BLANDFORD-In 1867, townspeople formed the Union Agricultural and Horticultural Society which is best known for its sponsorship of the Blandford Fair on a sprawling hilltop on North Street. 
In less than two weeks, volunteers from across the valley will once again host the numerous shows and competitions that have made the annual exhibition of agriculture, horticulture, floriculture, fine arts and much more a perfect way to spend a day during the Labor Day weekend.
Now in its 149th year, the Blandford Fair will be open Sept. 2, 3 to 9 p.m.; Sept. 3, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sept. 4, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sept. 5, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Rick Barnard of Blandford worked on a carpentry project at the Blandford Fairgrounds Saturday morning.
The fair has become a “reunion” for many generations of area residents, according to Bruce Wyman, a longtime society president. On Saturday morning, Wyman and a host of volunteers were tirelessly working to refresh the facades of several structures before the gates open to the public.
“We rely on volunteers not only during the fair but before the gates open for the Labor Day weekend,” said Wyman.
Among the volunteers were “childhood sweethearts,” Linda and Rick Barnard of Blandford, who will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in September.
“I’ve attended the Blandford Fair since I was a child,” said Linda Barnard, adding that there was a lapse of 40 years when the couple lived in Seattle.
“We moved back to town in 2012 and now volunteer at the fair,” she said during a break in painting the outside of one of the restrooms.
Rick Barnard echoed those sentiments.
The 1869 Union Agricultural Hall, a hallmark of the Blandford Fair, will soon come alive once more for the annual Labor Day weekend celebration of local agriculture, horticulture, and floriculture.
“I volunteer since I don’t want to see the fair disappear,” he said, adding “by attending the fair you get to see people you haven’t seen in a while and reconnect.”
One of the enhancements at the fair this year is the rebuilding of the horse show ring, according to Wyman.
“We started the ring a week ago and expect the project to be completed next week,” he said, acknowledging both Tim Dion of Westfield and Tim Hardin of Blandford who were installing the posts on Saturday.
“I enjoy volunteering to not only help the community but to give back to the town I grew up in,” said Dion.
Hardin concurred.
“I volunteer my time mostly for the kids,” said Hardin. “I know how important 4-H is and I want the kids to be surrounded by new equipment.”
Wyman noted that volunteers are still welcome to stop by Saturday mornings at the fairgrounds since there always seems to be tasks to be completed.
Linda Barnard of Blandford was among the volunteers Saturday morning who lent a hand to spruce up the Blandford Fairgrounds.
“We also still need volunteers during the fair to work at the gate as well as monitor our buildings,” said Wyman.
Over the years attendance has been steady with up to 20,000 area residents attending the four-day fair, noted Wyman.
“Weather conditions can play a big role in attendance,” he said.
Wyman said attendees will not be disappointed with the traditional New England fair events planned, including the “old-fashioned dinners.”
“The Blandford Fair Kitchen will host a meatloaf dinner on Friday, a ham and baked beans meal on Saturday, a chicken barbecue on Sunday, and a roast beef dinner on Monday,” said Wyman, adding that a slice of homemade pie complements each meal.
“Our fair specialty – blueberry and strawberry shortcake – will also be sold in the fair food booth,” said Wyman, noting that at least 125 homemade blueberry and apple pies will also be for sale.
In addition to stage performances, a petting zoo with small barnyard animals, strolling clowns, food concession vendors and midway rides, special events throughout the fair include the 50th annual Art Show, coordinated by Betty Jordt and Christine Tighe.
The art show will feature amateur and professional artists, as well as painters and photographers. Some exhibited works may also be available for sale. Prize monies and ribbons will be awarded for first, second, third and fourth place winners in categories including oils and acrylics, watercolors, pastels and drawings, color photography, black and white photography, digitally manipulated and graphic art.
“We are also introducing a firemen’s muster on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.,” said Wyman, noting the event is hosted by the Blandford Firemen’s Association and sanctioned by the New England Muster Association.
On Friday night the entertainment stage will be rocking and in the distance attendees will hear the sounds of four-wheel drive truck pulls – a staple of a traditional hometown fair.
Rick Barnard of Blandford was among the volunteers at the Blandford Fairgrounds on Saturday morning.
On Saturday there are a host of competitions including the youth dairy and sheep categories, as well as a horse drawing and fiddle contest. On both Saturday and Sunday, Kelli Wainscott will direct the Blandford Fair Horse Show which can feature up to 100 horses. On Saturday afternoon, a special costume class is planned and riders are encouraged to wear their best animal print and jungle costumes.
On Sunday, a sheep and beef cattle show is planned as well as an ox drawing and antique farm tractor pull, and on Monday, the adult dairy cattle show is slated, as well as a youth goat show, pedal tractor pull for kids, an antique cars display, pony drawing and a demolition derby.
“We pride ourselves on providing family oriented programs that are appealing for all ages,” said Wyman. “The fair is a place for good, wholesome fun for the entire family.”
The Blandford Fair is a member of the Western Massachusetts Fair Association and the Massachusetts Agricultural Fairs Association and receives funds from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Agriculture.
Parking on the grounds is $5 and admission is $10 per person, $5 for seniors and children age six to 12, and children under five are admitted free.
Wyman noted there is still time to enter the myriad competitions by contacting society secretary Brenda Blood at (413) 848-2888 for a “premium list” booklet and entry form. Categories range from pure bred stock and 4-H exhibits to food preservation and cooked foods including yeast breads, quick breads, muffins, cakes, pies, and homemade root beer. Also, competitors are sought in the “domestic manufacture” category which includes afghans, bedspreads, crocheting, quilts, needlepoint, embroidery and rugs, as well as in arts and crafts which ranges from drawings and paintings to ceramics, pottery and woodcrafts.
“We encourage young kids and adults to exhibit to win prizes and cash awards,” said Wyman. “It’s a sense of competition that makes the events memorable.”
