Vermont simply wouldn't be the same without our beloved fairs and festivals. They have always brought communities together and  crowds flock from surrounding towns and beyond. The sights, sounds and smells are distinct and the hustle and bustle of the crowds bursts with energy and anticipation. Whether you go for the food, rides, animals, contests or simply to socialize, we will always love our fairs and return year after year. We have uncovered images from the 1930s and 1940s that allow us to see how much has changed at the fairs over the years... and how much has stayed the same. Let us know what you love most about fairs in Vermont.

1. The "state cop" is the young boy's idol.

1936 in Albany, Vermont in Orleans County.

2. The "girlie" show at the Rutland Fair.

Girls with modest clothing on display at the Rutland Fair in 1941.

3. American Legion carnival near Bellows Falls, Vermont.

August 1941

4. Buying tickets for the snake show at the Rutland Fair.

September 1941

5. The sulky races at the Rutland Fair.

September 1941

6. Trapeze artists at the Rutland Fair.

7. Things saved for many a day are confided at the fair in Albany.

8. Fair at Albany, Vermont. The old timers take to the steps of the general store.

September 1936

9. The wagon has carried them into the fair and now the horses will try for the blue ribbon.

1936 in Albany Vermont, Orleans County

10. Band at the annual fair in Morrisville.

August 1936

11. Much of the talk is about the stock which is proudly shown at the fair in Albany.

September 1936

12. Poster for a side show at the Vermont state fair, Rutland.

September 1941

13. Start of the three-legged race. Fair at Albany, Vermont.

September 1936

14. Children at the Vermont state fair, Rutland.

September 1941

15. Fair day, Morrisville, Vermont.

August 1936

16. Midway attraction, State Fair, Rutland.

September 1937

17. 4-H Club boys taking care of their cows at the State Fair in Rutland.

This scene from 1937 looks like what you'd find at the Tunbridge Fair today.

18. Sideshow at the State Fair in Rutland.

September 1937

19. A ride on the elephant at the Champlain Valley Exposition, Essex Junction, Vermont.

Elephant rides are no longer allowed in the state of Vermont.

20. "Backstage" at the "girlie" show at the Vermont state fair in Rutland.

September 1941

21. A sideshow at the Rutland Fair, Rutland.

September 1941

22. At a sideshow at the Rutland Fair, Rutland.

23. Tunbridge, Vermont. Weight-pulling contest for horses at the "World's Fair."

September 1941

24. Lion's cage at the Champlain Valley Exposition, Essex Junction, Vermont.

This lion's transportation doesn't look very safe! August 1941

25. Old fashioned dances at the "World's Fair" in Tunbridge.

26. Mr. Ed Larkin, seventy-eight year old fiddler at the "World's Fair" in Tunbridge, Vermont.

September 1941

What do you think has stayed the same?  Do you think the changes will ever have a comeback? Share your thoughts and be sure to like this post so we can know you're interested in more features like this.