Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I’m not sure about the new venue. Is it big enough?
A: YES! The Hillsborough County 4-H Youth Center grounds are plenty big enough to host NEAR-Fest. The New Boston location provides a more contiguous layout of vendors and a great atmosphere for the event.
A: YES! The Hillsborough County 4-H Youth Center grounds are plenty big enough to host NEAR-Fest. The New Boston location provides a more contiguous layout of vendors and a great atmosphere for the event.
Q: I’ve heard rumors that the New Boston grounds don’t have enough (or any) water and electrical hookups for campers. Is that true?
A: Absolutely not! There are ample 120-volt, 15-/20-amp outlets for campers and RVs, as well as plenty of water spigots. The layout of these is slightly different, so we ask that campers and overnighters be prepared by bringing an extra extension cord and/or extra water hose, as you may be situated a little further away from them.
A: Absolutely not! There are ample 120-volt, 15-/20-amp outlets for campers and RVs, as well as plenty of water spigots. The layout of these is slightly different, so we ask that campers and overnighters be prepared by bringing an extra extension cord and/or extra water hose, as you may be situated a little further away from them.
Q: I heard that I can come in and camp anytime after 3:00 pm on Thursday. If I show up earlier than that (say at 9:00 am) would I be let in?
A: No! The gates open for campers/overnight guests promptly at 3:00 pm. There will be no area to “stage” on the grounds and wait until the gates open. Effectively, Hilldale Lane will not be open onto the grounds and you will be turned away and will have to find another place on your own to park and wait. Additionally, passes for camping will not be available for sale until shortly before 3:00 pm. TO AVOID CONGESTION, PLEASE TRY NOT TO ARRIVE BEFORE 3PM
A: No! The gates open for campers/overnight guests promptly at 3:00 pm. There will be no area to “stage” on the grounds and wait until the gates open. Effectively, Hilldale Lane will not be open onto the grounds and you will be turned away and will have to find another place on your own to park and wait. Additionally, passes for camping will not be available for sale until shortly before 3:00 pm. TO AVOID CONGESTION, PLEASE TRY NOT TO ARRIVE BEFORE 3PM
Q: Will there still be a HAM-JAM on Friday night?
A: Yes It will be held Friday evening on the upper floor of the French building. Exact Time TBD.
A: Yes It will be held Friday evening on the upper floor of the French building. Exact Time TBD.
Q: In the past, I’ve been able to pay a tailgating pass and simply park my vehicle on the grounds. Can I still do that and park “inside”?
A: No. The “Inside Parking Pass” is now a “Tailgating Pass”. The ‘free parking’ area is situated adjacent to the primary tailgating/flea market area and we want to have as much of the tailgating/flea market space filled with people actually selling and not have it utilized as a parking lot. In the past there has been too much “prime real estate” taken by people simply parking their vehicles in the selling areas. People that park in the tailgating/flea market area that ARE NOT selling will be asked to move their vehicle to the ‘free parking’ area even if they have purchased a tailgating pass. As a reminder, NEAR-Fest operates several golf carts for portering free of charge.
A: No. The “Inside Parking Pass” is now a “Tailgating Pass”. The ‘free parking’ area is situated adjacent to the primary tailgating/flea market area and we want to have as much of the tailgating/flea market space filled with people actually selling and not have it utilized as a parking lot. In the past there has been too much “prime real estate” taken by people simply parking their vehicles in the selling areas. People that park in the tailgating/flea market area that ARE NOT selling will be asked to move their vehicle to the ‘free parking’ area even if they have purchased a tailgating pass. As a reminder, NEAR-Fest operates several golf carts for portering free of charge.
Q: Will there be any restaurants or food vendors on the grounds?
A: There will be food vendors on the grounds, who will be available on Thursday night as well. The NEAR-Fest regular, Angelino’s, will be on the grounds serving up their standard cuisine of Italian Sausages, fries, burgers, and dogs. The Hillsborough County 4-H Youth Foundation (the owner of the grounds) MAY be operating their food concession trailer offering a home-made breakfast – made to order, home-made lunch offerings, burgers, dogs, and fries, as well as home-made chocolate chip cookies, ice cream, and APPLE CRISP!! There MAY also be a Fried Dough and Funnel Cake vendor, offering sweet and savory toppings like chocolate, lemon, apple, and PIZZA toppings as well…. Food vendors will be located around the dining pavilion, which will be open for dining under cover and out of the elements! Food vendors on the ground may vary from fest to fest.
