Three County Fair—the Hampshire, Franklin & Hampden Agricultural Society was formed and incorporated by a special act of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts state legislature in 1818. The Hampshire, Franklin & Hampden Agricultural Society is a non-profit organization and the purpose of the Society was then as it is now: “To promote agriculture, agricultural education, and agricultural science in the Commonwealth.” Exhibitions, displays, competitions and demonstrations were the “tools of choice” as the Society went about fulfilling its purpose. Premiums are still awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places in a variety of agricultural and domestic categories. Over two centuries later, and without interruption, the Fair has evolved to offer a variety of experiences for its Fairgoers from farmers sharing their farming techniques, carnivals, games, thoroughbred horse racing (which ended in 2005), livestock demonstrations, crafts, demolition derbies, music, foods and unique entertainment performances as we prepare for harvest.—3countyfair.com
Oxbow Waterski Show Team performs along the Oxbow in Northampton, Massachusetts. The Oxbow (also known as the Ox-Bow) is an extension of the Connecticut River, located in Northampton, Massachusetts. It is famous for its appearance in the 1836 painting The Oxbow by Thomas Cole.