Fair Dates & Events Schedule

Did you know the United Nations declared 2026 the International Year of Women Farmers, and we want to be part of it!

We have so many wonderful women who have been exhibiting at the Cummington Fair and supporting the local agricultural community that we wanted to recognize some of these amazing farmers!

We asked the community to nominate, and here is a list of the women who were recognized at the 2026 Cummington Fair

 

Our first recipient is Jeanette Horton

             Nominated by Gail Spring & Susan Williams Unis

Jeanette grew up on a farm on Norwich Hill, helping her father with his cows, haying in the summer and maple sugaring. She and Jack (her husband) bought the farm in 1965 and dairy farmed for years. She exhibited cows, vegetables, as well as baked goods at the Cummington Fair. She sold pumpkins, gourds and Indian corn at her farm for 50 years.

We were told she was the best 4-H leader.  She was the 4-H leader for the Fabulous Farmers dairy club for 40 years

An absolute icon and the nicest, kindest, most beautiful person you will ever know. She is still living on the farm.

Congratulation Jeanette

 

Our second recipient is Cynthia Joyner

Nominated by Julie Jarnagin

Cynthia’s interest in agriculture began at an early age when she would walk to her Uncle Charlie’s farm and help with chores. When she was old enough, her Uncle presented her with a team of oxen, which she trained and performed at the Cummington Fair her “teeter totter” act. After graduating to the drawing ring she outpulled the men in many competitions while never using a whip. 

Cynthia married Clark Joyner in 1956 and bought their dairy farm in Cummington. They built there milking herd of 200+ Holsteins and close to 350 head. She milked the herd every day, helped with field work, raised calves, did the bookwork for the farm and raised and cared for her family. She was an avid gardener and exhibited her vegetables and flowers at the fair for many years.        Congratulations Cynthia

 

Our third recipient is Nicole Schwab

Nominated by Faith Bisbee and Kate Rose

Nicole from Fletcher Farm in Southampton brings passion to the dairy world.  She is dedicated to the Holstein and Jersey Breeds and to farm viability. She works closely with 4-H, New England Holstein, Mass Jersey and many other groups. As a farmer she has inspired many young people to join the field of agriculture. 

Nicole has devoted her life to her farm and sharing her passion with others. 

Congratulations Nicole

 

Our next recipient is Mershele Springstube

Nominated by Alexandra Springstube

Mershele has been involved in agriculture ever since she was a little girl. She moved from England and married her husband, who was a dairy farmer. Mershele helped with all the dairy operations. When her children were young, she got involved with 4-H and FFA, where they raised and showed chickens, sheep and rabbits. Cummington fair was the first show they ever exhibited at and they have been showing sheep for over 20 years at Cummington. She has inspired many youth into the agricultural field. 

Congratulations Mershele

 

Our next recipient is Jan Loux

Nominated by Nathan Loux

Jan moved to Cummington in 1983 and her and her family began raising sheep in 1985. She played a vital role in the marketing of Busy Corner Farm lamb sales. She did numerous lamb tastes at the Big E and other local fairs to get the folks sampling lamb products. Her and her family have exhibited at the Cummington Fair every year in both 4-H and open shows. 

Congratulation Jan

 

Our next recipient is Launie York

Nominated by Terri Mitchell

Launie, a lifelong farmer from Shelburne, grew up showing her cattle and sheep at hilltown fairs in 4-H, including Cummington Fair. She was a 4-H leader for more than 40 years. On her farm, she raises all livestock and has shown the family’s Cheviot sheep for almost 60 years. She always made time to mentor youth and adults looking to learn about agriculture and start their own projects. 

Congratulations Launie

 

Our next recipient is Katy Callahan

Nominated by Brian Callahan

Katy began farming six years ago when we purchased our small farm in Richmond, Massachusetts. Although she did not come from a farming background, she has dedicated herself to learning the skills and knowledge needed to help make our farm successful. Over the past three years, she has entered her flowers in the Cummington Fair, earning numerous first- and second-place ribbons in several floral categories.

Katy is deeply committed to her family, friends, and community. She is always willing to lend a helping hand and generously shares her time and talents with others. She has a  passion for farming and a dedication to her community

Congratulations Katy

 

Our next recipient is Anne Porter

Nominated by Faith Bisbee

Anne from Porter Family Farm in Ashfield is essential in bringing community into the farm. Through her camp, she exposes hundreds of valley children to the joys of animals and farming. She has also created events that build community among horse people of all ages with cattle sorting events, open ring rides and clinics. She does this with poise and grace that welcomes and supports people and her animals.

Congratulations Anne

 

Our next recipient is Beverly Chappell Moulton

Nominated by Kim Rida

Beverly is a 3rd-generation ox puller. She has participated in the Cummington fair for many years, showing her cattle in the open show classes and winning the ox teamsters challenge many times. 

