The Tunbridge World's Fair 2024 in Vermont

The Tunbridge World's Fair is a beloved annual event held in Tunbridge, Orange County, Vermont, typically occurring over a weekend in mid-September. This iconic fair is a celebration of agricultural traditions and local culture, drawing visitors from near and far to the Tunbridge Fairgrounds, nestled in the heart of Tunbridge, VT. Attendees can expect a vibrant atmosphere filled with fun activities, agricultural exhibits, entertainment, and a chance to experience the rich heritage of this picturesque region.

Schedule

The Tunbridge World's Fair welcomes visitors with a variety of attractions and activities operating on a set schedule. On Thursday, the gates open at 7 am and close at 8 pm. On both Friday and Saturday, the fair runs from 7 am to 9 pm. On Sunday, the final day, the gates open at 8 am and close at 5 pm.

Events & Activities

The Tunbridge World's Fair offers a wide array of attractions and activities that celebrate rural life and farming traditions. Visitors can enjoy farming demonstrations, working antique displays, horse racing, horse and ox pulling, cattle and horse shows, junior livestock exhibits, floral exhibits, contra dancing, and a variety of free shows. The fair also features midway rides, food and commercial vendors, and family-friendly entertainment.

Agriculture Activities

For those interested in crafts and agriculture, Floral Hall and the Junior Division Building showcase quilts, knitting, photos, crafts, baked goods, canned goods, art, vegetables, and more. The Dodge Gilman Building displays vegetables, fruits, the largest pumpkin, flowers, honey, and other produce. At the Orange County Sugar House, you can explore maple syrup competitions and displays.

Animal Displays

Animal lovers can visit the animal barns, which house dairy cows, horses, swine, sheep, goats, oxen, poultry, and rabbits. The Children’s Barnyard offers additional hands-on experiences with a variety of farm animals, making it a delightful experience for young visitors. The fair also includes livestock shows and Antique Hill, which features working exhibits and displays that bring history to life.

Agricultural Education Day

On Agricultural Education Day, Thursday at the Tunbridge World's Fair, visitors can immerse themselves in a diverse array of activities designed to showcase rural life and agricultural traditions. From 9 am to 11 pm, Antique Hill and the Log Cabin Museum will feature living history exhibits, offering a glimpse into the past. Throughout the day, entertainment unfolds under the tents while the Mascoma Bank Grandstand hosts various performances. Agricultural competitions take center stage at the Farm Credit East Cattle Judging Arena, Swine Show Ring, Poultry Barn, Horse Show Ring, and Sheep and Goat Barns, showcasing the finest livestock and skilled handlers.

Tickets

During the Tunbridge World's Fair, admission prices vary depending on the day: $15 on Thursday (Agricultural Education Day), $15 on Friday and Sunday, and $20 on Saturday. For those planning to attend multiple days, a Season Ticket is available for $50. Children under 12 receive free admission every day. In addition to gate admission, visitors can enjoy unlimited rides with Gillette's Amusement Rides bracelets, priced at $30 each or $25 with cash on Thursday and Friday. These bracelets provide access to all rides throughout the day. For individual ride access, tickets can be purchased at $1 each, with discounts for bulk purchases: 22 tickets for $20 or 55 tickets for $50 with cash.

History of The Tunbridge World's Fair

The Tunbridge Fair was established back in 1867, and since then, it has run annually, except for 1918, the flu epidemic year, and the Second World War. This long-running tradition attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year.