Country Fair slated for Aug. 1618

The 68th edition of the Bridgewater Country Fair will be offered Aug. 1618 on the grounds behind the firehouse along Route 133 in Bridgewater.

The event, which annually draws over 30,000 patrons from throughout the region, is sponsored by the Bridgewater Volunteer Fire Department as its chief fundraiser, providing revenue for the fire and EMS services for the town and surrounding mutual aid support calls.

The fair will be open Aug. 16 from 4 to 11 p.m., Aug. 17 from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Aug. 18 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The fair will feature events, music, attractions, shopping, and new additions.

The fair will kick off with an opening ceremony at 6:30 p.m., followed at 6:45 p.m. by a firemen’s parade, including the Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard providing the color guard, and more than 40 volunteer fire companies from Connecticut and New York, marching bands, color guard and other attractions.

Last year, the parade, and the ox, pony and tractor pulls were canceled due to no safe, dry place to park heavy trailers and livestock.

The food tents now have a solid base under them for fairgoers to stand and order their food, and the grounds have been repaired.

This year the fair will feature allnew Majestic Spectacular Motorcycle Thrill Show, with the Wheel of Death, Dock Diving Dogs and more.

Other fair favorites will include, on Friday, pig racing at 4:30, 7:30 and 10:30 p.m.; music by Dissonant Delusion at 5 p.m.; Dock Diving Dogs at 6 p.m.; Majestic Spectacular Motorcycle Thrill Show at 5 and 8 p.m.; music by JR Waters at the bandstands at 8:30 p.m.; and a skillet toss at 8:45 p.m.

On Saturday, offerings will include a children’s pedal tractor pull for kids ages 5 to 10 at 11 a.m.; an antique tractor pull at 1 p.m.; Border Collie demonstrations at 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 and 6:30 p.m.; racing pigs at 10 a.m. and 1:30, 4:30, 6:30 and 10:30 p.m.; Majestic Spectacular Motorcycle Thrill Show at 11 a.m. and 2, 5 and 8 p.m.; a skillet toss at 12:15 and 2:15 p.m.; Dock Diving Dogs at noon, 2:30, 5 and 7:30 p.m.; a hay bale toss at 1:15 p.m.; music by Flashback at the bandstand at 1:30 p.m.; music by Matson Rose at the bandstand at 4 p.m.; and music by The Creative Force Band at the bandstand at 9 p.m. A children’s pieeating contest will be held at a time to be announced.

On Sunday, activities will include a children’s pedal tractor pull for kids ages 5 to 10 at 11 a.m.; a garden tractor pull at 11:30 a.m.; Majestic Spectacular Motorcycle Thrill Show at 10 a.m. and 1 and 4 p.m.; racing pigs at 10 a.m. and 1 and 5 p.m.; a hay bale toss at 12:15 p.m.; Dock Diving Digs at 1 and 4 p.m.; Border Collie demonstrations at noon at 2:30 p.m.; music by Mad Hatter Choruse at the bandstand at noon; music by RivaJean at the bandstand at 3 p.m. Adult and children’s pieeating contest will be held after noon.

The Lions Club will offer free eye screenings for children ages 2 to 7 Aug. 1718 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.

Amusement rides; art and photography shows; flower, baking, vegetable, fruit, canning and egg competitions; needlework and hobby displays; commercial, industrial and agricultural exhibits; crafts; and food, beer/wine, and refreshments will also be featured throughout the threeday event.

Racing pig contests, hobby displays, skillet tosses, tractor parades, crafts, cake Lotto and more will be offered.

The Bridgewater Volunteer Fire Department will offer three prizes for its raffle. Prizes will be awarded Aug. 19 at 6 p.m. Tickets for the fireman’s raffle are $10.

Prizes include a 2019 Toyota Tacoma Sport truck and a $1,000 Exxon/Mobil gas card (first prize); a $2,000 Visa gift card package (second prize); and a $1,000 Visa gift card package (third prize).

Tickets are $10, with proceeds go to the Bridgewater Volunteer Fire Department, EMS and Rescue services.

The drawing will be held Aug. 19 at 6 p.m. The winner does not need to be present to win.

Admission to the fair will be $8 for adults, $6 for seniors,$6 for veterans with a valid ID and free for children younger than age 12. A threeday pass will be $16.

Pets are not allowed at the fairground.

For information, including details on how to sign up for certain contests, visit http://www.bridgewaterfair.com.

Hearst Connecticut Media file photo The Bridgewater Country Fair opens Friday night and continues through Sunday.