A: There will be food vendors on the grounds, who will be available on Thursday night as well. The NEAR-Fest regular, Angelino’s, will be on the grounds serving up their standard cuisine of Italian Sausages, fries, burgers, and dogs. The Hillsborough County 4-H Youth Foundation (the owner of the grounds) MAY be operating their food concession trailer offering a home-made breakfast – made to order, home-made lunch offerings, burgers, dogs, and fries, as well as home-made chocolate chip cookies, ice cream, and APPLE CRISP!! There MAY also be a Fried Dough and Funnel Cake vendor, offering sweet and savory toppings like chocolate, lemon, apple, and PIZZA toppings as well…. Food vendors will be located around the dining pavilion, which will be open for dining under cover and out of the elements! Food vendors on the ground may vary from fest to fest.
Q: I’ve been to the grounds, and the road into the grounds, and the parking looks tight. Are you sure there will be enough room?
A: In addition to the grounds on the “lower level,” there is a large area behind the grounds that will be used for overflow parking. This area has access to the grounds, and we will also be offering SHUTTLE and PORTERING services to/from all areas FREE OF CHARGE for all attendees.
A: In addition to the grounds on the “lower level,” there is a large area behind the grounds that will be used for overflow parking. This area has access to the grounds, and we will also be offering SHUTTLE and PORTERING services to/from all areas FREE OF CHARGE for all attendees.
Q: The bridge on the road in looks like it is only one lane. How will traffic flow?
A: The bridge IS one lane, and Hilldale Lane will be ONE WAY into the venue. There is a one-way exit adjacent to the parking area that motor vehicle traffic will use to leave the grounds. If the traffic is light later in the day, Hilldale Lane will be open to two-way traffic with incoming traffic having the right-of-way to cross the bridge first. This traffic flow was suggested by both the grounds personnel and the New Boston Police Department and is the flow pattern used during their annual fair. There will be a New Boston Police Officer present on the grounds from 5:00 am to 3:00 pm on Friday to assist with any traffic flow issues if needed.
A: The bridge IS one lane, and Hilldale Lane will be ONE WAY into the venue. There is a one-way exit adjacent to the parking area that motor vehicle traffic will use to leave the grounds. If the traffic is light later in the day, Hilldale Lane will be open to two-way traffic with incoming traffic having the right-of-way to cross the bridge first. This traffic flow was suggested by both the grounds personnel and the New Boston Police Department and is the flow pattern used during their annual fair. There will be a New Boston Police Officer present on the grounds from 5:00 am to 3:00 pm on Friday to assist with any traffic flow issues if needed.
Q: Is there a weight limit for the bridge into the grounds?
A: Yes, the bridge on the Hilldale Lane entrance has a 10-ton weight limit. If you’re driving a vehicle in excess of this rating, you may enter through our exit road. If you need to do this, it will need to be done during off-hours, as this is a one-way road with no room to pass, and you will be going the wrong way. We recommend that you contact us ahead of time to make arrangements for us to assist in stopping traffic on this road.
A: Yes, the bridge on the Hilldale Lane entrance has a 10-ton weight limit. If you’re driving a vehicle in excess of this rating, you may enter through our exit road. If you need to do this, it will need to be done during off-hours, as this is a one-way road with no room to pass, and you will be going the wrong way. We recommend that you contact us ahead of time to make arrangements for us to assist in stopping traffic on this road.
Q: Is there an ATM?
A: Yes, an ATM will be available in the commercial building.
A: Yes, an ATM will be available in the commercial building.
Q: Is camping available on THURSDAY Night?
A: YES! Campers and overnight patrons are WELCOME to come onto the grounds any time AFTER 3:00 pm on Thursday. You may set up for CAMPING ONLY; Flea Market items, etc., may NOT be set up and sold on Thursday. The flea Market begins on Friday morning. You may place tables/items outside and cover them, but you may be asked to leave if any sales/selling is observed. We rent the grounds from 3:00 pm Thursday until Friday morning at a reduced rate to allow camping only. If flea market activity is observed, it may jeopardize our ability to open the gates for camping on Thursday night.
