Tried and true
Considering that I’ve had family living in North Stonington my whole life, I’ve been frequenting its annual Agricultural Fair since I was a baby. Earliest memories include: my uncle winning me a giant hot-pink plush lion after striking down glass coke bottles with a baseball; riding the “paratrooper” ride until I got sick; screaming my head off on the “zipper”; and petting a medley of zoo animals.
When I brought my German husband to the event while he was visiting the United States for the first time a few years ago, he was in a state of shock. “Why would they make their tractors pull weight?” he asked incredulously in between roars of motors firing on all cylinders (a sound that can literally be heard miles away). The same question was asked when he witnessed horses pulling slabs of concrete. (The animal rights activist in him was a bit perturbed.)
Sure, the fair may not be the most modern of events, but that’s kind of the point. This is a time to celebrate the town’s agricultural roots, and take a step back, as they say, into “simpler” times. It’s also a time to appreciate the work that goes into raising livestock and running a farm (because it’s not easy). The fair is marking its 54th year, so make sure you stop to admire all the local cows, goats and ducks; stuff your face with some fried dough; pet a llama; and watch guys toss bails of hay into a payloader while you’re at it.