Are you ready for the Topsfield Fair?

America’s oldest fair, now in its 206th year, will open Friday, drawing thousands of people eager to take part in a popular fall pastime.

Shearers, wood carvers, giant pumpkins and even the popular rock band 38 Special will be returning to the Topsfield Fair this year.

The fair begins Friday with the 40th annual New England Giant Pumpkin Weigh-in, which organizers say is one of the fair’s most popular events.

The fair was started in 1818 by the Essex County Agricultural Society.

Last month, police warned the public about a ticket scam ahead of the start of the 2024 Topsfield Fair.

The 38 Special concert, scheduled for Thursday, October 10th, is free with paid fair admission. The band will perform on the Grandstand stage at 7 p.m

The band will perform their hits including “Caught Up in You,” “Hold On Loosely,” “If I’d Been The One,” “You Keep Runnin’ Away,” “Back Where You Belong” and other songs.

There will also be cooking demonstrations, arts and crafts, floral displays and a demolition derby.

Ticket price for the 2024 Topsfield Fair is $20 per day.

Thursday is the last day to purchase discounted tickets at www.topsfieldfair.org. Discounted general admission tickets can be purchased for just $15 plus an additional fee of $2.50.

Tickets are valid every day during the 11-day duration of the fair. A three-day pass, valid on all three days, is available for $42 plus an additional $3 fee. Children under eight get in free with an adult ticket.

Discounted tickets are also available if purchased in advance at www.topsfieldfair.org.

The Topsfield Fair runs Friday through October 14th.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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