The 85th edition of the Cannon Grange Agricultural Fair will take place this Sunday, Aug. 27, rain or shine. All of the activities take place inside Wilton’s historic Cannon Grange Hall located at 25 Cannon Rd., and on its grounds alongside the Norwalk River.

There are many activities for children, youth and adults along with the chance to win a prize ribbon for submitted entries for judging. A new category for 2017 is Water-Color painting, open to all ages. Among the other categories for competition are the typical Agricultural Fair contests:  baking, needlework and sewing, crafts, photography, fruits and vegetables, flowers, and small farm animals.

There are four special, sponsored baking contests for adults and children:

  • Adult Baking Contest, sponsored by King Arthur Flour Co., with a precise recipe for Cinnamon Swirl Bread
  • Junior Baking Contest, sponsored by King Arthur Flour Co., with a precise recipe for Iced Oatmeal Applesauce Cookies
  • Two-crust Apple Pie Contest, sponsored by Bishop’s Orchards
  • Cannon Grange Perpetual Trophy Contest for any recipe for an Upside Down Cake (any fruit).

This year, Ridgefield Discovery Center and Wilton Library are featuring an onsite demonstration of 3-D printing, and are inviting children to submit for judging an article they have “printed” of something found on a farm. Also fun for families is the Watermelon Eating Contest, hosted by the Kirchof family, at the end of the day.

Also, there will be a number of selected concessionaires on the grounds selling their wares,

“The Cannon Grange Fair is a fun event for all ages. We set up on our grounds and inside the Hall, making it a safe and comfortable atmosphere for all to enjoy the exhibits. It recalls Wilton’s rural past and allows people to step back 50, 60 or 85 years!” says Doug Shepherd, a Grange member for more than 20 years.

Michele Clark, the Grange’s secretary, agrees.

“The exhibits are beautiful, and it is amazing to see what children and adults can prepare for judging.”

Rules and regulations for submitting exhibits are contained in the 85th Anniversary Fair Book, a blue-covered booklet available from area merchants, as well as at Wilton’s Town Hall and the Wilton Library. The Fair Book is also available online along with a downloadable entry form.