Marlboro celebrates community spirit at annual fair

MARLBORO — The 37th annual Marlboro Community Fair is Saturday, Sept. 28. Attendees can look forward to food, music, activities, and community spirit that all exemplify this beloved fair.

The fair opens at 10 a.m. with the rousing music of the Ill Wind Ensemble, who will once again lead fairgoers in procession onto the fairgrounds in grand style.

There will be live music all day on the stage (emceed by Andy Reichsman), breakfast, lunch, a corn roast, baked goods that will be available for purchase after they have been judged and awarded prizes by Dave Kelly and Gemma Ollis, beer and wine (also available for purchase after judging), and amazing Indian treats served up by Javed.

The theme of the fair this year is “The Next Generation,” honoring the talented and inspiring children and youth of this town. With that in mind, there will be plenty for kids to do, and for the kid that still lives in every adult.

The dunk tank is always popular, especially if it's a hot day, and the nail pounding, tug-o-war, and egg toss contests will test skill and prowess.

Show off your muscles by ringing the bell on the Test Of Strength machine; try out juggling, clowning, or riding a unicycle; or learn about the magical world of nature and build a fairy house with folks from Bonnyvale Environmental Education Center.

Visit the agriculture tent, tea tent, kids tent, artisans alley, and arts and crafts tent. Get your face painted, touch a tractor, or just revel in the delights of early autumn while spending time with friends and loved ones.

Also at the fair are the Longshanks stilt walkers, Mike Clough from the Southern Vermont Natural History Museum with his amazing raptors and reptiles, and a raffle drawing. At 4 p.m., the Fair Song led by Megan MacArthur will close out another celebration of Marlboro in all its quirky glory.

Admission to the fair is $5 per person or $20 per family. Performing musicians, babes in arms, kids displaying or working at the fair, and folks over 70 get in for free.

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