More Camping Information
A: YES! Campers and overnight patrons are WELCOME to come onto the grounds any time AFTER 3:00 pm on Thursday. You may set up for CAMPING ONLY; Flea Market items, etc., may NOT be set up and sold on Thursday. The flea Market begins on Friday morning. You may place tables/items outside and cover them, but you may be asked to leave if any sales/selling is observed. We rent the grounds from 3:00 pm Thursday until Friday morning at a reduced rate to allow camping only. If flea market activity is observed, it may jeopardize our ability to open the gates for camping on Thursday night.
More Camping Information
Q: Why did NEAR-Fest leave the Deerfield Fairgrounds?
A: Due to many factors, the NEAR-Fest Board of Directors decided to leave Deerfield after the spring event in 2024 after 18 years. The main reason was the availability of dates for the spring festival. NEAR-Fest was always held the first weekend in May, however the fair association decided to give that weekend to the New Hampshire Farm Show without any input from NEAR-Fest and we were forced to move NEAR-Fest back into April, which then conflicted with the fair’s winter storage take-out dates. This change potentially meant that we would have NO spring date for NEAR-Fest, making it a one-time-a-year event.
A: Due to many factors, the NEAR-Fest Board of Directors decided to leave Deerfield after the spring event in 2024 after 18 years. The main reason was the availability of dates for the spring festival. NEAR-Fest was always held the first weekend in May, however the fair association decided to give that weekend to the New Hampshire Farm Show without any input from NEAR-Fest and we were forced to move NEAR-Fest back into April, which then conflicted with the fair’s winter storage take-out dates. This change potentially meant that we would have NO spring date for NEAR-Fest, making it a one-time-a-year event.
Q: I want to come to NEAR-Fest with my camper, but I don’t want to tailgate (sell items). Is that OK?
A: Absolutely. An area of the grounds is be reserved for just camping (RV and Tent), or those staying in other vehicles (no tailgating). It will be situated away from the main tailgating area in a section with water and electric hookups and a little more private.
More Camping Info
A: Absolutely. An area of the grounds is be reserved for just camping (RV and Tent), or those staying in other vehicles (no tailgating). It will be situated away from the main tailgating area in a section with water and electric hookups and a little more private.
More Camping Info
Q: I have a handicap placard/plate. Where can I park?
A: A limited number of handicapped parking spots are available free of charge just inside the gate. This area is for parking only and is immediately adjacent to the tailgating/selling area. Any person wishing to tailgate (sell items), including vehicles with handicap placards or plates, may park in the tailgating area, provided the tailgating fee is paid. A valid, state-issued handicap placard or license plate must be displayed for parking in the handicap parking area. Motor Vehicles (car, truck, motorcycle, etc.) MAY NOT be used in the flea market area as a means of transportation other than to directly access your selling location during entry and exit at the start and end of your day. Please view our complete NEAR-Fest ADA access policy. All NEAR-Fest gate staff will have copies of the NEAR-Fest ADA access policy for distribution at the gates and in the information building.
A: A limited number of handicapped parking spots are available free of charge just inside the gate. This area is for parking only and is immediately adjacent to the tailgating/selling area. Any person wishing to tailgate (sell items), including vehicles with handicap placards or plates, may park in the tailgating area, provided the tailgating fee is paid. A valid, state-issued handicap placard or license plate must be displayed for parking in the handicap parking area. Motor Vehicles (car, truck, motorcycle, etc.) MAY NOT be used in the flea market area as a means of transportation other than to directly access your selling location during entry and exit at the start and end of your day. Please view our complete NEAR-Fest ADA access policy. All NEAR-Fest gate staff will have copies of the NEAR-Fest ADA access policy for distribution at the gates and in the information building.
Q: I’m handicapped or have a hard time walking. How can I get around the grounds?
