The grandstands were packed in Westport Aug. 14, 2010, as the Essex County Fair hosted the always entertaining demolition derby on a warm afternoon that turned into a dusty evening on the dirt track. Saranac Lakers participated in the event, including the driver of the 58 car, which has “SL Punk” spray painted on back. (Enterprise file photo — Lou Reuter)

WESTPORT — The Essex County Fair is taking place in Westport from Aug. 13-17, with a week of entertainment and attractions. Admission to the fair is $15 per person, which includes parking, rides and most shows. Some grandstand entertainment may have a separate fee.

This year’s fair boasts a full schedule of events. Friday night will feature truck and tractor pulls, while country music fans can look forward to a performance by Vermont singer Jamie Lee Thurston on Saturday night. The always-popular demolition derby will close out the festivities on Sunday. ATV drag races are making a return this year.

Beyond the main arena, attendees will enjoy a variety of shows, including Mythicreatures, a strolling dinosaur show for kids, Xtreme Strong Man, and the World of Wonders, a magical musician show.

“We began preparations for the 2025 fair more than a year in advance; but as summer approache, we have been working steadily, and the fair is looking really good,” said Dennie Westover, Essex County Fair Board president.

This year, the gate price has been adjusted to $15 per person for those over 2 years of age.

“We haven’t had a price increase in 20 years; we didn’t want to do it, but we had to,” Westover said.

The fair, which traces its origins back to 1848 when Elkanah Watson organized the inaugural Essex County-Clinton County Fair, has a rich history. The current grounds were established between 1885 and 1889 by the Essex County Agricultural Society.

Even before this year’s event, planning for the 2026 fair is already well underway. “I think people would be surprised how many hands it takes to make the fair happen,” Westover said. “It’s not just three or four people, it’s several, and it is all done on a volunteer basis.”

Those interested in volunteering with the Essex County Fair can call the fair office at 518-962-8650 or visit tinyurl.com/2kkeyyja for more information.