Massachusetts Agricultural Fairs History

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The history of the Massachusetts Agricultural Fairs is a great part of the history of fairs in America. Massachusetts, and the nation, have come a long way in the number and development of fairs since Elkanah Watson exhibited his two Merino sheep on the public square in Pittsfield in 1807. The Massachusetts born Watson is without question "the father of American Fairs" as we know them today. The Berkshire Agricultural Society was incorporated on February 25, 1811 and the first fair held in this country was in Pittsfield in 1814. However, three agricultural societies were incorporated in Massachusetts in 1818 as follows: Essex Agricultural Society at Topsfield; Hampshire, Franklin and Hampden at Northampton; and Worcester Agricultural at Worcester. The Topsfield Fair and the Northampton Fair are still operating as agricultural societies and sponsoring annual fairs.