DURHAM, Conn. (WTNH) – The 103rd Annual Durham Agricultural Fair is officially underway!

Connecticut’s largest agricultural fair goes through Sunday, Sept. 24. Guests can explore multiple exhibit halls, visit a farm museum and enjoy rides and games on the Midway.

There’s also no shortage of food or drink options! In fact, the Food Network included the fair’s Lime Rickey mocktail on its “50 States of Fair Food” list. The refreshing drink is a combination of freshly squeezed lime juice, simple syrup and seltzer.

Delish.com named The Dough House‘s Original Big Donut as the “best state fair food” in Connecticut. Check out their list here.

The fair also has several performers on four stages, including its Main Stage, which returned after a three-year hiatus. Some artists scheduled to perform include Lauren Alaina, Rick Springfield, and Lee Greenwood.

The Durham Agricultural Fair will be taking place rain or shine this weekend, as long as conditions are not deemed unsafe.

Kim Terrill, the president of the Durham Agricultural Fair said organizers expect that all of their entertainment will perform in the rain.

“Don’t be afraid to get wet. Rick Springfield said he’s going to be on if it’s raining as long as it’s not deemed unsafe… but we definitely expect all of our entertainment will go on,” she said.

The fair has been going on since 1916 and it’s only been closed four times.

That was during the Hurricane of 1938, twice during World War II, and once during COVID. So they certainly hope they won’t be adding this weekend to that record.

“The apple crisp and the hot cider are definitely going to keep you warm in the rain. So definitely come out for that,” said Heather Castiglia of Durham Middlefield Youth & Family Services.

Her agency will be serving up its famous apple-infused treats. It is among 30 non-profits that set up shop at the fair.

Here is more information you need to know for this year’s fair.

Parking

Parking will be available at Durham Fair-operated lots for $5 per day. These lots include:

  • Strickland’s parking lot: 385 Cherry Hill Rd., Middlefield
  • Durham Community Center: 144 Pickett Ln., Durham
  • Coginchaug High School: 135 Pickett Ln., Durham
  • Greenbacker’s parking lot: 150 Wallingford Rd., Durham

Shuttle buses are available to take visitors from the parking lots to the fairgrounds.

Admission

One-day tickets for the fair are $18, with active military and children 11 and under being free. Tickets for Seniors 62 and over are $10.

Those who want multi-day tickets can purchase four-day passes for $40.

To learn more about the Durham Fair, click here.