Vermont State Fair
The Vermont State Fair, established in 1846, is one of the nation’s oldest state fairs. Originally held in Castleton, the fair traveled to several locations throughout Rutland County before settling into its permanent home in Rutland in 1856. Today, the fair is renowned for its welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere, particularly with the wide range of exciting rides found in the midway area.
ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT
Commercial vendors and crafters will be present at the event. Food vendors will offer favorites like fried dough with different toppings, pizza, sandwiches, hot dogs, burgers, and candy apples. Treats made with maple sugar are popular among food vendors. There is a midway with carnival rides, including a Ferris wheel, carousels, a swing, and a hammer. Local equestrians also compete in fun events that are perfect for all ages in a fully-featured arena.
ON-SITE AMENITIES
The Vermont State Fairgrounds offers storage for vehicles ranging from motorcycles to cars. You also have access to electrical and water hookups, as well as pull-through sites when camping at the fairgrounds.
LOCATION
The Vermont State Fair is in the city of Rutland in Rutland County. The address is 175 South Main Street, Rutland, Vermont.
RVING AT THE EVENT
The Vermont State Fair is an ideal destination for RVers, especially for those who want to make the most of their visit by staying longer than just a day. It offers RV camping right at the fairgrounds. If you're planning to stay overnight or for an extended period, you’ll need to pay in advance and secure a permit that can be obtained through the Vermont State Fair website. If you don't own an RV, renting an RV in Vermont is a convenient option. With a wide selection of RVs available, you can easily find one that meets your needs, offering flexibility and comfort during your stay. You might also want to consider staying at a nearby RV campground. Here are a few to choose from. Country Village Campground is within five miles of Leicester and its amenities include two lakes, a river, and hiking trails. If you’ve brought your car, you’re within easy driving distance of most of the state. Lake Champagne RV has a beautiful Green Mountains location. A swimming lake provides a refreshing place to cool off after visiting the fair. When you decide to explore, you’ll find opportunities like golfing, museums, the Barre granite quarries, and other wonders nearby. Half Moon Pond State Park has a pond in a forested setting. Canoeing is one of its more popular activities. You can also go swimming in the pristine waters, and explore hiking trails picking up at the water's edge. This park falls within the boundaries of Bomoseen State Park, giving you even more to explore. Stillwater State Park is a true wilderness within Groton State Forest. Lake Groton provides a beautiful, pristine swimming environment. If you've brought a bike along, you'll find plenty of trails that are great to explore, with differing difficulty levels. Fishing enthusiasts have plenty of great opportunities on the lake. You can also go hiking if you like. Here are some tips for your trip: • Bring your cool weather gear when you take your RV trip. Vermont is one of the states in the continental United States with lower average temperatures than most others, even during the summer months. You'll want to keep a light jacket at hand in the early morning and evening hours. • Dispersed camping is popular throughout Vermont, and includes areas big enough to accommodate RVs. However, many of the roads leading to these sites are hard to navigate. You may want to avoid dispersed sites hard to access in the event of mechanical issues. • Since Vermont is a relatively small state, you can see a lot more in less time. Another benefit is that admission to some parks comes with admission to others in the area. Half Moon Pond State Park comes with admission to six others in the area, for example.
WHERE TO STAY
The closest hotels to the fair are accessible from Route 4. Some hotels popular with fair attendees include: • Hampton Inn Rutland • Best Western Inn & Suites Rutland-Killington • Mountain Sports Inn Some of the top-rated hotels are in nearby Killington and Mendon. These hotels are mainly 3 and 4-star, offering the types of amenities in the highest demand in the area. Most of these hotels have parking easily accommodating RVs.
HOW TO GET THERE
From the north: Take Route 7 south from Middlebury. Continue south on Route 7 and follow signs toward Rutland. Once in Rutland, turn left onto South Main Street. The fair will be on your left. From the south: Take Route 7 north from Manchester. Continue north on Route 7 toward Rutland. Upon entering Rutland, turn right onto South Main Street. 175 South Main Street will be on your right. From the east: Take Route 4 west from Woodstock. As you approach Rutland, turn onto Route 7 south. Continue on Route 7 and turn left onto South Main Street. From the west: Take Route 4 east from West Rutland. Continue east toward Rutland, and once you enter the city, turn onto Route 7 south. Then turn left onto South Main Street.
PARKING
The Vermont State Fait has a lot of parking available. It is free, and there is plenty of space to accommodate RVs of different sizes.
TICKETS & PRICING
General admission for individuals aged 13 and older is $12. Seniors, aged 65 and older, receive a discounted rate of $6. Children aged 5 and under can enter for free. Please note that special admission prices are available on select days during the fair. You can purchase your tickets to the Vermont State Fair from their website.
WRAP UP
The Vermont State Fair stands out as one of the state's premier events, offering a unique experience for visitors. With its vibrant atmosphere and diverse attractions, it's the perfect starting point for exploring Vermont's stunning natural beauty. Traveling by RV allows you to effortlessly journey through the state, discovering its picturesque landscapes, charming towns, and outdoor wonders along the way. One of the best ways to stay up-to-date on the latest news about the fair is by checking out its official website. You can also follow the fair on Facebook for more of the latest information. official event updates.
Please note, this is not the official source of the event information. While we try to be as comprehensive as possible, some details may have changed since the time this article was written. Please confirm final details with the official event page .
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