HOULTON, Maine — The Houlton Agricultural Fair resumed its normal yearly activities July 3-4, although it was without some of its usual attractions.
The fair was not held last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but made its return this year featuring agricultural exhibits such as cows and farm machinery, alongside stands selling hot dogs, burgers, french fries, as well as steak and pulled pork sandwiches.
But the fair was without its usual carnival rides and attractions, due to scheduling constraints. Perhaps because of that, only a small number of people attended the fair in the early hours of the event, a far cry from its usual turnout.
“It’s kind of disappointing there aren’t the big crowds,” said Laura Estabrook, who attended the event with her daughter Alyssa and niece Delilah Jay. “But I kind of like this better. There are no lines.”
As the day went on, more people began showing up to the fair. The overwhelming majority of the later attendees came to attend the demolition derby, one of the fair’s signature events. A large crowd had gathered by the start of the derby, as participants raced around in custom made cars to try and knock the others around.
Though the derby drew a massive number of spectators, other events continued in the later portion of the fair, such as the Beef Show, where farmers bring some of their cows to be shown to the crowd.
Dana Brown of Exeter was one such farmer bringing his cows to be displayed. The beef show also drew a small number in comparison to the derby, but Brown said he preferred a more orderly turnout.
“It’s usually tough, the fair’s only a two-day thing so usually everyone comes at once,” Brown said. “It’s nice to have a more steady flow.”
The fair continued Sunday with antique tractor pulls and a fireworks display.
HOULTON, Maine — July 3, 2021 — Cars crash into each other during the demolition derby held on July 3 as the crowd looks on. (Alexander MacDougall | Houlton Pioneer Times)
HOULTON, Maine — July 3, 2021 — Chris Capozzi stands in a World War II uniform behind military vehicles of that era, displayed during the Houlton Agricultural Fair on July 3. (Alexander MacDougall | Houlton Pioneer Times)
HOULTON, Maine — July 3, 2021 — Delilah Jay eats a candy apple during the Houlton Agricultural Fair. (Alexander MacDougall | Houlton Pioneer Times)
HOULTON, Maine — July 3, 2021 — Tumble the clown, of the Anah Shrine Clowns, appears during the Houlton Agricultural Fair. (Alexander MacDougall | Houlton Pioneer Times)
HOULTON, Maine — July 3, 2021 — The Moose Maine-iah monster truck takes people for a ride during the Houlton Agricultural Fair on July 3.(Alexander MacDougall | Houlton Pioneer Times)
HOULTON, Maine — July 3, 2021 — Children participate in a sack race during the Houlton Agricultural Fair on July 3. (Alexander MacDougall | Houlton Pioneer Times)
HOULTON, Maine — July 3, 2021 — Cars crash into each other during the demolition derby held on July 3 at the Houlton Agricultural Fair. (Alexander MacDougall | Houlton Pioneer Times)
HOULTON, Maine — July 3, 2021 — A large crowd gathers to watch the demolition derby held on July 3 at the Houlton Agricultural Fair. (Alexander MacDougall | Houlton Pioneer Times)
