Saddle Up! The New England Rodeo Is Moving to Rochester

The Rochester Fair Grounds have been home to many an attraction. Crowds would gather each summer to take in the rides, the animals and entertainment.

For more than 20 years, families and friends enjoyed corn shucking contests, cow milking competitions, tractor pulls, live music and much more.

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However, times grew tough for the fair and with a global pandemic thrown into the mix, a hard decision was made.

The Rochester County Fair Says Goodbye

Back in 2023, the County Fair posted this to its Facebook page:

"The Rochester County Fair has made the extremely difficult decision to end the fair after 21 years. This decision wasn’t taken lightly and to be honest, we are heartbroken!
We have struggled for the past 5 years with horrific weather, EEE and Covid, leaving us with little staffing and not enough money to keep it going.

So, we decided to use what money we have left towards scholarship’s, what a perfect way to invest in our children’s future! We will be offering 2 scholarships to graduating students from ORR, Old Colony and Bristol Aggie. The forms will be available at each of these schools within the next couple of weeks. Students, if you are interested, contact your guidance office.
Words can not express the gratitude for all those who volunteered for all those years. It definitely took a village! And thank you to all who supposed the fair.
We wish you all the best!"

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Something New to Look Forward To

Now, the grounds will come alive once more as the New England Rodeo takes center stage. It was announced this week that the bull riding and barrel racing competition will come to Rochester as its new home for the 2025 season.

Running June 1 through September 30, the Tri-Town and beyond can gather together at the once-abandoned fairgrounds for an action-packed event.

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The New England Rodeo is using the space as it prepares for a fresh start all its own, stating on its Facebook page:

"We’re thrilled to announce that for the 2025 season, New England Rodeo will be temporarily moving to the Rochester Fairgrounds! This move allows us to continue bringing you the rodeo action you love while we work hard behind the scenes on something even bigger — our very own new property, which we hope to call home for the 2026 season."

So grab your hats and boots and get ready to ride into a fun summer in Rochester.