Hopkinton State Fair begins August 28

Bow Editor — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:37:00 GMT

CONTOOCOOK – Whether making the trip for the demolition derby, agricultural displays or simply a sausage sandwich, visitors from all over come to take in the sights, sounds and smells of the annual Hopkinton State Fair.

The fair, which runs annually on Labor Day weekend, will be opening for its 93rd year beginning Thursday, Aug. 28, at the Hopkinton Fairgrounds.

According to Hopkinton State Fair President Debbie Curtis, planning for the five-day event begins not too long after it ends each year.

“It’s a seasonal fair, but it’s definitely a year-round process,” said Curtis. “As we get into August, things really pick up. There’s a lot of prep in getting the grounds ready, scheduling the events, setting up ticket sales and things like that.”

At the Country Porch Stage there will be daily shows, including free bicycle and skateboard demonstrations, with high-flying athletes performing a variety of tricks.

Visitors will get to be a part of Ron Diamond’s show, as the hypnotist and magician will put on three shows each day, with the night performance giving some members of the audience a chance to be put under hypnosis.

Many of the regular aspects of the fair remain the same, including the agricultural competitions and one of the fan favorites, the demolition derby, which will take place on Saturday and Sunday, with seating beginning at 5:30 p.m.

In addition to those annual events, there will also be some new shows for fair-goers to take in.

On Thursday and Friday, Aug. 28 and 29, there will be a motocross bike competition for the first time at the fair, and any riders are welcome to take part in the course.

Fair organizers have been busy preparing the motocross track, hauling in dirt to make the jumps for the riders.

Curtis said it is important for the Hopkinton community to bring in the large crowds into town each year. “It’s very important and it’s great being able to offer it to visitors,” said Curtis. “It is important that we keep agriculture in our families to understand where things come from and what it brings.”

In addition to all of the shows and exhibits, there is also a variety of food and rides to take in.

According to Curtis, the biggest key to the fair’s success is being able to keep guests of all ages entertained.

“There’s a little bit of everything. It’s very important to have variety,” said Curtis. “Everyone has their own reason for coming to the fair, so you have to provide something for everyone. You have to have a mixture of it all.”

For more information and a complete schedule of the Hopkinton State Fair’s events, visit www.hsfair.org.

Parades and races highlight Hopkinton's July 4th festivities

Bow Editor — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 19:40:00 GMT

BY MATT SCHOOLEY

Hopkinton residents will get the chance to make the Fourth of July an all-day festivity, as the town’s Recreation Department will sponsor events throughout the holiday, beginning at 9 a.m.

The day will kick off with a 5K run and walk, which begins in front of the Contoocook Village Fire Station at 9 a.m. Runners, who are asked to wear red, white and blue, can register beginning at 8 a.m.

Also in the morning will be the canoe and kayak race, which begins at 11 a.m. at Multi Weld on Riverside Road. There is a $15 fee for the event, and racers can register beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Hopkinton youths will have their chance to parade around town, at the Kids’ Parade at 11:30 a.m., after assembling near the gazebo at 11 a.m. Preschoolers through third-graders are invited to dress up and decorate their bikes for the event.

Soon after the Kids’ Parade will be the annual Fire Department- sponsored Independence Day Parade, which will start at Hopkinton High School and end at the Contoocook Village Cemetery. The parade will kick off at noon, moving down Park Avenue through the village and toward Penacook Road.

Hopkinton’s celebration will culminate at Houston Park for a second consecutive year during the Fourth of July Family Fun Day, including food, a variety of games, music and other activities.

“The whole day is going to be great,” said Justin La Vigne, Hopkinton Recreation director. “From the start, with the road race and canoe race to then end it at Houston Field with food, festivities and music, it’s going to be a blast for everyone.”

According to La Vigne, the event should receive a large turnout, despite the holiday landing on a Friday.

“Last year, I was here for the event and saw it. It blew me away to see the community come out,” he said. “We’re expecting hopefully 1,000 people again, like we did last year. It’s a great thing, and a great thing for the community while trying to keep it at a low cost.”

Hopkinton News : event Reviews

Hopkinton State Fair begins August 28

Parades and races highlight Hopkinton's July 4th festivities