Ed Popielarczyk hands Edie Bangs a piece of balloon art.
Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen
LUDLOW — The Belchertown common was filled with families, entertainment, vendors and amusement rides on Sept. 20, the first day of the 165th Belchertown Fair. Part carnival, part agricultural show, the Belchertown Fair offers a little of everything.
Leaning into the fair’s agricultural origins, this year’s theme was “Barn in the USA.” Each year, the north side of the common is reserved for horse pulls and oxen draws. Handicrafts such as quils and jams vie for blue ribbons in the exhibit hall.
Local and regional musicians entertain the crowds each year. This year the lineup included Pandemonium, The Sound Squad, Baby Driver and Jonas Cain. There was also plenty of non-musical entertainment. In addition to face painting and balloon animals for young fairgoers, the acts ran the gamut from magicians to belly dancers.
Several area businesses sponsored the fair, including East Hampton Savings Bank, Bell & Hudson Insurance, McCarthy’s Pub, Country Bank, Don’s Auto Service, Industrial Technical Services and Stadler Ace Hardware. Several individuals also helped sponsor the fair, as did the nonprofit Friends of the Fair, which raises money for capital improvements.
