While the gates open for the first time for the 200thTopsfield Fair at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, September 28, 2018, the official grand opening ceremonies will take place on Saturday, September 29. Starting at 9:00am from Topsfield Common, the public is invited to line the streets and cheer on the parade as it makes its way to the fairgrounds.
The Grand Marshalls of the 200th Topsfield Fair parade are Johnny Bucyk and Mario Marini. Bucyk, a legendary Hall of Fame hockey player, led the Boston Bruins to two Stanley Cup championships. He was named one of the ‘100 Greatest NHL Players’ in history by NHL.com. Marini, whose family owns Marini Farm in Ipswich, is one of the largest corn growers in Essex County. He has always looked for innovative ways to improve agricultures while also helping young farmers. The Grand Marshalls will lead the parade that is scheduled to include Massachusetts Senators Joan Lovely and Bruce Tarr, Massachusetts Representatives Brad Hill and Ted Speliotis,President and CEO of the National 4-H Council, Jennifer Sirangelo, and CEO of the National FFA, Mark Poeschi.
Additional highlights of the parade will include the Royal Canadian Mounted Police on their majestic horses, Mrs. Essex County, the Danvers High School and Masconomet Regional High School marching bands, Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, Essex County Beekeepers, and an array of floats and farm animals.
The parade leads directly into the fairgrounds where a brief ceremony is held on the Trianon Stage.
The 200th Topsfield Fair opens on Friday, September 28th at 1:00pm and will run through Columbus Day, October 8. Ticket prices for the 2018 Topsfield Fair are $12.00 each September 28, October 1-4 and $15.00 each on October 5, weekends, and Columbus Day (October 8). General Admission discount tickets can be purchased for only $10.00, which are good any day during the Fair’s 11-day run. A three-day pass, good any three days, is available for $25.00. Children under eight with an adult are free. Discounted food vouchers and ride tickets are also available when purchased in advance at www.topsfieldfair.org.
