5 rewarding things to do at the Durham Fair in Durham, Connecticut
Kasasa® Community Spotlight features the hometowns of local banks and credit unions. Content provided by Seasons Federal Credit Union in Middletown, CT.
A Yelp review called the Durham Fair “one of the best in Connecticut.” First held in 1916 and run entirely by volunteers, it’s a Durham tradition that draws fairgoers from near and far.
The Kasasa Rewards Rush truck will be joining in the fun this week. Go inside the truck, brave the whirlwind, and grab your share of rewards during your day at the fair!
Speaking of rewards, we asked Seasons FCU about some of the most rewarding things to do at the Durham Fair, and here’s what they suggested.
1. Take A Break From Your Diet And Find The Best Fair Food.
SOURCE: MITCH AND MOLLY BLOG
Alright, so fair food isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you’re trying to maintain a healthy diet. But, it’s fun to cut loose once in a while and enjoy some of the finer (sweeter? saltier?) things in life! The Durham Fair offers fair food staples, such as fried dough. Speaking of, you’ll also find donuts large and small. Really wanna cut loose? Go for the chocolate-covered bacon! There are also chowder bowls and pulled pork sandwiches if you’re looking for something heartier.
2. Make Your Way To The Midway.
SOURCE: CONNECTICUTLIVING.NET
So you might want to do this before you get food, but if you’re daring, you can do it after. The midway is a classic fair essential — whether you’d rather just take it easy and ride the ferris wheel a few times, or put your stomach to the test on the Zipper, there are rides for every preference.
3. Enjoy Over 10,000 Exhibits.
SOURCE: ENJOY CT LIVE
The Durham Fair is known as “Connecticut’s largest agricultural fair,” and contains a number of exhibits that celebrate Connecticut’s agrarian past and present. Visit the barns to see cows and other animals up close. Continue on through the exhibition halls to see some of Connecticut’s finest crafts, produce, and plants. If you’re 21+, consider stopping by the Connecticut Wine Festival on Main Stage Hill. There are also youth exhibits and a Kid’s Place for the youngest fairgoers.
4. See “Real Life Horsepower” At Work.
SOURCE: DURHAM FAIR
The animal pulls at the Durham Fair boast “real life horsepower.” See horses, oxen, and ponies haul as much as 3,000 pounds as they compete to see who can haul the most weight. It’s a tradition rooted in earlier times, when animals were relied upon to carry heavy loads for farmers. Teams from all over New England compete at the Durham Fair. The fair also prioritizes the humane treatment of the animals during these events.
5. Rock Out At A Headliner Concert.
SOURCE: TASTE OF COUNTRY
“Probably the best part of the fair is the free concert,” said one reviewer. “… if you get there early, you can set up your lawn chairs and blankets right down in front, and come back later for the show.” The Durham Fair is known for hosting some big-name acts, including Loretta Lynn, Blake Shelton, and Blues Traveler. This year also boasts a rewarding lineup, including Martina McBride on Friday, September 25th!
