Annual Northport Fair Offers Farm Fun, Rides & Community Spirit

The History of the Northport Fair

The Northport Fair has been a beloved annual tradition in the Northport community for over a century. Since 1915, the fair has been held every August in the heart of downtown Northport. Generations of families have made happy memories strolling the midway, enjoying classic fair foods, and taking in agricultural exhibitions and entertainment acts.

How the Northport Fair Began

The first Northport Fair was organized in 1915 by the Northport Community League. It was originally conceived as a showcase for the farming, business, and creative talents of the Northport region. Some key highlights of those early fairs included livestock shows, produce competitions, handicraft exhibits, baking contests, and demonstrations of early farm machinery. Locals would eagerly anticipate the fair as a fun respite from their daily toil and a chance to come together as a community.

The Fair's Mid-20th Century Heyday

During the post-World War II era, the Northport Fair entered a long period of immense popularity as an end-of-summer tradition. Attendance numbers swelled during the 1950s as the fair added new rides, games, and food vendors to complement its agricultural foundation. Live music acts and traveling shows also became staples to entertain the crowds. Many people from surrounding counties would wait all year long to reunite with friends over candy apples and corn dogs at the beloved fair.

What to Expect at the Modern Northport Fair

Today, the Northport Fair carries on the original agricultural expo identity while also offering an excitement-packed carnival atmosphere. The traditions of farm competitions, mouthwatering food, handicrafts, and exciting rides all amalgamate into five days of old-fashioned family fun. The fair also prioritizes supporting the work of Northport community organizations and non-profits.

Agricultural and Livestock Exhibitions

One of the defining features of the Northport Fair is its agricultural exhibitions that showcase cattle, horses, poultry, rabbits, goats, sheep, and swine. Attendees can witness firsthand the hard work that local farmers put into raising livestock and cultivating crops. Gardening clubs also exhibit judging of vegetables, fruits, nuts, grains and hay. Keeping alive these agricultural traditions remains central to the fair’s mission and offers valuable education.

A Thrilling Midway of Rides and Games

The epicenter of modern fair excitement is the beloved midway filled with amusement park rides and carnival games. The Northport Fair's midway features over 50 rides and attractions to thrill kids, teens and parents alike. From gentle kiddie rides to extreme rollercoasters, the vibrant midway has options for all ages. After working up an appetite on the Gravitron or Scrambler, fairgoers can also enjoy playing games of skill and chance at dozens of colorful game booths.

Mouthwatering (and Nutritious) Fair Cuisine

Tantalizing traditional fair food is undoubtedly one of the biggest draws to the event. From sweet treats like cotton candy and funnel cakes to savory staples like turkey legs and French fries, the Northport Fair offers indulgence galore. Those with more unique palates can sample adventurous fare like fried candy bars or spaghetti donuts! Health-conscious guests can also enjoy fresh-made smoothies and salads. Of course, no county fair would be complete without award-winning pies, jams, home-baked goods and preserves.

Fun Contests and Competitions at the Fair

Beyond exhibiting agricultural accolades and wares, the Northport Fair also spotlights many fun contests for both children and adults. Competitions allow locals to flaunt their creative talents and skills. Adults enter cooking, baking, canning, sewing, knitting, painting, photography and craft contests. Special children’s competitions have categories for LEGO building, coloring, computer skills and pet tricks. Winners take home blue ribbons and enjoy community praise for jobs well done.

The Northport Fair Talent Show

One of the fair's most popular events is the fun-for-all-ages talent show held nightly on the Garden Stage. The talent show is free and open to any willing act. Northport kids and teens flock to demonstrate musical, dance, magic, acrobatic or comedy talents alongside local bands, cloggers and dance troupes. Talent show participants compete to win nightly medals and gift certificates. An overall grand prize winner will be awarded $500 for receiving enthusiastic audience applause.

Livestock Showmanship Competitions

Since the fair’s early days, locals have competed in judged contests of livestock showmanship. Exhibitors demonstrate their expertise in presenting, handling and arranging animal displays. Cattle, horses, goats, pigs, sheep and rabbits are common showmanship categories. Judges carefully score exhibitors on criteria like appearance, positioning, control and knowledge. Winners gain prestige along with medals, ribbons and prize money for fine exhibition.

Supporting Community Organizations

Fundraising at the Northport Fair directly supports the work of esteemed community groups. Over thirty Northport-area charities and non-profits run food booths at the fair as their major annual fundraiser. These civic organizations include the Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club, Optimist Club, Ruritans, American Legion, band boosters, athletic boosters and volunteer fire companies and rescue squads. Fair visitors can enjoy delicious hamburgers, barbecue, fresh-cut fries, homemade ice cream and more while contributing to great causes.

Scholarship Programs

The Northport Fair Association administers two scholarship programs available to local students thanks to fair proceeds. Graduating high school seniors can apply for college scholarship funds based on academic achievement, extracurricular participation and volunteer service. The Fair Association also offers summer camp scholarship opportunities to younger students needing financial assistance.

Local Entertainment and Performing Arts

The Northport Fair proudly hosts several local performers and groups to entertain audiences daily. Guests can tap their toes as area bands play lively music ranging from bluegrass to jazz to classic rock tunes. Dance schools showcase their students’ talents with graceful ballet and lively tap numbers. Local theater troupes, choirs, cheer squads and gymnastics groups also periodically take the stage to impress attendees with dedication to their arts.

For over 100 years, the Northport Fair has thrived as a community staple that both embraces agricultural heritage and delivers modern excitement. Visitors consistently find farm-fresh fun for all ages blended with beloved traditions. The 2023 Northport Fair promises another sensational, memorable end-of-summer opportunity for making family memories. Don’t miss out on all the food, rides, contests, music and magic August 15th through the 20th.

FAQs

What are the fair hours?

The Northport Fair is open from 10 AM to 10 PM, Monday through Friday, and 10 AM to 11 PM on Saturday.

How much do tickets cost?

Gate admission tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for seniors over 65 and military members, and free for children under 5. Ride wristbands can be purchased for unlimited rides each day.

Where do I park?

Free parking is available in designated lots around the fairgrounds on a first come, first served basis. Overflow parking runs a shuttle service to the fair entrances.

Are pets allowed?

For safety reasons, only documented service animals are permitted within the Northport Fair. Pets may be left at home or boarded off site.