Remember Brockton Fair's greasy food, demolition derby, Fan Dancer? Look back in photos

BROCKTON — The Brockton Fair was an annual staple in the city from 1874 until it was canceled in 2020 due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Pandemic concerns led the owners, the Carney family, to cancel the fair in 2020 and 2021.

Then last year, the family announced that not only was the 2022 edition canceled, but the fair would not return.

Every summer, for nearly 150 years, people from across the region flocked to Brockton over a two-week period to play games, enjoy rides, eat greasy and fried finger foods, visit animal exhibits and watch the demolition derby.

Did you know, in the early days of the Brockton Fair, oxen-pulling was one of the features? Or that The Lennon Sisters and Entertainer John Davidson visited the Brockton fair? And that parking was only $1.50?

Do you remember The "Fan Dancer" Sally Rand, who was scantily dressed with feathers in her hair to entice your entry to see her show? Or Kelly the Candy Man?

What about the "Lucky Teeter" on the race track or the man that rode his motorcycle around the inside of a big wooden barrel?

Take a look back at the 148-year-old summer tradition with Enterprise photos spanning from 1898 to the 2019.

Brockton Fair from 1898 through the 1980s

These photos from 1898 to the 1980s include classic photos taken by Stanley A. Bauman, an oxen pulling, The Lennon Sisters and Entertainer John Davidson, a West Bridgewater native, visiting the Brockton Fair.

Reminisce with these historic photos: Missing the Brockton Fair this year? Reminisce with these historic photos

A look back at the Brockton Fair: A look back at the Brockton Fair

15 years of Brockton Fairs

Some things had changed through the many years of the Brockton Fair — while many hadn't. People from across the region filled the midway each day to play games, eat food and enjoy various shows. The Enterprise had been at every fair in recent years — and here's a look at some of the best photos.

15 years of Brockton fairs in photos: 15 years of Brockton Fairs – in photos!

Brockton Fair photo album 2010: Brockton Fair photo album

Opening day at the Brockton Fair in 2016

Fairgoers had a blast on all kinds of rides at the fair through the years, including the Music Express, Surf City and the "Speedway." Here's a look at some of the rides during opening day of the Brockton Fair in 2016.

2016 Brockton fair photos: The 2016 Brockton Fair opens

See any familiar faces at the fair?: SEEN ON SCENE: Brockton Fair

Take a look at the fair fare

The smell of mouthwatering foods wafted through the air at the Brockton fair. From jerk chicken, to Italian sausages, pizza, fried dough and fries, not to mention cotton candy, ice cream and fried Oreos, the Midway was full of scrumptious temptations.

All's fare at the Brockton Fair: PHOTOS: All's fare at the Brockton Fair

It's more than just fun and games at the fair

From the Ring a Bottle, to Hoop Shot basketball, to Whac-A-Mole, fairgoers could try their luck and put their skills to the test at the many games on the Midway.

Take a look at the games at the fair: PHOTOS: It's more than fun, games at Brockton Fair

Ever-popular demolition derby

Large crowds always gathered to watch the demolition derby. Former Enterprise reporter Ben Paulin won a heat in demolition derby at the Brockton Fair in 2015. Here's a look at the derby action at the Brockton Fair.

Demolition derby photos: Enterprise reporter wins heat in demolition derby at Brockton Fair

Demolition Derby a family affair at fair Demolition Derby a family affair at Brockton Fair

Derby legend back at it: Brockton-area derby legend back at it after heart surgery

Performers at the fair

Family fun at the Brockton Fair included Orlando Gomes of Lima, Peru, as Michael Jackson and performer Alina at a free circus inside the fair, Flying swings in Kiddie Land, and a 4-H goat show.

Family fun photos: Family fun at the Brockton Fair

Last Brockton Fair in 2019: Another year of the Brockton Fair begins in the city

Staff writer Kathy Bossa can be reached by email at kbossa@enterprisenews.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Enterprise today. 

This article originally appeared on The Enterprise: Brockton Fair photos from1898 to 2019