By Lindsey Pizzica Rotolo

The ever evolving Norfolk Farmers Market has a new brainstorm. Their first agricultural fair will be held on Saturday, August 24 in conjunction with the regular farmers market. The event will take place on the lawn of Town Hall as usual, but with extended hours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
A sub-committee comprised of Mary Ann McGourty, Holly Durstin, Grant Mudge and Lisa Auclair is hard at work planning a full lineup for the fair. In addition to the traditional New England agricultural fair exhibits such as vegetables, fruit, flowers and baked goods, there are also some unique categories like produce art.
Entry forms are available at www.norfolkfarmersmarket.org/2013-agricultural-fair/, at the market, or around town, and must be turned in by Saturday, August 17. Entry fees are nominal, just one dollar for each exhibit. First and second place ribbons will be awarded in each category and all the first place finishes will compete for the “Best in Show” distinction. Norfolk residency is not a requirement for participants.
Exhibits for the 2013 Agricultural Fair must be in place by 8 a.m. on the day of the fair, judging of the exhibits will take place at 9 a.m. and gates will open at 10 a.m. Mike Sconyers will judge the fruits and vegetables, Mary Ann McGourty will judge the flowers and Infinity Bistro Chef du Cuisine David Gilmore will judge the baked goods.
Live music throughout the fair will be provided by Corey Bush and Friends. Norfolk Child Care Center will be doing face painting, antique cars and tractors will be on display, the Botelle  PTO will be holding a cake walk fundraiser at 11 a.m., there will be a pie eating contest at noon and Master of Ceremony Grant Mudge will present Best in Show at 1 p.m.
Of particular interest for some will be a water burst with an unnamed town official, among others, available for drenching from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Patrons can also pay a special fee (all proceeds go to offset costs of the fair) to have a friend soaked.
Norfolk Farmers Market is a non-profit organization formed in 2010 thanks to a grant from the State Department of Agriculture and funding from the Coalition for Sound Growth. Annual vendor fees pay for publicity and other expenses.
Several local business and individuals contributed this year to cover the costs of live music and the agricultural fair. That list includes: AB Bazzano Fuels, Betsy Little Real Estate, George’s Norfolk Garage, Hope Childs, Infinity Hall, Locust Lane Realty, Litchfield Hills Mobile Veterinary Clinic, the Manor House, Michael Sconyers and Molly Ackerly, M.I. Integrated Media, Mountain Spirits, Mountain View Inn, National Iron Bank, Norfolk Chamber Music Festival and Theodore Marolda, DDS.