
Frogham Fair - New Forest, Hampshire, UK
Posted by:
Dragontree
N 50° 54.913 W 001° 45.291
30U E 587529 N 5641135
Quick Description: This annual festival takes place in the New Forest at Frogham.
Location: Southern England, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 9/24/2009 12:06:57 PM
Waymark Code: WM79N5
Views: 0
Long Description:Every August Bank Holiday Saturday afternoon this country festival
livens up the village when many visitors descend to come to the
fair. This old fashioned festival is located in two fields
belonging to Springfield Farm near the Frogham Crossroads. Another
field provides a place for everyone to park their cars.
The event first started in 1971 and is organised by local
volunteers with proceeds going to the Memorial Hall and local
charities.
There are many features of this event which take place every
year including the terrier racing where people's pet dogs get to
chase a (road-kill) rabbit in a race where bets are made. Dogs are
welcome in the fair as long as they are on leads.
Stalls surround the two main arenas which are divided by a
boundary between the fields with access at the northern end. There
are books, country crafts, WI stand, bric-a-brac and local produce
such as sausages and plants. A popular BBQ, salad bar, bar and
drinks stall sells many hotdogs and burgers amongst other tasty
food. A tea tent provides a shelter and tea and cake. Ice cream is
served from another stall.
Games are plenty with traditional plate smashing and ball
throwing to win a prize. There is a raffle and a train to take you
around the venue. A bouncy castle was available this year (2009)
and in the past laser shooting has been available.
Several charities have their own stands including the New Forest
National Park and the Raptor and Reptile Society.
In the large arena different demonstrations have taken place
over the years. This year saw the quack pack being herded into pens
and over obstacles. Previous years have seen the fantastic
lumberjacks showing their talents and a dedicated stand to
lumberjacks hosts many articles and photographs from the past of
this fascinating trade.
Hurdle making and thumb sticks and other country ware are
available for sale and are demonstrated at different stalls.
Children can enjoy the amusements and punch and judy show as
well as all of the other activities.
The eastern side of the venue traditionally hosts the vintage
vehicles where a large collection can be viewed. Then at the end of
the day the wheelbarrow race up Blissford Hill is run. Go on, give
it a go!