A fair (archaic: fayre) is a gathering of people to display or trade produce or other goods, to parade or display animals and often to enjoy associated carnival or funfair entertainment. It is normally of the essence of a fair that it is temporary; some last only an afternoon while others may last as long as ten weeks. Activities at fairs vary widely. Some trade fairs are important regular business events where either products are traded between businesspeople, as at the Frankfurt Book Fair, where publishers sell book rights in other markets to other publishers, or where products are showcased to largely consumer attendees, as for example in agricultural districts where they present opportunities to display and demonstrate the latest machinery on the market to farmers.
Fairs are also known by many different names around the world, such as agricultural show, fĂȘte, county fair, exhibition or state fair, festival, market and show. Flea markets and auto shows are sometimes incorporated into a fair.
Read more about Fair: Fayre, Fairgrounds, History, Free Fairs
Famous quotes containing the word fair:
“The reivers they stole Fair Annie,
As she walked by the sea;
But a noble knight was her ransom soon,
Wi gowd and white monie.”
—Unknown. Fair Annie (l. 14)
“In the greenest of our valleys
By good angels tenanted,
Once a fair and stately palace
Radiant palacereared its head.
In the monarch Thoughts dominion,
It stood there!”
—Edgar Allan Poe (18091849)
“Who chooseth me must give and hazard all he hath.
Must givefor what? for lead, hazard for lead?
This casket threatens. Men that hazard all
Do it in hope of fair advantages;
A golden mind stoops not to shows of dross.”
—William Shakespeare (15641616)