PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — After one year without the Northern Maine Fair, people in central Aroostook were more than ready to head to the fairgrounds and check out the family activities and agricultural events that have become community staples.
Though the opening night on Aug. 5 began with rain showers, that did not stop at least 200 people from coming out and enjoying the activities, noted Northern Maine Fair president Lynwood Winslow.
From the time gates opened, people were lining up for their chance to ride Moose Maine-iah, a monster truck that traveled from Danforth to offer free rides. The line to ride this unique “moose,” complete with large teeth and antlers, stretched from the fence of the race track and field to the food vendors along the midway.
Monster truck rides on Moose Maine-iah became one of the most popular attractions during this year’s Northern Maine Fair. (Melissa Lizotte | The Star Herald)
Another popular activity was Lil Farmers at the Fair, an interactive exhibit in which children learned about how food goes from the farm to the grocery store. Youngsters ran excitedly into each “barn” building and took part in replica farm tasks such as seed planting, potato harvesting, maple syrup production and sheep shearing.
Janet and Eric Brown of Mapleton brought their daughter Lydia to Lil Farmers after enjoying their ride on Moose Maine-iah. Janet Brown said that the fair has become an annual tradition for her family and an important way for Lydia to learn about local farmers.
“We don’t mind that there aren’t any rides,” Janet Brown said, referring to the absent midway carnival rides. “There’s lots of things to see. She’s learning about the food that comes from the earth, that we use in our daily lives.”
Agriculture was also the dominant theme of the exhibition hall, which showcased youth 4-H projects and ribbons and featured educational displays of fruits and vegetables, including Maine potatoes.
Lydia Brown of Mapleton pets a “sheep” while taking part in Lil Farmers at the Fair. (Melissa Lizotte | The Star Herald)
On Thursday evening, Stevie and Anthony Palmer of Caribou brought their twin daughters Isabelle and Simone, 7, and son Elijah, 5, to the exhibition hall. The siblings had fun looking at drawings in the Kids Korner, many of which had won ribbons, and seeing which farm vegetables they recognized.
Stevie Palmer said that the family was excited to find out the fair was returning this year. Even with the shortened schedule, there were plenty of events that everyone enjoyed.
“It gives us a chance to spend time together,” Stevie Palmer said, about the fair.
As with many young fairgoers, the monster truck ride and Lil Farmers became favorites for Isabelle and Simone.
“I like it because you get to be with family and do things on the farm,” Isabelle Palmer said, about Lil Farmers.
Siblings Simone (left), Isabelle and Elijah Palmer of Caribou check out farm vegetables at the Northern Maine Fair’s agricultural exhibition hall. (Melissa Lizotte | The Star Herald)
The weekend fair line-up will offer a variety of events that celebrate Aroostook’s agricultural traditions, including 4-H showcases, farm animals and displays of antique farm equipment, as well as fan favorites like demolition derbies and car shows.
With plenty of sunshine in the forecast and strong community support, Winslow said he was confident that the fair would have a successful weekend.
“We can sense that people are excited to get outside and do something. They want to get back to normal and this is one step in that direction,” Winslow said.
Aside from a return to normalcy, the fair also marks an important way to teach youth about Aroostook’s agriculture, Winslow noted.
“We’re lucky to live where we do, where people support our history and traditions,” Winslow said. “Our community sponsors really stepped up this year to make sure the fair happened.”
