Goshen Fair, in all its glory, drew Labor Day weekend crowds

GOSHEN — Nothing marks Labor Day weekend in northwest Connecticut quite like the famous Goshen Fair. Now in its 106th year, the event continues to attract large and enthusiastic audiences with its promise of plentiful fair food and agriculture-themed exhibitions, including beef and dairy cattle showmanship, barrel racing, and giant pumpkins.

David Moran and Robert Gambino were there on Saturday in Buildings A and B, judging various farm products, including vegetables, maple syrup and display stands. The judging process takes hours and the judges are occasionally followed by the contestants as they scrutinize their entries. 

Moran explained that it was not an exceptional year for vegetable growing due to the high moisture level throughout the season. However, there was still a good showing, with lots of entries. Best of Show for vegetables in the adult category was awarded to Lauri Szpak-Kinsella’s red onions. 

In the FFA Exhibition Center, agriculture education students from Housatonic Valley Regional and Wamogo high schools helped maintain a petting zoo and gave demonstrations to fairgoers as they passed through the building. 

Megan Foley, this year’s sentinel in the Housatonic Valley FFA Chapter, demonstrated how to make corsages and boutonnieres using button mums, carnations, baby’s breath and leather leaf. She likes the “community aspect”of presenting at the fair and enjoys giving the fairgoers the floral arrangements after the demonstration. 

Across the fairground, contestants were navigating through