Fun and food at 200th Topsfield Fair

Will the record be smashed in the Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off? What’s softer to the touch, a baby bunny or a newborn chick?

More importantly, where’s the closest fried dough stand, and is it near Learned’s Apple Crisp, where they pile the pastry with ice cream, whipped cream, caramel sauce, and hot fudge?

The 200th version of the Topsfield Fair begins Friday and continues through Oct. 8, with agricultural exhibits, games, rides, and entertainment. Highlights of opening weekend include the pumpkin weigh-off (where the winning fruit will be more than seven times heavier than Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski) beginning at 4 p.m. Friday.

The grand parade steps off from Topsfield Common at 9 a.m. Saturday (Bruins legend Johnny Bucyk is one of the grand marshals), and fireworks will go off that night at 9:30. Among Sunday’s highlights, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Musical Ride struts at 2 and 6 p.m.

Fair hours are 1 to 10 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sunday, and through Oct. 7; and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on closing day, Oct. 8. For details and tickets, visit topsfair.org.

See article on Boston Globe site: https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2018/09/23/fun-and-food-topsfield-fair/7DsRCewirT2mHYowdFepDK/story.html