Agricultural Fairs in America: Tradition, Education, Celebration

Little is known of the significant role America's agricultural fairs played in developing communities when agriculture was a national industry and strengthening "domestic manufacture" the avenue to national self-reliance. In 1810, the Berkshire Agricultural Society (Massachusetts), led by Elkanah Watson, sponsored an exhibition considered the first of the new fairs in America. This prototype continues today with competitive displays, informal learning opportunities, demonstrations, lectures, parades, and celebrations. Agricultural Fairs in America includes thirteen historical and contemporary articles exploring the agriculture fair in America.