Topsfield Fair

We tried to take our twin boys and we went at 11:00am on a Saturday thinking people are just starting to go. But that was not the case. We waited in traffic on route1 for an hour and a half. And still had a mile and a half to go, so we never made it because our kids where not sitting any longer. Was a big waste of time. We will never try to go again.

I have been going to the Topsfield fair for 30 yrs. We have a 6 and a 9 yr. old who look forward to celebrating fall with a bang and this is the way to do it! We anticipate all summer long the weight of the largest prized pumkin. This year it was over 1,400 lbs. The Beekeeping area has sticks of honey for $1 and the kids can make a honeycome candle for $3. I let the kids try $5 worth of games and I reward them with $1 store halloween /school items because those games are not set up for the kids to win. $10 worth of games and $10 worth of things they like and need, not another stuffed animal! There is no question that the fair is spendy! I expect to pay $16-$50 per person. We hit every ride in the place this evening(10.10.08). Food is not a priority. We eat before and when we get home. I also bring bottled water in a backback. This year we splured on the elephant ride and on candy apples. It set us back an additional $20. Even in these economic times there is no where you can bring a family of 4 for 5hrs for less than $100 to celebrate nature, animals and to have so much fun! We can't wait for next yr!

I've learned the hard way to plan ahead for the fair. Weekends are not best, but if you must go, arrive EARLY. Also, advance ride tickets are ONE THIRD the price of those at the fair. Also, stake out the cheapest food options, and take advantage of the many performances -- they're great, and free. Also, if you must get souvenirs, bargain with the sellers -- they'll discount to an extent.

We headed up to the fair with our 9 month old son for a day out in the fresh air and to introduce him to the animals. While the fair itself was great, lots of varieties of animals and as expected great food for the adults, we sat in 2 HOURS of traffic to get off the exit and up the road to the parking lot. It was ridiculous!!! With a small baby, time out is precious and we wasted a huge chunk of it trying to park the darn car. We ended up missing a nap and had an unbearably cranky baby that evening, but I suppose that was better than spending the $$ to get into the fair and only staying for an hour. We'll try a smaller fair next year.

We especially enjoy the Fair in the rain. Performances are moved inside, no crowds, and we dash between buildings. Fun and cozy, and less money to ride guys.

I've been there this past Sunday and loved it. I have a boy (5) and a girl (3) and they had so much fun. My husband also! Actually we needed to take the exit 51 and park on a school parking lot. Then the school bus took us to the festival. Lots of people! Very well organized!! Clean bathroom! Great food!! It's great! I can't wait for next year and another elephant ride.................

We took our 4 year old here last weekend and do not plan on going back next year. It was packed, lines for everything. Very overpriced and everything costs extra. The games were the most costly $3 for one kids game. There were lots of choices for food and there were a few performances that are fun for little kids. My daughter got to go up with the performers and play the maraccas. Expect to do a lot of waiting and to spend at least $100 for a family of 3. If you don't mind spending the $ or waiting and like carnivals then there is plenty to keep you busy for hours.

The fair seems more crowded this year than ever. People are well-behaved, but by a weekend afternoon you can't even walk the paths. Try a weekday if possible. We always clutch out schedules to see events and concerts -- they're really fun, and get you away from the midway for half an hour.