The Vermont State Fair is an annual state fair held in Rutland, Vermont at the Vermont State Fairgrounds. In the past, the event had taken place in early September, and lasted 9 to 10 days. In 2016, the dates were changed to a mid-August festival, with the first August fair taking place on the 16th thru 20th.
History
The Vermont State Fair is an agricultural fair managed by The Rutland County Agricultural Society. The first Vermont State Fair took place in 1846, making this one of the oldest state fairs in the United States. Originally named the Rutland State Fair, the event started out as a one-day event. The first fair took place in a field near Castleton, with Fredrick Button as the first President of the Rutland County Agricultural Society. The fair became popular enough that, in 1849, the Rutland Railroad began putting extra cars on their trains to bring people from all over Vermont and Western New York to visit. After moving around Rutland County for a few years, the Rutland Fair grew closer to Rutland City, sometimes setting up on land owned by John Cain or on the old Baxter Estate. The fair was given a permanent home in 1856. The land at 175 South Main Street in Rutland, VT was originally known as the Rutland County Park. The fair, officially renamed the "Vermont State Fair" in 1972, is still held at this location today. There was no fair held between 1917–18 because of World War I, 1942–45 because of World War II & 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic was to blame.
Midway
The Midway rides are currently being supplied annually by Amusements of America. Past suppliers have included Family Fun Amusements!, Coleman Brothers Shows, Castlerock Shows, Silver Dollar Shows And World of Mirth Shows.
Dining
Roxie's
Roxie's Famous French Fries, or Roxie's is a restaurant located within the fairgrounds. The restaurant is known not only for its french fries, but also for its foot-long hotdogs, and is a popular place to eat amongst fairgoers. Roxie's operates throughout the warmer months of the year, regardless of whether the fair is taking place.
The MSJ Green Wave Cafe is a locally run food stand at the Vermont State Fair. The booth is run by many alumni and volunteers to the Mount Saint Joseph Academy in Rutland, Vermont. The booth sells such food as hamburgers, sausages, and many different Pepsi and Coca-Cola products.
