Agricultural fairs or "country fairs" originated in New England, according to the International Association of Fairs & Expositions.

The idea was "initiated" by Elkanah Watson in 1811. IAFE explains that Watson, a "New England patriot and farmer," organized the Berkshire Agricultural Society and hosted a fair in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. "It was not a market, and was more than just an exhibit of animals." Prizes of up to $70 were awards for "the best exhibits of oxen, cattle, swine and sheep."

This hour, we hear how those traditions are carried on in Connecticut.

1 of 4Marla Calico2 of 4"Famous" fritters can be found at the Southington Apple Harvest Festival.John Atashian3 of 4Garlic & Harvest Festival-goers grab garlic-infused bites from hundreds of vendors.Connecticut Garlic & Harvest Festival4 of 4Tammi Worsham (right), chair of the Backyard Beekeeper Association's outreach committee, hosts a booth at the 3rd annual Honey Harvest Festival at the Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens.

Plus, we'll preview three harvest festivals in our state, including the Southington Apple Harvest Festival and the Garlic & Harvest Festival in Bethlehem.

For a full list of this year's agricultural fairs in Connecticut, click here.

Beyond The Big E, here are the fairs and festivals coming up in our state:

• Harwinton Fair (Sept. 30-Oct. 2)
• Southington Apple Harvest Festival (Sept. 30-Oct. 2 and Oct. 7-9)
• South Windsor Apple Festival (Oct. 1)
• Portland Agricultural Fair (Oct. 7-9)
• Riverton Fair (Oct. 7-9)
• Garlic & Harvest Festival in Bethlehem (Oct. 8-9)
• Glastonbury Apple Harvest & Music Festival (Oct. 14-16)
• Mystic Apple Festival (Oct. 22-23)

GUESTS:

• Marla Calico: President & CEO, International Association of Fairs & Expositions
• David Lapreay: Event Coordinator, Southington Apple Harvest Festival; Director of Recreation, Youth & Senior Services, Town of Southington
• Paul Travaglino: Co-Chair, Honey Harvest Festival; Advisory Committee Member, Bartlett Arboretum
• Dave Harkness: Co-Founder and Event Coordinator, Connecticut Garlic & Harvest Festival in Bethlehem

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