BY MATT SCHOOLEY

The Hopkinton State Fair will continue its Labor Day tradition of horse shows, magic acts tractor pulls and more at the Hopkinton Fairgrounds from Aug. 30 to Sept. 3.

In 1915, the Contoocook Board of Trade felt the area needed an agricultural fair in the area, and by October of that year the group organized the first fair, according to the Hopkinton State Fair’s Web site.

For Carol Leonard and her husband Tom Lajoie, the best part of the fair is obvious.

“I love the demolition derby,” said Lajoie. “I’ve been going since high school and look forward to it every year.”

Leonard shares her husband’s interest.

“I love the demolition derby, especially the smaller four cylinder ones, because they always catch on fire,” she said with a laugh.

“(The fair) is great because it gives me and my brothers a chance to get together and go every year,” said Lajoie. “We plan our calendar around it.”

New for 2007 will be a battle of the bands on Thursday, Aug. 30, at 6 p.m. at the Grandstand.

Other activities include:
• Crafters
• Midway
• Sheepdog herding demo
• Petting farm
• Agricultural exhibits
• 4-H exhibits
• Various entertainment

Admission to the fair is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and $5 for children age 6 through 12. Children under 5 years of age get in free.