Our Purpose

"This association shall provide support and leadership to member fairs, through its executive committee, periodic correspondence and meetings, including but not limited to the annual meeting."

Our Mission

"To encourage, promote and preserve agricultural activities in the commonwealth through its members and their individual programs.  The Association seeks to further these interests by educating the general public regarding the importance of agricultural history and knowledge within individual communities and across the state."

Our History

The history of the MAFA is part of the history of fairs in America.  Massachusetts and the nation have come a long way in the number and development of fairs since Elkanah Watson exhibited his two Marino sheep on the public square in Pittsfield in 1807.  The Massachusetts born Watson is without question “the father of American Fairs” as we know them today.  The Berkshire Agricultural Society was incorporated on February 25, 1811 and the first Fair help in this country was in Pittsfield in 1814.  Three agricultural societies were incorporated in Massachusetts in 1818 included Essex Agricultural Society at Topsfield; Hampshire, Franklin, & Hampden at Northampton; and Worcester Agricultural at Worcester.  The Topsfield Fair and the Northampton Fair (3 County) are still operating as Agricultural Societies and sponsors annual Fairs.