Traditions (and new offerings) planned for Bridgewater Country Fair
The 71st edition of the Bridgewater Country Fair is right around the corner.
The popular family event, which draws thousands to New Milford’s neighbor, Bridgewater, is presented by the Bridgewater Volunteer Fire Department.
It is the department’s biggest fundraiser and main source of income. BVFD is the last self-sustaining fire department in the State of Connecticut.
The fair will be open Aug. 16 from 4 to 11 p.m., Aug. 17 from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Aug. 19 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Bridgewater Fairgrounds on Route 133.
Numerous New Milford businesses and organizations will participate in fair activities, either as vendors or performers, and some residents will serve as volunteers.
Two of New Milford’s biggest resources for businesses, community members, and visitors - New Milford Now, the Town of New Milford’s official community and tourism resource, and the Greater New Milford Chamber of Commerce – will be on hand to meet the public in the tent across from the firehouse on the northern
The opening highlight of the fair will be the firemen’s parade, which is set for Aug. 16 at 6:45 p.m.
Spectators will line Route 133 to watch volunteers from fire companies from Connecticut and New York proudly march near their trucks and antique fire equipment.
Marching bands and color guards will round out the parade.
The fire department’s annual raffle will also be held.
First prize is a 2024 Toyota Tundra; second prize is a Stihl battery-powered equipment set; and third prize is $5,000 cash.
In addition to the parade and raffle, the fair will feature amusements and carnival activities; food and refreshment tents; vendor booths; commercial tents; music and performances; industrial and agricultural exhibits; a pie eating contest; a foam party for kids; vegetable, fruit and flower shows; baking, hobbies, needlework, canning and eggs, and art and photo exhibits; a watering hole; cattle, goat, poultry and rabbit displays; and wool and shearing exhibits.
On top of that, numerous other entertainment offerings will be held this year.
The main event for 2024 will be a triple showcase featuring a high wire tightrope act, human cannonball, and motorcycle / motocross jump.
New entertainment will include J. Rouge Fitness from New Milford which will present an aerial show displaying performers’ impressive display of athleticism, and woodcarving by Nonnewaug High School student Ben Faraci.
Favorites such as the racing pigs, Dock Diving Dogs, border collie demonstrations, hay bale throwing, pony pulls, and a pedal tractor pull for kids age 10 and under will return.
A pie-eating contest for kids and adults will be offered Aug. 17 and 18.
Those who enjoy indulging in fair food will find just about everything anyone could desire.
All of the food is cooked and served by Bridgewater volunteer firefighters / EMS personnel, along with volunteers from Bridgewater and neighboring communities.
A variety of food tents will serve up roast beef sandwiches, slowed cooked chicken, buttery corn, tacos, ice cream, fried dough, BBQ, fried Oreos and more.
New this year, the chicken tent will offer Bridgewater street corn, featuring an ear of corn dipped in mayo, cotija cheese or flaming hot Cheetos; another food tent will sell waffles on a stick; and the BBQ tent is expecting to serve up even tastier loaded tater tots than last year.
Ride bracelets for amusements will be available for Aug. 16 only. They are $35 each and include unlimited rides from 5 to 10 p.m.
Credit/debit cards will be accepted at all gates, rides, food tents and vendor booths.
No dogs or pets are allowed on the fairgrounds.
ADMISSION
- $10 (general admission)
- $8 (seniors 60+)
- $8 (veterans with a valid ID)
- Free (child 12 and under)
- $25/3-day pass
- For group sales of 12 or more tickets, email fair@bvfd.org
SCHEDULE
Click here for a full schedule of events.
Images courtesy of https://www.bridgewaterfair.com
