Brooklyn Fair Founders Celebrate 200 Years with Fireworks Fanfare

Thursday August 27th, 2009 - Opening Night Only

This year marks the 200th anniversary of the Windham County Agricultural Society—founders of the Brooklyn Fair. Formed in 1809, the WCAS has sponsored and organized this popular agricultural fair on the Brooklyn Fairgrounds for the past 160 years, making it one of the oldest continuously run fairs in the country. To celebrate the WCAS's 200-year milestone, a large fireworks display on Opening Night, August 27th will start things off with great fanfare. Additionally, during all four days of the fair, visitors can don early 19th-century costumes and pose before a historic backdrop with a covered wagon and other period artifacts. The sepia, old-time family photos will be given away at no charge to fair-goers. On Saturday the 29th, in addition to the numerous eclectic activities offered every year at the fair, kids can participate in old-fashioned games such as three-legged races, sack races and egg-on-a-spoon races.

Pam Roy, Superintendent of Children's Entertainment remembers the last time she saw fireworks at the Brooklyn Fair, during her own childhood. "I am so excited that after 30-plus years, the details have been worked out to bring fireworks back to the Brooklyn Fair," she remarks. "And what better time than to celebrate the Society's 200th anniversary?" The acclaimed Pyro FX will present the fireworks display, and they are sure to put on a breathtaking show. In anticipation of a large crowd, special charter buses will provide transportation to and from additional parking lots the night of the fireworks.

This anniversary fireworks display is funded by the Windham County Agricultural Society with support from sponsor United Natural Foods of Dayville, CT. WCAS Board Member Keith Degenais has worked diligently along with the 200th Anniversary Committee, led by Gil Maiato, to see the anniversary events and fireworks display come to fruition. "We really wanted the 200th anniversary to be special, and fireworks were always a part of that plan," says Degenais.

The 160th Brooklyn Fair begins August 27th – 30th at the Brooklyn Fairgrounds in Brooklyn, CT. Gates open at 8am and close at 10pm (Thursday, Gates open at 4pm.) Admission is just $10 for adults and children (12 and under) are always FREE. Sunday is senior citizen’s day–admission is reduced to $6 for seniors 65 and older.