One of the most highly anticipated features of the Granite State Fair involves destruction, and the crowds love it.
The demolition derby and the school bus demolition derby are wildly popular. This year, the school bus derby will have an eye-catching twist.
Local artist Spenser Macleod is working feverishly to add murals to the buses, each highlighting a local business sponsor, and he is OK with the fact all his work will be smashed up.
“I love the fair and while my work will be short-lived, I hope people enjoy it before the demolition,” Macleod said. “When I was asked to do it, it just seemed like a fun way to be involved.”
Macleod is a resident of Kennebunk, Maine. He said he has been painting murals for about 10-12 years. His work can be seen around the Seacoast and Tri-City areas in New Hampshire and around Maine, where he has a new one in progress in Portland.
“About four years ago, I quit my full-time job and now I just do what I love,” he said. “Usually my schedule is pretty booked but the stars aligned so I went for it.”
Macleod recently worked with Devin Powell of Nostos MMA and Conditioning Facility in Somersworth, creating art for the walls of the Somersworth gym. He said he is working with Amy Regan and Matt Wyatt, who are associate directors of the Rochester Museum of Fine Arts, to create three murals that will be displayed in the city’s downtown next spring.
Five buses for the Granite State Fair had been completed. MacLeod said he wants to do at least five more before the school bus demolition derby scheduled for Sept. 26, the grand finale for the fair.
“I actually think it will be pretty cool to watch,” he said.
When is the Granite State Fair in Rochester?
The Granite State Fair was originally established as the Rochester State Fair in the 1800s. This year’s fair runs Thursdays-Sundays, Sept. 17-20 and 24-27 at the 72 Lafayette St. fairgrounds.
Initially established to promote agriculture and mechanical displays, the fair includes a midway with rides, games and food, agricultural displays, vendors and entertainment. Circus Hollywood has been a long-time staple, and fairgoers can compete in tournaments like cornhole, and a frying pan toss.
Granite State Fair leader shares must-know details
Mark Perry has been fair manager since 2001.
“This is my 60th year being involved with the fair,” Perry said. “I started as a 4H kid and have been involved in one way or another ever since. Everyone of us here has extended family members who are involved.”
Perry said the online sales for the school bus derby are sold out, but not to fret.
“We will always have some tickets at the door,” Perry said. “We always save some back for the grandstand. I think we have a few hundred tickets.”
Perry said the 2026 fair will offer some new attractions.
“One of the new things we’ve done is that we are setting up an old-time arcade in one building with vintage arcade games to see and play and even some new ones,” said Perry. “We’ll have things like Skee-Ball and a fortune teller. It will take you back to your childhood and beach arcades.” He said there will be about 60 games.
A tradition coming back this year are oxen pulling demonstrations.
“A lot of our focus has always been on our agricultural shows,” Perry said. “We also have horse pulling demos scheduled, and a lumberjack contest.”
Perry stressed the safety of their midway rides.
“They are plenty safe,” he said. “They are state inspected, by people who really know their business every time they set up. Those are very heavily regulated and to us safety is very important.”
Granite State Fair entrance fee and ticket information
Thursdays and Fridays, the fair and midway opens at 4 p.m. On Saturdays and Sundays, the fair opens at 10 a.m., and the midway at noon, for both weekends.
Fair admission tickets can be purchased on an advance pre-sale. Starting Sept. 17, the admission fee is $12 per person, with children under the age of 8 free, and active and retired military also free with a valid ID. On Thursdays, Sept. 17 and 24, senior citizens will be admitted for $5.
A “Megapass” which includes admission and unlimited midway rides for one entire day, can be purchased for $45 per person.
Wristbands, which give wearer the right to unlimited rides during specific times do not include fair admission. They will be sold for $25 per person online and $30 onsite. Fridays are excluded and they are only valid during the following times:
- Thursday, Sept. 24, 4 p.m.-close
- Saturday, Sept. 26, noon-4 p.m.
- Sunday, Sept. 27, 1-5 p.m. or 5 p.m.-close
Fair parking tickets are $10 per car.
Demolition derby dates and ticket prices
School bus derby
- Friday, Sept. 25, 7 p.m.
- Saturday, Sept. 26, 7 p.m.
General seating is $15 per person, infants 18 months and under free with fair admission ticket required. Premium box seating is $200 per half box (six seats) with infants 18 months and under free with fair admission tickets required.
Demolition derby (cars)
- Sunday, Sept. 27, 4 p.m.
General seating is $12 per person, infants 18 months and under free with fair admission ticket required. Premium box seating is $124 per half box (six seats) with infants 18 months and under free with fair admission tickets required.
More events
Circus Hollywood: Daily, schedule to be determined, included with fair admission.
Information: granitestatefair.com
This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat. Reporting by Karen Dandurant.
