All the fun of the fairground: Nostalgic set of photos captures the fun, frivolity and Ferris wheels at the 1941 Vermont State Fair



Fairs have long been an American tradition - an excuse for communities to come together for fun, frivolity and a turn on the Ferris wheel.

A nostalgic collection of images, taken by photographer Jack Delano, superbly captures this slice of Americana, with the 1941 Vermont State Fair in Rutland.



In faded colour, the beautiful pictures, from the Library of Congress, show the sideshows, foodstands and thrill rides of the annual extravaganza, as well as the Rutland residents who eagerly anticipated its arrival each year.



Originally, the Vermont State Fair was a one day gathering but it became a three day event before the turn of the century, and a six day event in 1933.



Now in its 168th year, the Vermont State Fair stretches for two weeks each fall and continues to attract families, teenagers and the elderly when it rolls into town.

A stall attendant quenches his thirst at the Vermont state fair in Rutland

Young girls enjoy the Ferris wheel at the annual event

Performers take a break before a show at the 1941 fair

The Rutland showground attracted scores of families and teens

Some of the rides were more frightening than others

The carnival folk rolled into town with their trailers full of surprises for the September 1941 fair

Photographer Jack Delano captured the colourful scenes

An animal circus was among the delights families enjoyed during the Vermont fair

Children, teens and adults attended the Vermont State Fair in 1941

In faded colour, the images capture smalltown life in the early 1940s

A young man shows his strength on one of the show's attractions

A couple sit by their car at the Vermont state fair in Rutland

A young girl does a hand stand in the grounds of the Vermont fair

A sign advertises the act 'Ruth the Acrobat' at 1941's Vermont state fair

'See Teddy the wrestling bear,' a sign shouts

Circus tents and show rides scatter the fairgrounds in Rutland, Vermont

Brands such as Coca Cola were household names even back in 1941







