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Exhibitor's Handbook

Just like the past few years, this year has been a full and exciting year here at the fair.

The summer has seen many projects completed that the Executive Board has been dreaming about for many years. Every time the Board heard stories about the heat issues in Coolidge Hall, there was talk about when it would get fixed, and if it could get fixed, should we add air conditioning. Well, I am proud to say that the project is starting to look like it is coming to a close. Nevertheless, with any good story, there is always more to it than the obvious. Furthermore, this would not be much of a story without the rest of the story! Along with upgrading the heating system, we were being very diligent in "going green" at the fair. This took us to bring natural gas onto the grounds, which had to be piped in from across Route One. Then, we had to upgrade (in three phases) the electrical system at the rear of the building to accommodate the new heating system. In addition, of course, that meant that we had to change the entire electrical service to the building.

You will notice many improvements to the grounds when you come to this year's fair. We have new hot-top; the restrooms in the Arena have been upgraded; and the restrooms in the Oval Area now have heat and air conditioning, as well as other improvements. The restrooms in Coolidge Hall have been taken out of the 1970's and brought into the 21st century. The Nursing Mothers' Lounge has been enhanced; the Adult Changing Area has been improved; part of the Flower Building roof has been replaced; and the floor in the Poultry Barn has been upgraded. In addition, there are many projects that were completed that may not be obvious, but they are new, nevertheless.

This summer we have had two movies filmed at the fairgrounds. "Here Comes the Boom" was the first movie, followed by "Crooked Arrows" from late July until the end of August. This variety of use just shows how diverse the fairgrounds are and how this facility can be available for versatile off-season events.

"Fun Never Grows Old" is our theme this year. This is a great fit for our entertainers who will be performing on the Grandstand Stage, starting with the country star Phil Vassar at 7:00 pm on Friday, September 30th, Opening Day. The gates will open at 1:00 pm that day and the fun begins!

Our Grand Parade kicks off from downtown Topsfield on Saturday, October 1st at 9:00 am. Joey and Rory are performing Saturday night, followed by fireworks at 9:00 pm. There are many more great acts coming to the Grandstand Stage all week long. Other big acts include Sean Kingston on Thursday, and Randy Houser will be in concert on Friday.

Our paid concerts this year feature Mike Posner at 6 pm on Saturday, October 8, in the Arena. That morning we will have Allstar Weekend with Burnham at 11:00 am.

We will be observing Military Day again this year on Tuesday, October 4, for active members of our military to come to the fair at no charge. This day allows military personnel, men and women with current military ID's presented at any admission gate, to enjoy the fair with their immediate families. When you see them at the fair, please walk up to them and say thank you. These families have given so much to us, and this is a way for all of us to say thank you for all that they do for our country.

More other exciting things here at the fair include our Facebook page (sign up and win!) and the upcoming twitter scavenger hunts. We have expanded our Read & Win program to encompass 50 communities and more than 4,000 children with libraries all over Essex County and Southern New Hampshire.

Robinson's Racing Pigs will be returning to their location on Grange Road next to the Picnic Area. This year there are even more places to sit and enjoy your picnic lunch from home or partake in fabulous fair food. The Great American Duck Race will also be on Grange Road, with improved bleacher seating.

Like last year, the Green Pavilion will be in the Show Tent on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, October 3 through 5. The fair continues to be proactive in "going green" by working to find more ways that we can save energy here at the fairgrounds. Among the new things this year, we have installed new lighting in the Arena, and we hope you like the new look!

We will finish the fair again with Figure 8 Racing and a Demolition Derby on October 10. This year some of our Executive Board members are looking forward to doing more than observing the action from the sidelines. They will actually be participating in the ring with two vehicles! We don't know exactly which Board members will be driving... we will have to wait and see!

Our prayers go out to the Indiana State Fair, and also to all who were affected by Hurricane Irene.

I want to thank my family, friends, and all of YOU for allowing us to present to you the 2011 Topsfield Fair.

JAMES P. O'BRIEN
General Manager

We look forward to seeing all of you at this year's fair. Please come and find out that "Fun Never Grows Old" at the Topsfield Fair.

No Pets allowed at the Fair Except Guide Dogs