FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- West Springfield, Mass.   -- October 28, 2011

Contact: Greg Chiecko
413.205.5019

gchiecko@TheBigE.com

 

200th ANNIVERSARY OF THE MODERN AMERICAN FAIR

COMMEMORATED IN PITTSFIELD, MASS., NOVEMBER 4

 

 

The Massachusetts Agricultural Fairs Association (MAFA) will hold a celebratory event in honor of the 200th anniversary of the Modern American Fair and the founding of the Berkshire Agricultural Society, Friday, November 4, at 4 p.m. at Park Square, Pittsfield, Mass.

The “father of U.S Agricultural fairs,” Elkanah Watson, exhibited his two Merino sheep beneath an Elm tree in the public square in Pittsfield in the fall of 1807, drew an admiring crowd and sowed the seeds for the development of the modern American Fair. He saw the necessity of improving the quality of agriculture as a way to better the nation and uplift the average farmer and believed that sharing ideas and experiences would promote better agricultural practices. He organized the Berkshire Agricultural Society and created an event known then as a “Cattle Show,” in Pittsfield in September, 1811. It was more than just an exhibit of animals – it was a competition, with prize money ($70) paid for the best exhibits of oxen, cattle, swine and sheep.

To encourage participation in many of the agriculture events that took place, farmers were given the incentive to win prizes (or silver plate awards), with hopes that this would impress the audience and evoke friendly competition. Also, it would drive individuals to participate in the events of the following year and build excitement and anticipation.

Watson worked diligently for many years helping communities organize their own agricultural societies and their respective shows (fairs). By 1819 most counties in New England had organized their own agricultural societies and the movement was spreading into the other states. The 19th century closed with almost every state and province having one or more agricultural fair or exhibition.

The core elements of those agricultural society events of the early 1800s – those early fairs – are at the heart of the agricultural fair in North America today – competition for the best agricultural and domestic products of the region and an annual celebration for the community to come together, share and learn.

In 1818, three additional agricultural societies developed in Massachusetts including Essex at Topsfield, a combined society of Hampshire, Franklin and Hampden counties at Northampton and Worcester. The Topsfield and Northampton fairs still operate today as agricultural societies. MAFA, which is holding its annual convention in Pittsfield November 4 and 5, came into being as the smaller agricultural societies phased out.

The November 4 celebration includes live demonstrations, historical interpretations, animals and exhibits depicting the early agricultural roots of fairs. Two Merino sheep will be shown by Donna Chandler of Pittsfield. In addition there will be two pairs of oxen shown by Samantha, Olivia and Taylor Mason of Worthington, Mass., and a side-by-side display of antique tractors lent by the Judd Family from Goshen, Mass., and new tractors lent by Pittsfield Lawn and Garden. Bill Roberts, of Northampton, Mass., will supply a horse and carriage.

Dennis Picard, director of Storrowton Village Museum on the grounds of Eastern States Exposition, West Springfield, will portray Watson, and deliver a condensed version of the speech he gave upon founding the Society. Local and state dignitaries will be on hand to offer commentary on this historical event. A reception will immediately follow the event, held on the top floor of the Crowne Plaza Hotel with archives from different fairs on display.

The mission of MAFA is "To encourage, promote and preserve agricultural activities in the Commonwealth through its member fairs and their individual programs. The association seeks to further these interests by educating the general public regarding the importance of agricultural history and knowledge within individual communities and across the state."

For more information contact Greg Chiecko, event chairman for MAFA: 413-205-5019 or gchiecko@TheBigE.com

 

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