And just like that, the Champlain Valley Fair returns to Essex Junction to herald the changing of the seasons — and allay some of that back-to-school dread. As always, the county classic delivers midway rides, monster truck shows, demolition derbies, carnival games, mind-blowing food offerings, 4-H favorites and stupendous agricultural feats. New this year is the “Honky Tonk Hoedown,” featuring local legend Bob Wagner and his posse of Vermont music icons, including Phish’s Mike Gordon and indomitable singer-songwriter Kat Wright. Before the concert, join the “world’s largest square dance,” which aims to unseat the current Guinness World Record holder. Do-si-do it out of the park, y’all!