Congratulations Beverly 

 

Our next recipient is Bridget Rida

Nominated by Katelynn Adams

Farming has been a part of Bridget’s life since childhood. As a young girl, she was deeply involved in 4-H, where she gained the knowledge, confidence, and passion for agriculture that continue to guide her today. She helps play an essential role in Morning Dew Farm operations while also raising four children. Bridget also helps organize two youth livestock shows where she mentors and encourages the next generation of agricultural leaders. Her lifelong commitment to agriculture, her leadership in the farming community and her dedication to supporting youth make her an outstanding role model.

Congratulations Bridget

 

Our next recipient is Laurie Balawender Cuevas

Nominated by Jim Thomas

Laurie attended the Cummington Fair as a baby with her parents, who showed dairy cattle.  Laurie showed there for many years, first herself, then with her kids and 4-H club. She has also exhibited vegetables, photography, hay, flowers and baked goods. Laurie with her partner Jim milk over 100 goats at Thomas Farm in Sunderland, where they also make cheese. She is an enthusiastic member of the ag community and is a mentor to many. 

Congratulations Laurie

 

Our next recipient is Melissa Griffin

Nominated by Sarah Crowell

Melissa has shown her dairy cattle at Cummington every year since 1990. She has been a judge for the fair, helping support youth and 4-H kids learn and grow their skills. She currently operates Clesson Brook Farm with her parents. She is  a board member of the Agri-Mark and Ma Holstein Association. 

Congratulations Melissa

 

Our next recipient is Marjorie Rida

Nominated by Sarah Crowell

Marjorie has been a dairy exhibitor for many years. She has supported the local dairy 4-H with fitting clinics and judging. She was recently welcomed to the US Ayrshire Breeds Association’s Board of Directors and is an owner-operator of Ridale Genetics in Cummington with her husband Ryan.      Congratulations Marjorie 

 

Our next recipient is Faith Everett Bisbee

Nominated by Sarah Crowell

Faith grew up on Hemenway Hill Farm in Williamsburg. She has been a dairy exhibitor at the Cummington Fair since she was a kid. She has supported many local 4-H dairy, beef, and oxen clubs as a leader and mentor for many years. She is currently the president of the Hampshire County 4-H fair, which is held annually at the Cummington Fairgrounds. She further brings education to her community with her pulling horse teams from Clay Hill Farm, which she owns and operates with her husband Donnie and their children. 

Congratulations Faith

 

Our next recipient is Carrie Sears

Nominated by Sarah Crowell

As a dairy farmer and former 4-H dairy member, Carrie Chickering-Sears has a deep passion for agriculture. Carrie started as a 4-H Extension Educator focused on animal science based in Franklin and Hampshire Counties. Carrie ran the judging contest at the Cummington Fair for several years. Carrie supports local youth through judging and leasing animals. She created several summertime 4-H livestock academies at UMass Amherst that have evolved into great successes. Carrie continues her work with the Guernsey Dairy Breed and was given the Master Breeder Award in 2023 at the Guernsey National Convention.

Carrie is judging a dairy show today and couldn’t be here. 

 

Our next recipient is Judy Harris

Nominated by Cynthia Harris

Judy’s lifelong commitment to agriculture began as a young 4-H member growing up on her family’s farm with her five sisters and parents who ran the local Ludlow 4-H club. Judy exhibited a single cow and sheep. Seventy years later, she remains a devoted 4-H alumna whose passion for livestock and youth development has touched countless lives. 

Judyʼs unwavering commitment to agriculture, youth leadership, livestock conservation and service to the farming community has made her an outstanding role model. Her legacy is measured not only by the sheep she has raised, but by the generations of young people, family members and fellow exhibitors she has inspired through more than seventy years of dedication to 4-H, decades of supporting Cummington Fair through sheep showing and supporting from the stands in recent years and the agricultural industry is strong because of this type of woman.

Congratulations Judy

 

Our next recipient is Amanda Crowe

Nominated by Erica Damon

Amanda is a first-generation beef farmer who, when she sets a goal, doesn’t rest until she achieves it. She brings local beef to the table without sacrificing care or quality. 

Congratulations Amanda

 

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2026  What you need to know…

*Cornhole Tournament Thursday night to benefit the Hillside Agricultural Scholarship (more info here)

*3 acres of additional parking on the hill

*Online tickets go on sale in early July. Discounted until the fair opens on August 27th at 4 pm

All tickets, including online tickets, do not include parking

*Merchandise Booth: T-shirts, Sweatshirts, Sunglasses, Blankets, Coffee Mugs, and so much more! Booth under the pulling arena grandstands, come by and say Hi!

 

GOLDEN WEDDING CONTEST ONLINE ENTRY BLANK

GOLDEN WEDDING entry form to print and mail in

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ONLINE TICKET SALES AVAILABLE JULY 1

 

 

 

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