HOULTON, Maine — While it may seem like spring only just arrived, the community will once again be celebrating Independence Day in just a few short weeks.
Organizers of the annual Houlton Agricultural Fair are gearing up for four, fun-filled days of activities at Houlton’s Community Park July 1-4, 2016. The price of admission to attend the fair, however, is going up for the first time in nine years.
According to Paul Cleary, president of the Fair Association, the decision was made to increase the price of admission to $12 this year. Last year, admission was $10. On site parking costs an additional $5.
“We didn’t want to do it, but everything keeps going up in price,” Cleary said. “Still at $12, we are the best value of any fair in the state of Maine.”
Unlike other festivals, Houlton’s price of admission covers all entertainment and midway rides.
“You get to ride the rides, watch the demolition derby, listen to the Jeep Jamboree, view the livestock exhibits or take in the ATV drag racing,” he said. “There are just so many events going on.”
Advance fair passes can be purchased at a discounted price. A pack of four tickets, not including midway rides, is $25, while passes with rides cost $35. Passes will be sold each Friday and Saturday until June 27 at the Fair Office in the park or at County Yankee. Passes can also be purchased online.
Premium booklets will be available starting the second week of June
“We really decided to do more local motor events and children’s events,” Cleary said. “We want to have events that the whole family can be involved with.”
Friday is Children’s Day, featuring an expanded pig scramble to include children ages 6-11; eel racing; Conjuring Carroll’s magic show; and a Jeep Jamboree car show and obstacle course challenge.
Saturday is Demolition Derby Day and will also feature lawn mower racing and a Country Music Jamboree. There will be a reduced price of admission for seniors of $7 for those age 55 and older. In conjunction with Midnight Madness, from 7 p.m. to close, there will be no charge to enter the fairgrounds. Those entering for free who wish to go on midway rides however, will have to purchase a bracelet for $6.
Sunday’s events include performances by the Honky Tonk Heroes, ATV/UTV drag racing, 4H shows, children’s games and a new feature, “Rib Fest,” where people can eat spare ribs at a cost of $7 a plate. A 2003 Seabring convertible will also be given away on this day. Seniors will again be able to enter for a discounted rate of $7.
Sunday will also feature a 60-mile Motorcycle Ride for ALS, with riders traveling from the park to Orient to Haynesville and back. A full meal will be included for all who register. Additional details for this event will be posted on the group’s website and Facebook page.
“One of our fair supporters lost his wife to this disease, and we know of a local businessman who is battling it,” Cleary said.
On Monday, following the July 4th parade, the fairgrounds will host a new “Tough Truck” obstacle course event, as well as several eating/drinking competitions, a karaoke contest and of course, fireworks. A fireworks pass for $6 is available, but does not include rides.
For more information on the fair, visit www.houltonfair.com.
