This year, the Wapping Fair is coming back to life with better rides, more animals and shows, Paws in the Park, new admission prices, live bands, and unlimited rides.
The Fair has been a place for people to come together and enjoy themselves since 1892. Many people have known the Wapping fair for its diverting rides and fun-loving animals.
That was until last year when the Fair’s administration announced the official cancellation of the annual event. The South Windsor community was hugely distraught about the unexpected decision of the fair coming to an end.
The South Windsor Jaycees Foundation issued a statement saying the fair would be shutting down over the course of the year, mainly due to a lack of volunteers. The Organization then closed the annual events, including the Wapping Fair and Paws in the Park in order to focus its attention on divesting its property and remaining funds.
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One of the kittens that was shown at the Wapping Fair, tiny enough to fit in someone’s hands. (Emily Dalpe)
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One of the animals shown at the Wapping Fair – a tortoise in its enclosure.(Emily Dalpe)
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One of the animals shown at the Wapping Fair – a goat in its enclosure.(Emily Dalpe)
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In remembrance of the Jaycees Foundation, a new group called The Friends of Wapping Fair planned to start running the fair at the well-known John J. Mitchell Fairgrounds.
The new leaders of the Wapping Fair worked to get most of the planning for the fair done a couple of weeks in advance so that everything was prepped and ready for opening day, which was a huge success.
Additionally, The Friends of Wapping Fair is making sure they bring generators, portable bathrooms, sewer systems, and water trucks to support the event. With proper funding, the project will provide electricity, water, and sewer to the fairgrounds.
The 2024 Wapping Fair was enjoyable for all, offering attractions ranging from rides to a petting zoo.
“The fair was really fun. I had an enjoyable time with my friends,” junior, Izabel Dzubin told The Prowl.
The Wapping Fair was held this past weekend and the community is already buzzing about all the new improvements. Some attendees felt the fair was more organized than in previous years, and more safety precautions were put in place.
“I liked the new rides because I felt safer, which made my fair experience better,” explained junior, Arushi Sharma.
The town of South Windsor and its state delegation hope to secure $1 Million in bonds from the state for huge improvements to the John J. Mitchell Fairgrounds.
