The South Windsor Wapping Fair is an annual event that began in 1892 and was discontinued after its 131st anniversary in 2023 due to the closure of the South Windsor Jaycees Foundation, its longtime organizer. The foundation was closed due to financial struggles after the COVID-19 pandemic.
To salvage this tradition, the responsibility of the fair was taken on by a new community group, The Friends of the Wapping Fair. Held at the John J. Mitchell Fairgrounds, this year marks the 133rd fair anniversary.
The fair is a beloved tradition in South Windsor that marks the end of summer, and serves as a way to kick off the fall season. The community looks forward to this event every year as it is a great opportunity for the town to gather and enjoy fall festivities.
The community’s love for the fair is what made its return possible after 2023. This year’s first night attendance doubled in comparison to last year, largely due to the discounted tickets. Attendees who donated canned food items for the South Windsor Food and Fuel Bank received a discounted ticket, to encourage attendance and accommodate the high demands of the SWFFB.
Another way the fair has improved from previous years is the influx of volunteers the foundation has recruited from the South Windsor community, including many high school students. Cheerleader at South Windsor High School, Gabriella Sozzani, volunteered alongside her teammates as a representation of SWHS, using the fair as a fundraising opportunity.
President of The Friends of the Wapping Fair, Sonja Starkel, explained the many moving parts that go into organizing such a large event. A lot has to come together for the fair to be possible such as setting up, getting vendors, volunteers, and so much more. Those in charge of the event work year round to make this a possibility.
“Organizing the fair is a yearlong labor of love; myself, my board members and other organizers must work all year to put everything in place,” Starkel told The Prowl.
Some main attractions of the fair include live music and entertainment, rides, food trucks, local vendors, and different cultural exhibits.
However, a fan favorite for most fairgoers was the rides: the ferris wheel, pirate ship, and the hang glider ride received the most attention.
“My favorite part of the fair was probably the ferris wheel because it was fun to see the whole fair from up there,” sophomore Emma Gordan said.
In addition to rides, South Windsor residents were awestruck by the Lady Blaze’s fire show. Attendees of all ages were captivated by the fire twirling, eating and breathing.
While the Wapping fair’s attractions are a prominent part of the event, it is its history that makes it special for the town, as its rebuilding would not have been possible without the efforts from those who plan and attend the fair each year.
With this dedication and support from the community and those in charge of the fair it will continue to be a tradition each year that fairgoers can look forward to.
