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Tractor Pulls And Petting Zoos: Hopkinton State Fair Turns 98

The Hopkinton State Fair celebrates its 98th season this Labor Day weekend.

Of course, it wouldn’t be the Hopkinton State Fair without a good, old fashioned tractor pull.

Onlookers cheer a good effort, then make their way to one of many classic events like the magic show, or…the petting farm.

Nine-year-old Gabe Brigham of Goffstown gets up close and personal with a few of the animals.

“I’ve pet some. Um, goats and sheep and stuff.”

Fran Crowell of New London says coming to the fair is an end-of-summer tradition in her family.

She’s here with her two daughters in law and five grandchildren.

“I think it’s a little less commercial than some of the other fairs. I’m not a big demolition derby fan, but the horse pulling is fun, the ox pulling is fun. And then the onion rings. You gotta have the onion rings!”

Ah yes, the food.

The Merrimack County 4-H club serves up about 500 roasted chickens every day.

Volunteer Wayne Morse says the chickens cook for two and a half hours, while getting sprayed with a special sauce.

“A gallon of cider, half gallon of water, three quarts cup of salt, and a pound of butter. And they’re a pretty tasty item.”

The Hopkinton State Fair runs through Monday.

Michael serves as NHPR's Program Director. Michael came to NHPR in 2012, working as the station's newscast producer/reporter. In 2015, he took on the role of Morning Edition producer. Michael worked for eight years at The Telegraph of Nashua, covering education and working as the metro editor.

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