NORTH BRANFORD, CT — The North Branford Potato and Corn Festival, affectionately known as the PoCo Fest, opens Thursday, after being shuttered for two years due to the pandemic.

But the four-day fest is back for 2022, and promises to be bigger and better than ever.

Hosted by the North Branford Parks & Recreation Department, the PoCo fest was created to celebrate the role of agriculture in North Branford. Its mission was also to highlight local businesses, groups, non-profits, and organizations during a weekend of family fun and entertainment. It started as a one-day event back in 2002, in a hay field at the former Augur Farm on Rt. 22, and over the years, grew into a four-day festival enjoyed by tens of thousands.

This year, the festival runs from Thursday through Sunday. It features agricultural exhibits and events like tractor pulls, fair food from dozens of vendors, music from local and regional bands, potato sack races and corn shucking contests, a midway with rides and games, dozens of craft vendors, and fireworks.

For locals, Thursday is North Branford Day at the fair where residents get a $10 ticket discount, and, half-price parking.

Admission to the PoCo Festival is free, but there are fees for on-site parking and rides wristbands.

Where: Augur Field, 290 Forest Road, Northford

When: Thursday, Aug. 4 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. (North Branford Day)

Friday, Aug. 5 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 6 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 7 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Food vendors: See full list here.

Thursday, August 4 ~ 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, August 5 ~ 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, August 6 ~ 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday, August 7 ~ 11 a.m. to 5 p.m

Wristbands are available daily: $35 on Thursday, Friday & Sunday; $45 for full-day Saturday. 4-Day All Day Wristbands - $60 Buy those tickets here.

Free games and contests: All weekend

Craft & Business Expo: All weekend.See list here.

Petting zoo with Tripledale Farm: All weekend

Live music & entertainment schedule:

Thursday: 6 p.m. The Mediums and 7:30 p.m. G-Network

Friday: 6:30 p.m. The Kerry Boys, 8:30 p.m. Gear Junkies

Saturday: 11 a.m. Jonha Gionfriddo, 11 a.m. Vocal Productions, 11:30 a.m. School of Rock, 3:30 p.m. Pat Russo Band, 5:30 p.m. Kingdom of Jones and 7:30 p.m. Leaf Jumpers

Sunday: 11:30 a.m. Mark Abelli, 11:30 a.m. Dance Showcase, 1 p.m. Take 2 and Call Me in the Morning, and at 1 p.m. Encanto Kids Musical

Car & Motorcycle Show on Friday, Aug. 5 Tractor Pull on Friday, Aug. 5 at 5 p.m. Antique Tractor Pull on Saturday, Aug. 6 at 11 a.m. Fireworks on Saturday, Aug. 6 at 9:15 p.m.

Parking: Limited on-site parking and handicap parking is $20, cash-only. But, there's free off-site parking with free shuttle service available at Jerome Harrison Elementary School, 335 Foxon Road, North Branford

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