SOMERS — The sights, sounds and traditions of fall will return to Somers Sept. 17-20 as the Four Town Fair celebrates its 188th annual edition, bringing together residents, families, civic organizations, farmers and visitors from throughout the region.
For Somers residents, the fair is more than a four-day event. It is an annual tradition that the community anticipates and embraces from livestock and horses to food, entertainment and the ever-popular parade.
Ruth Phillips-Grant, one of the fair’s presidents, said the importance of the event became especially clear when the parade was nearly lost.
“One year, the parade was almost canceled, because we couldn’t find a superintendent to organize it,” recalled Phillips-Grant. “However, we were informed by Somers directors that the parade is a much anticipated annual tradition for the residents. We found someone to organize it, and it was one of the biggest parades we’ve ever presented.”
The parade reflects the broad community spirit that has long defined the fair.
“The surrounding towns all participate enthusiastically in the parade. Parents attend to see their kids march. Civic organizations show their pride and support of their community, and the local fire departments battle it out for trophies,” Phillips-Grant said.
Phillips-Grant knows the fair from both a community and agricultural perspective. “I personally have been with the fair as an East Windsor director for 8 years. My cousin-in-law recruited me, and I was inspired to participate because it aligns with my chosen profession, farming.”
This year’s lineup offers plenty of reasons for longtime fairgoers and newcomers alike to attend. Among the featured attractions are the Dark Horse Lumberjack Competition Friday night, the annual Fair Car Show Thursday night and, Saturday at noon, the Connecticut Renegades take over the horse ring. Riverside Reptiles will bring its “creepy crawlies” throughout the weekend, while Doodlebugs, oxen, the annual horse show and an abundance of food trucks round out the entertainment.
For local businesses, farmers and civic groups, the fair provides an important opportunity to connect with a wider audience.
“The local participants gain exposure to the greater community. They display their wares, raise money for the civic organizations, get a chance to kick back and discuss life with their friends and neighbors,” Phillips-Grant said.
Behind the scenes, however, the fair depends heavily on volunteers. Phillips-Grant said a lack of volunteer participation remains the organization’s biggest challenge, with help needed for everything from maintaining the grounds and preparing barns to staffing gates, collecting tickets and staging the parade.
“The fair has been trying to become more modern without losing its old-time charm,” Phillips-Grant said. “We want to honor our past, but we need to engage the new sophisticated audiences.”
That balance is increasingly important as the Four Town Fair competes with larger fairs taking place on the same weekend.
“We compete with several other larger fairs on ‘our’ weekend, so we need to have a mix of traditional and modern,” she said.
Ultimately, though, the goal remains simple: bringing people together.
“We hope our fairgoers enjoy themselves, meet with their friends and neighbors, enjoy the different shows we’ve booked, and stay for the bands,” said Phillips-Grant. “It’s a weekend for your families to come relax and have a great time.”
With four days of entertainment, competition, agriculture and community spirit ahead, the Four Town Fair is once again preparing to welcome its neighbors, and everyone is invited.
For schedules, event information and more, visit 4townfair.com.