A: NEAR-Fest offers shuttle and portering services to all attendees FREE OF CHARGE. Please take advantage of the service! Otherwise, you are welcome to use a single occupant, 3 or 4-wheel mobility scooter and no faster than a walking pace. Some of the areas of the grounds are narrow, and we ask mobility scooter users to use caution as many tables with expensive electronic items sit close to the roadways and paths. NEAR-Fest DOES NOT allow personally owned golf carts, ATV’s, or UTV’s on the grounds – only those operated by trained NEAR-Fest staff for emergency services, shuttleing/portering services, and general operation of the event. Please see the complete NEAR-Fest ADA access policy.
NEAR-FEST DOES NOT OFFER 3 OR 4-WHEEL SCOOTERS FOR RENT OR OTHERWISE HAVE THEM AVAILABLE. COMMERCIAL COMPANIES IN THE GREATER MANCHESTER AREA DO OFFER THIS SERVICE.
A: NEAR-Fest offers shuttle and portering services to all attendees FREE OF CHARGE. Please take advantage of the service! Otherwise, you are welcome to use a single occupant, 3 or 4-wheel mobility scooter and no faster than a walking pace. Some of the areas of the grounds are narrow, and we ask mobility scooter users to use caution as many tables with expensive electronic items sit close to the roadways and paths. NEAR-Fest DOES NOT allow personally owned golf carts, ATV’s, or UTV’s on the grounds – only those operated by trained NEAR-Fest staff for emergency services, shuttleing/portering services, and general operation of the event. Please see the complete NEAR-Fest ADA access policy.
NEAR-FEST DOES NOT OFFER 3 OR 4-WHEEL SCOOTERS FOR RENT OR OTHERWISE HAVE THEM AVAILABLE. COMMERCIAL COMPANIES IN THE GREATER MANCHESTER AREA DO OFFER THIS SERVICE.
Q: If I buy something big or heavy, can I bring my car in to pick it up?
A: Please flag down a NEAR-Fest staff member for assistance with transporting your item(s) to your vehicle instead of driving your vehicle into the tailgating area. NEAR-Fest operates several golf carts for portering and shuttle services, and we encourage you to use this service, which is FREE OF CHARGE. The decision to allow a vehicle onto the grounds for item pick-up will lie with the NEAR-Fest gate staff. You may also call for assistance via the NEAR-Fest event repeater (look for the frequency on your ticket or at the information building) or call us at (802) 404-2600.
A: Please flag down a NEAR-Fest staff member for assistance with transporting your item(s) to your vehicle instead of driving your vehicle into the tailgating area. NEAR-Fest operates several golf carts for portering and shuttle services, and we encourage you to use this service, which is FREE OF CHARGE. The decision to allow a vehicle onto the grounds for item pick-up will lie with the NEAR-Fest gate staff. You may also call for assistance via the NEAR-Fest event repeater (look for the frequency on your ticket or at the information building) or call us at (802) 404-2600.
Q: Where can I buy my ticket?
A: The best option is to purchase your tickets online before the event. We are now using an electronic ticketing system. No more mailing tickets. Your ticket receipt will be scanned upon arrival to the event. You can still buy tickets in person on the day of the event Our ticket window will open at 7:30 am on Friday (admission will start at 8 am) and Saturday. Cash and credit cards are accepted at the ticket window.
A: The best option is to purchase your tickets online before the event. We are now using an electronic ticketing system. No more mailing tickets. Your ticket receipt will be scanned upon arrival to the event. You can still buy tickets in person on the day of the event Our ticket window will open at 7:30 am on Friday (admission will start at 8 am) and Saturday. Cash and credit cards are accepted at the ticket window.
Q: Can I return or get a refund for ticket sales?
A: No, all tickets, camping passes, tailgating passes, or other tickets/passes sold are final sales.
You may sell it or give it to another person if you would like.
A: No, all tickets, camping passes, tailgating passes, or other tickets/passes sold are final sales.
You may sell it or give it to another person if you would like.
Q: What time will ___________________ happen?
A: Check the signage in the Commercial Building or INSIDE the Information Building for the current schedule and locations of events or activities. The information building will be manned during the event, so feel free to stop by with any questions.
A: Check the signage in the Commercial Building or INSIDE the Information Building for the current schedule and locations of events or activities. The information building will be manned during the event, so feel free to stop by with any questions.
