11 Days of Fun — Topsfield Fair Runs Oct. 1 through Oct. 11 in Massachusetts

The Topsfield Fair joins a long list of events that returns in 2021 at full force.

The only part of the fair that took place in 2020 was the New England Giant Pumpkin Weigh Off but the rides, food and nightly entertainment all return this year.

The fair opens Friday night at the Topsfield Fairgrounds off Route 1 about an hour south of the Seacoast of New Hampshire. It runs for 11 days through Monday, Oct.11.

"America's oldest fair is back. Last year was the third time in its history that it didn't run since 1818. We are very happy to be back at full capacity," fair spokesman Dave Thomson told Seacoast Current.

A mask will be required inside all fairground buildings per the Topsfield Board of Health. The fair asked those who are sick 24 hours before they plan to visit to not attend. There are no capacity limits in place indoors or out at the fair.

When asked to list his three "not to be missed" events at the fair Thomson listed the Pumpkin Weigh Off on opening night, the concerts and the food.

The winning pumpkin will be on display in the fruit and vegetable building for all to see for the duration of the fair. The five runner-up pumpkins will be in the arena.

Thomson said the concerts are free this year with paid admission. Frankie Avalon performs Wednesday, Oct. 6, .38 Special on Thursday, Oct. 7, and Tony Orlando on Saturday, Oct. 9.

"Sunday and Monday we have two performers who happen to be from Gloucester, Massachusetts. Sunday Andrew Marshall will be there. He was on the last season of NBC's The Voice. On Monday will be Colin Jamison. He was on the last season of American Idol," Thomson said.

Thomson said there's a wide selection of food from candy apples and cotton candy to apple pie and "healthier options."

Tickets are $15 on October 1 and October 4-7 and $20.00 each on October 8, weekends and Oct. 11 (Columbus Day). A three-day pass, good any three days, is available for $30.00. Children under eight with an adult are free.

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com or via Twitter @DanAlexanderNH