The Cummington Fair was initiated in 1883 as the Hillside Agricultural Society.
 "The object of The Society shall be the attainment and diffusion of scientific and practical knowledge in the cultivation of the soil and the raising of its various and useful production as comprehended in The Department Of Agriculture, Horticulture and Pomology. For the encouragement to the introduction and raising of improved breeds of stock. For encouragement to mechanics and fine arts. For encouragement to domestic manufacture." Today The Society is incorporated as Hillside Agricultural Society Inc., with a president, 12 vice presidents (six men, six women), secretary, treasurer, superintendent of livestock, the last ex-president and the delegate to the Massachusetts State Fairs Association as the Executive Committee.
 Life membership in The Society is available for five dollars. Please join if you believe in keeping The Society operating. Many volunteers are needed to run The Cummington Fair and are very welcome at any time.