58th Annual Washington County Fair

By Cynthia Drummond for BRVCA
August 13th 2024

RICHMOND – The 58th annual Washington County Fair opens Wednesday, and runs until Sunday.
In an effort to reduce wait times to enter the fairgrounds, this year, people will be able to purchase tickets in advance online. Online ticket-holders will have their own dedicated entrance. General admission is $12 and children 10 years old and younger are free.

Changes to Prevent a Repeat of Last Year

There were a few snafus last year, when an unexpectedly large number of people arrived on Saturday, filling the fair’s parking lot and leaving their vehicles wherever they could along Route 112 and Route 138. Officials closed admission to the fair at 6:30 p.m. that day to allow the traffic to clear out.
Reached Tuesday, Town Administrator Karen Pinch said town officials, emergency responders and police had begun meeting right after last year’s fair to discuss ways of avoiding problems this year.
“They have everything well-organized,” she said. “They’ve been meeting with the fair [organizers] regularly.”

Public safety officials have also been consulting the fair’s traffic engineer, and there will be new traffic control points, with traffic on back roads restricted to local residents.

There will be new signage, which will include variable message boards which will be remotely programed and “no parking” signs which will be placed along Route 112.

“Another very big change,” Pinch said, “is that tow trucks are going to be on standby close by, so that anybody who’s parked illegally will be towed immediately.”

Organizers will post regular updates on social media.

“They’ll be doing social media updates, both the fair and the police department,” Pinch said, adding that this year’s entertainment will be offered at new times.

“The fair scheduled the entertainment differently this year, so as not to encourage people to stay for two shows in one day,” she said. “They had two shows in one day last year, so people would show up for one and then they’d stay at the fair for a while and then they’d stay for the second [show], so, they’re spread out more now, so that people don’t do that, which will allow a more frequent flow of people in and out of the fair.”

Fair Chairman Pete Fish promised fair-goers a fun and hassle-free experience.
“This year’s Washington County Fair is shaping up to be one of our best yet, with the largest vendor turnout we've ever had,” he stated in an emailed response. “Our new concessions village will offer a fantastic variety of food options, crafts, and fun activities for all ages. We're also proud to continue our partnership with Hasbro Children’s Hospital for the fourth year, encouraging attendees to join us in supporting this important cause. With a stellar musical lineup every evening and a dedicated gate for online ticket holders, we’re excited to offer our guests a seamless and enjoyable experience. We can’t wait to welcome everyone to the fair!”

Pinch said fair officials and the police had done everything possible to anticipate and prevent traffic problems.

“The fair and the police department have certainly done their part to make all the corrections they could possibly make it a fun and safe event for everyone, with the least impediment to fun and safety,” she said.

Construction work at the town’s new roundabout has been suspended during the fair.