Friday marks the beginning of one of the most historic country fairs in the U.S., when the Topsfield Fair opens its gates for the 197th time. Fair goers can enjoy activities ranging from monster truck shows to concerts and traditional agricultural competitions, such as the All New England Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off.
The Topsfield Fair began with a cattle show in 1818 organized by the Essex Agricultural Society. The group had recently formed to promote and improve the needs of farmers in Essex County. The society's president, Timothy Pickering, won first prize for the "superior performance of his plough."
