There are agricultural fairs each weekend in western Massachusetts as summer fades into fall. Each fair is distinctive in size and in spirit, and there is much to attract the casual visitor: the fascination of sheep, cows, and other livestock; the agricultural and commercial exhibitions; entertainment by circus performers and amusement-park rides; and booths offering food, amusements, and information of various kinds. The Hampshire, Franklin and Hampden Agricultural Society, established in 1818, has sponsored the Three County Fair every year since 1819. It is now the oldest continuously operated agricultural fair in the nation. At the time of the its founding, the great majority of Northampton's 3500 residents were employed in farming. Photographer Stan Sherer asks, “Who are the people who participate in today’s agricultural fairs?”

Beekeeper Frank Lagrant
and the "bee beard"

Sherer's photographs of the Three County Fair tell us that many are our neighbors: the dairy farmer down the road, the child next door who belongs to the 4-H Club, or the woman across the street who raises rabbits. Shown at right is "Clocker Dan," distributing betting sheets at the horse races. In addition to Sherer’s photographs, items from Historic Northampton’s collection of Three County Fair ephemera will be on display.