Topsfield Fair

Topsfield Fair was a delight as usual.  This year however, we were privileged to meet with one of the farmers who has competed over the years to grow the largest pumpkin.  His pumpkin did not win this year, but he has won the prize for the largest pumpkin twice.  It was fascinating to learn how he tends the vine so that he can get the most out of his pumpkin seed!  Our second program was "Colonial Trades."  Here the children were given colonial names and professions such as farmer, backsmith, weaver, etc.  The children learned how to trade with each other for the supplies they needed.  They also had to go out into the fair to find the blacksmith, the wood turner and the apple cider maker to get trade their wares.  It was an exciting program!  The rest of the day was spent exploring the large barns looking at this year's largest pumpkin as well as other vegetables grown by local farmers.  We attended the horse puling show which was very interesting;  large horses that resembled clydesdales competed in teams to pull the most weight a certain distance.  As the weight grows the competitors drop out, until one team wins having pulled the largest load.  The most amazing moment was the Money Pole where two of our own boys, Charlie Getty and Charlie Mahoney climbed to the top of the money pole and won $10.00 each!