Woodstock Fair lights tree;sets preview opening 2025

The Woodstock Fair greeted a large turnout at the first Tree Lighting and Holiday Sing on Monday, Dec. 2 at the Fairgrounds.
Those who attended were treated to holiday music from the Woodstock Academy Hill Singers, enjoyed refreshments and door prize raffles and a visit from Santa Claus.
In addition, they were the first to hear of a new addition to the annual Woodstock Fair.
For a first time ever, The Woodstock Fair, always Labor Day Weekend, will host a preview night on Thursday, Aug. 28 with some special events taking place. 
Gates will open at 4 p.m. and will feature events that have not been seen on a regular basis, if ever, at the Woodstock Fair.
A new mechanized event, a 4x4 truck pull show by the Southern New England Truck Pullers Association, will open activities beginning at approximately 4 p.m. 
The Woodstock Fair is in the midst of planning for a project that will extend its pulling ring facility to 325 feet to accommodate those trucks.
It is hoped in the future that this new pull ring will also host not only activities during the annual Fair but also non-Fair related events.
The antique tractor and animal pulls will continue to use the facility which will, in addition to the much lengthier track, also feature updated lighting, sound and an announcer’s facility.
The Woodstock Fair will also add something that has not occurred since the 150th anniversary celebration.
The 164th edition of the Fair will have a fantastic fireworks display over the Fairgrounds beginning at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 28.
The new opening is taking place because the events that will take place on Thursday will not interfere with or cause stress for animals who will be on the grounds on Friday. 
In addition, the Fiesta Shows midway, Kiddieland, which features rides for younger children, and selected food booths will also be open as of 4 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 28.
There will also be a special admission price for Thursday only.
The fair buildings and other vendors, including the remainder of the food vendors, will open on Friday at noon. 
The entertainment stages and on-grounds entertainment will also begin on Friday.  
The agricultural exhibits and competitions, including all the animal barns, will also open on Friday, Aug. 29.

captions: Tree Photo by Mona Lee
Santa and crowd by Dan Cournoyer.