fry Pan Toss for Saturday at 2 p.m. and the Hay Bale Toss for Saturday at 6:30 p.m.

A new contest, Chuck-a-Duck, will involve throwing rubber ducks at a target for prizes. Duck-chucking is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. during the LymeLite intermission.

Children’s games and contests will take place throughout Saturday and Sunday.

The popular Hamburg Fair Raffle is also returning with the drawing scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 23, at 4:30 p.m. Winners do not need to be present.

The raffle has become a favorite in recent years, according to organizers. Last year’s first prize was a Generac 18-kilowatt whole-house standby generator.

As always, the fair continues to pay homage to its agricultural roots through various exhibits.

Exemplifying the fair’s “Grow it. Make it. Bake it.” mantra, the exhibits provide an opportunity for local residents to showcase everything from produce and flowers to baked goods, quilts, crafts and photography.

The volunteer-run fair welcomes those interested in lending a hand.

Proceeds also support the Grange Association and Lyme EMS and help preserve the historic fairgrounds.

For more information, including the full schedule, exhibits, contests, directions and how to volunteer, visit hamburgfair.org.