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News RoomNews ReleaseJune 14, 2002 CONTACT: Diane Baedeker Petit, 617-626-1752, Diane.Baedeker@state.ma.us Visit a Massachusetts Country Fair this SummerState Agriculture Department Publishes Annual Fairs DirectoryMassachusetts Agricultural Fairs 2002, an annual guide to a perennial favorite family pastime, has been published by the state Department of Food and Agriculture. The 22 page booklet lists more than 60 major, community, youth, livestock and Grange fairs held across the Bay State every summer and fall. The directory provides the dates, location, and admission charge for each fair as well as attractions and entertainment. The booklet also features a list of fairs by date. For a free copy of Massachusetts Agricultural Fairs 2002, call toll-free 1-877-627-7476 or visit www.Mass.gov/MASSGROWN to download the guide. "Fairs are a celebration of the great diversity, innovation and tradition that characterizes Massachusetts agriculture," says Douglas P. Gillespie, Massachusetts Commissioner of Food and Agriculture. "Country fairs provide something for everyone in the family and offer a chance to see agriculture in action." American agricultural fairs have their roots in the Bay State. Elkanah Watson exhibited his two Merino sheep on the public square in Pittsfield, Mass. in 1807 and is considered "the father of American Fairs." The first fair in this country – as we know them today – was held in Pittsfield in 1814 by the Berkshire Agricultural Society. Two of three agricultural societies incorporated in Massachusetts in 1818 are still operating fairs today: Essex Agricultural Society at Topsfield and the Hampshire, Franklin and Hampden Agricultural Society at Northampton.
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