The Marshfield Fair will return for its 157th season, bringing back favorite entertainment acts and presenting new contests to show off local talent.
The fair begins Friday, Aug. 15, and runs through Sunday, Aug. 24, at 140 Main St.
Live music lovers can rejoice with the return of all-day country and blues music at any of the fair’s three stage areas on Saturdays and Sundays. Country Weekend will take place during the first weekend, and the North River Blues Festival, in its 29th year, will be held during the fair’s second weekend.
Also returning are chainsaw artist Rick Boni and the agility dogs known as Pool Party Pooches, said Leonard LaForest, president of the Marshfield Agricultural and Horticultural Society that sponsors the fair.
The fair will also feature walking entertainers like juggler Janoah Bailin and magician Darren Yong, Celia the aerialist, illusionist Lance Gifford & Co., model trains and a petting zoo.
While the threat of avian flu means live poultry will be once again excluded from showcasing, 4-H youth will be exhibiting other livestock like cows, chickens and sheep.
Local artisans and growers will put their talents on display through a slew of new contests. Chief among them is the “char-veg-erie” contest on Aug. 23, where vegetables for two to four people will be arranged on a board. Bonus points are given for homemade hummus and home-raised vegetables.
The Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts will showcase flower arrangements in a “Back to the Future” theme from Aug. 15 through 19. Additionally, three schools of Ikebana, a Japanese flower arrangement art, will be on display from Aug. 20 through 24.
Other new contests to be judged on fair Saturdays include sandwiches, citrus desserts, taco-inspired items and layered desserts.
The fair is encouraging any professional or amateur gardener, farmer or artisan to enter their items into contests for the chance at a blue ribbon. Entry fees are fairly inexpensive, with arts and crafts entries costing $1 and photography costing $5, for example. More information can be found at marshfieldfair.org.
Hannah Morse covers growth and development for The Patriot Ledger. Contact her at hmorse@patriotledger.com.
This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Marshfield Fair: What’s new this year? More food contests