The third weekend in September is always the host to a long-standing tradition in Guilford, the annual Guilford Fair. Started as a Cattle Show in the fall of 1859, it has become one of the oldest agricultural institutions that still enjoy the fairness of competition and the value of an agricultural education.

This year is no exception for the Guilford Fair. We have a world class horse and oxen pull that should not be missed as well as the only donkey and mule show in the state. There will be demonstrations on spinning wool, rope making, open hearth cooking and more.

For those of the competitive spirit, we have something for everyone. You can enter any of your homegrown tomatoes, squash, peppers, corn, flowers and more. You can also enter into the baking, banned goods, arts and crafts, needlework and photography competitions as well as collectables in the Junior and Adult classes.

No country fair is complete without entertainment. Activities include a children’s zoo with camel and pony rides, midway, the annual Family Circus (performing two times on Friday and three on Saturday); and a magic act with David Garrity.

Entertainment includes the sounds of the Eagle on Friday night with Another Tequila Sunrise, an Eagles tribute band. Saturday night headliner is Dylan Scott. Scott’s vocal begins on his single “Crazy Over Me,” intimate, even conversational, and then soars on a rush of buoyant emotion, you know something special is underway. On Sunday, Coyote River Band performs at noon and 2 p.m.