On Fairs & Field Days from Secretary Anson Tebbetts

As the weather gets warmer, Vermonters are comforted by the simple pleasures of summer, among them, fun with friends at Vermont country fairs and festivals. My own family has enjoyed fairs all over the state year after year.  Unfortunately, COVID-19 has caused this summer’s fairs and festivals to be cancelled.  I am certain that many who have treasured the tradition over the years will miss Vermont’s fairs and festivals.
 
Our fairs and festivals present the chance for agricultural exhibitors, commercial vendors, and non-profit organizations to highlight their products, practices, and livelihood that are an essential part of maintaining Vermont’s working landscape and contribute valuable economic resources to their communities.
 
Our fairs offer us all the opportunity to meet with friends and neighbors, see blue ribbons proudly on display, eat fried dough and maple cotton candy, and gather as a community. While these meals, contests, shows, and special events will be greatly missed in 2020, agriculture and food businesses are working hard to maintain the many exciting and new creative ways we can experience all that Vermont agriculture has to offer.
 
I encourage you to take a moment to discover more of what is out there–either just down the road or all the way across the state; we certainly have lots of wonderful food and drink options, beautiful places to visit, and so much to appreciate. While we will miss our fairs and field day activities over the coming months, the Vermont’s incredible food and beverage businesses give us endless opportunities to enjoy summer.