Grand Parade: What to Know About the Topsfield Fair on Saturday, Oct. 5

Saturday, Oct. 5 is the second day of the 2013 Topsfield Fair, the oldest fair in the country.

Gates open at 10 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. at the Essex Agricultural Society's Fairground at 207 Boston St. (Route 1) in Topsfield. The agricultural buildings close at 10 p.m.

The weather forecast calls for a cloudy day with a high temperature in the upper 60s with the chance of a quick shower.

There will be two Monster Truck shows in the Arena, one at 5 p.m. and another at 8 p.m. If any tickets are available, it is $15 per person in addition to the fair admission.

The Grand Parade starts at 9 a.m. at Topsfield Common and makes it way down Main Street to Maple Street and through the main entrance for the opening ceremonies and flag-raising at 10 a.m.

The Junior King and Queen Pageant will start at 11:30 a.m. on the Trianon Stage.

In the grandstand, it is the second of three days of Dock Dogs competition. It is free with admission and runs all day.

The 2013 American Honey Queen Caroline Adams and 2013 Essex County Honey Ambassador Stephen Sample will both be in the Beekeeping Building all day.

In the Essex County Farmyard (the grassy area in front of Coolidge Hall), the Essex County Sheriff's Department's K-9 Unit will be on display at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m..

On Arena Road (the road between the pig barn and arena), a High Dive Show will perform at noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Performers on the Trianon Stage will include Dalton and the Sherrifs from 1:30 p.m. through 3:30 p.m., Shana Stack Band from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Jessica Prouty Band at 8 p.m.

Admission is weekend pricing - $15 for adults on Saturday. Children under eight are free with a paying adult. Parking is $10 per car. Satellite parking for $5 will also be available at Masconomet Regional High School and the Danvers campus of North Shore Community College with free shuttle bus service on back roads with less traffic to get to the fair.