Big Santa Metric

 Oct 9, 2026

I saw a post on Facebook the other day that instantly brought back a wave of nostalgia. It turns out that Big Santa from the historic Danbury Fair is now residing up in Wells, Vermont! I had to go see it.

For years, he used to stand on Vail Road in Brookfield, Connecticut. Anyone who lived in CT back in the 1970s and 1980s probably remembers making trips to the Danbury Fair. At the time, my family was living in Wilton, and one year my parents actually bought a sow piglet at the fair. My mother desperately wanted to name her Cleopatra, but I immediately started calling her Arnold—and the name stuck!

Finding out where Big Santa ended up brought back such great memories that I just planned a road ride to go up and visit him.

I find this time of year to be difficult on how to dress for a ride. With temperatures in the mid 50s and a northwest wind, it was cold, but I knew I would be climbing and that usually heats things up. 

I started out with a gilet, gloves, arm warmers and a gaiter.  After the climb up VT 140 to Tinmouth it all came off except arm warmers.

Rode by the Giants Table.

This was the first time I rode up VT 140. It's a 3 mile climb.

Descending VT 140 into Tinmouth I think I got the Money Shot on this ride.

The partly cloudy made it cold when the sun was obscured by the clouds and warmer except for the wind when not.

Big Santa resides at the Danbury Fair and Racearena Memorabilia is a private collection and historical preservation effort located in Wells, VT dedicated to preserving artifacts from the historic Great Danbury State Fair and Danbury Racearena in Connecticut.

I saw this place on gravel ride I rode this past summer but never realized it's significance. Apparently, tours are free but they would appreciate a donation.

I stopped for lunch at the Wells Country Store

I had The Lightening with a Jalapeno and Cheddar Wrap and it was OFS!

From the Country Store I headed south on North Pawlet Road

and then I picked up VT 30.

The southbound lane had been milled while northbound was paved

It made some precarious passing situations.

Eventually, I got to taste the Black Butter.

The turn onto VT 30 and then VT 133 was the start of an 8 mile climb.

This was my longest climb of the year.

The feed harvest was in full swing

and I kept climbing.

With the top of the climb in sight there was anticipation of a great view

but there wasn't much that could be seen except for a few cows.

At Danby 4 corners I turned north on Tinmouth Road

and there was a lot of up and down.

Coming back into Tinmouth

the views were amazing

and certainly quantifiable as another Money Shot.

Heading down VT 140, White Rocks was looking grand.

I flew down VT 140, hitting a top speed of 42 mph.

Then it was 10 miles back to the shed.